This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and cozy dish! Packed with layers of flavor, it includes pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite ground meat. Yummy!
It’s so simple to make; just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love topping mine with extra cheese because, let’s be honest, more cheese is always better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I like using Italian sausage for added flavor, but ground turkey or chicken works too if you want a leaner option. You can even make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms as a substitute.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken lasagna noodles give a nice texture, but you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just add them later in the cooking process to ensure they don’t overcook.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess to the soup. If you don’t have it, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be good alternatives, though they bring slightly different flavors and textures.
Herbs and Seasonings: Italian seasoning is great for flavor, but you can customize it with fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you have them. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the taste!
How Do I Get My Noodles Perfectly Cooked in the Soup?
The timing for adding noodles is crucial to avoid mushiness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the soup base for most of the time first. This enhances flavors as the broth simmers.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken noodles and mix everything together.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let the noodles soften for about 20-30 minutes. Check for tenderness before serving.
This approach keeps the pasta just right—not too soft, just perfect for a hearty soup!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) broken lasagna noodles or any pasta of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Don’t forget to add the noodles about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Onion:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, around 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious. Be sure to drain any excess fat!
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and salt and pepper. Stir everything together so it mixes well.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, add in the broken lasagna noodles. Stir everything up, cover again, and let it cook until the noodles are tender, around 20-30 minutes.
5. Stir in the Cheese:
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s well mixed in. This makes it creamy and adds a lovely richness to the soup.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, some grated Parmesan, and a bit of fresh basil or parsley for color. Serve hot, and pair it with garlic bread or a green salad if you wish!
Enjoy your comforting and cheesy Crockpot Lasagna Soup! It’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a little warm goodness. 🍲❤️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives. They will still provide a hearty flavor to your soup, just make sure to season well!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or extra veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for texture and flavor. Just keep everything else the same!
What Should I Do If I Want to Freeze Leftovers?
This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. Just chop them up and add them when you first combine the other ingredients in the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor!
