There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into one deliciously easy dish. That’s where my crockpot lasagna soup comes in! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy lasagna without the fuss of layering pasta and sauce. Just toss everything into your crockpot, and let the magic happen while you go about your day. The smell wafting through your home will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner! Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you just want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this cozy soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Making this crockpot lasagna soup is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready for you and your family. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
First things first, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy soup! Just tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat. Your beef should look delicious and fully cooked!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Now, let’s add some flavor! Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook them together until the onion turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step is super important because it brings out all those lovely flavors. You’ll smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen—so good!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Once your beef mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it to the crockpot. Just pour everything from the skillet into the slow cooker. Next, add in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to mix it up well. You want all those flavors to mingle together!
Step 4: Cooking Time and Temperature
Now, cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose the low setting for 6 hours or the high setting for 3 hours. I usually go for low because it lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just imagine coming home to that comforting smell wafting through your house!
Step 5: Add Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, it’s time to add the noodles! Break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (this makes them fit better in the soup) and stir them into the crockpot. This way, they’ll soften up nicely and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Stir in Cheeses
Once the noodles are soft and cooked, it’s time for the cheesy goodness! Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will make your soup extra creamy and comforting. Make sure to mix it well so you get cheese in every bite!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to serve! Top your soup with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover it for a few minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully. I love to serve this soup hot with some crusty bread on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make this crockpot lasagna soup vegetarian, you can easily swap out the ground beef for some hearty lentils or mushrooms. Both options provide a great texture and flavor. Just use about 1 cup of cooked lentils or 8 ounces of diced mushrooms, and follow the same steps as you would with the beef. You’ll still get that comforting, lasagna-like experience without the meat!
How can I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container since the soup will expand when frozen!
What can I add for extra nutrition?
If you’re looking to boost the nutrition, feel free to add in some vegetables! Spinach and bell peppers work wonderfully in this soup. You can toss in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach about 30 minutes before serving, or add some diced bell peppers when you’re mixing the other ingredients in the crockpot. They’ll add color, flavor, and a nice dose of vitamins!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
- Comforting Flavors: All the delicious tastes of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means less mess and fewer dishes—who doesn’t love that?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds—you’ll be the hero of dinner!
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or make it vegetarian with ease.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, store leftovers, and have meals ready for busy days.
- Cozy and Satisfying: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of this soup to warm you up on a chilly evening.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect crockpot lasagna soup is all about a few key tips to ensure your flavors are spot on and your texture is just right. Here are my top suggestions to help you avoid common pitfalls and make this dish a hit every time!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When cooking the ground beef, take your time! Browning it properly adds depth to the flavor, so let it get nice and brown before moving on. A little extra time here pays off!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions make a world of difference! If you can, opt for fresh over pre-chopped or jarred to elevate the overall taste of your soup.
- Monitor Your Broth: Depending on the brand of beef broth you use, some can be saltier than others. Taste your soup before adding extra salt, and adjust accordingly to avoid an overly salty dish.
- Break Noodles for Fit: When adding lasagna noodles, make sure to break them into smaller pieces. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes it easier to scoop up a bowl of soup!
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Ricotta and mozzarella are essential for that creamy, lasagna-like experience. Make sure to mix them in well so every spoonful is loaded with cheesy goodness!
- Let It Sit: After cooking, let your soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Customize as You Go: Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to your taste. If you love extra veggies or spices, add them in! Cooking should be fun and personal.
- Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: If you’re cooking on high, check on the noodles a bit earlier to ensure they don’t get mushy. You want them tender but not falling apart!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to mastering this crockpot lasagna soup. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for my delicious crockpot lasagna soup. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty soup is not only comforting but also packed with protein and flavors that will keep you satisfied. Enjoy the goodness while knowing you’re treating your body right!
Your Turn to Try This Recipe
I can’t wait for you to try this crockpot lasagna soup! It’s such a fun, easy dish that you’ll want to make again and again. After you whip up a batch, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you customize it with your favorite veggies? How did the family enjoy it? Sharing your experiences not only makes my day but also helps others discover this cozy recipe.
If you’ve got any questions while making it, don’t hesitate to drop a comment. I’m here to help! And hey, if you loved it (which I’m sure you will), please leave a rating. Your feedback means the world to me and helps spread the love for this delicious soup. Happy cooking, and enjoy every warm, cheesy spoonful!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting Warmth!
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crockpot lasagna soup is a comforting and easy dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple soup form.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles.
- Once the noodles are soft, stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces to fit better in the soup.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot lasagna soup, easy lasagna soup, slow cooker lasagna soup
