Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting flavors of your favorite Italian classic but want something quick and hassle-free, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: the Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. This dish captures everything wonderful about lasagna—the rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses—but all in a warm, hearty soup form that’s just as satisfying and infinitely easier to serve. It’s a one-pot wonder that turns dinner into a joy-filled experience, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a bowl of pure comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a unique role, layering flavors and textures that make every spoonful a delight. From the savory ground beef and aromatic herbs to the luscious cheeses and tender noodles, every ingredient is essential for that authentic lasagna soup experience.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and protein to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Offers a sweet, aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a punch of fragrant, savory warmth.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy tomato foundation crucial for that classic lasagna taste.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the perfect savory liquid base for slow cooking and melding flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends earthy, sweet herbal notes that brighten the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter undertone that balances the acidity of tomatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick for those who love a bit of heat.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture to finish the soup.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Provides the beloved pasta bite reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step is key as it builds the savory foundation for your soup. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep your soup from getting greasy and to let the flavors shine.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer your browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like that little spicy edge. Stir everything together well to ensure every bite of your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is bursting with balanced flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover and let your soup cook low and slow for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows all those wonderful ingredients to meld into a deeply flavorful, aromatic broth that tastes like it simmered for ages. Trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it.
Step 4: Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. This timing lets the noodles cook perfectly in the soup without turning mushy, giving you that wonderful toothsome bite similar to traditional lasagna noodles.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Right before serving, stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The creamy cheeses add that indulgent, luscious texture that makes this soup feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe, don’t be shy with garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note, while a dusting of Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty depth. For some extra indulgence, a swirl of extra ricotta or a drizzle of good olive oil complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup is a filling meal on its own, but pairing it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad instantly rounds out the dinner. The garlic bread soaks up every last drop of the tomato-rich broth, while the salad provides a refreshing crunch to balance the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an edible presentation that doubles the comfort factor. You can also layer toppings separately at the table so everyone can customize their own bowl with extra cheese, herbs, or even a pinch of chili flakes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making your second helpings equally delightful.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Finish with a quick stir-in of fresh cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan to revive that just-made creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and makes this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe a bit lighter. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid after browning.
Do I have to break the lasagna noodles before adding?
Yes, breaking the noodles helps them fit into the slow cooker and cook evenly throughout the soup. Plus, it mimics the texture of lasagna noodles in a bowl of soup perfectly.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can combine everything except the noodles and cheese the night before. Add the noodles and cheese just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. Just go slowly so you don’t overpower the dish—you want warmth, not fire.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You can! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated. Add fresh herbs towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe a whirl soon, especially on those days when you want comfort without fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm embrace, bringing family and friends together with every delicious spoonful. Enjoy the ease, the flavor, and the joy of this Italian-inspired soup right from your slow cooker!
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Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup offers a comforting, hearty twist on the classic Italian lasagna by turning it into a rich, flavorful soup. Combining ground beef, aromatic herbs, tender broken lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight meal that satisfies without fuss.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Pasta
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is thoroughly browned, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat. Stir all ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add noodles: Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve the soup, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the slow cooker. This will allow the noodles to cook tenderly without becoming mushy.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Just before serving, stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese to give the soup a creamy texture and rich flavor. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, then serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth.
- You can omit red pepper flakes or reduce the amount for a milder soup.
- Broken lasagna noodles cook quickly in the slow cooker; adding them too early may cause them to become overly soft.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if preferred, but adjust quantities accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
