This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the cheesy goodness of lasagna right to your bowl! With pasta, ground meat, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a cozy meal for any day.
Cooking it in the crockpot makes it super simple. Just throw everything in, let it bubble, and enjoy some delicious leftovers (if there are any left!). I love serving it with crunchy bread on the side! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both options are delicious! If you’re looking for a lighter choice, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a meatless version, try lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
Broth: The broth adds depth of flavor. You can use beef or chicken broth, but vegetable broth is a great substitute for a vegetarian option. Just make sure it’s a good-quality brand or homemade for the best taste!
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes bring richness to the soup. If you have fresh tomatoes, use about 6-8, diced, and add a bit of tomato paste to enhance the flavor. You can also use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
Lasagna Noodles: While traditional lasagna noodles are great, feel free to swap them for any pasta shape you have on hand, such as broken spaghetti or penne. Cooked pasta can be added just before serving if you prefer.
Cheese: Ricotta is classic, but cottage cheese is a lighter alternative. If you want more flavor, try mixing in some cream cheese. For the mozzarella and Parmesan, any melting cheese can be substituted, like provolone or gouda.
How Do I Ensure the Noodles Don’t Get Overcooked?
The key to perfectly cooked noodles in this soup is timing. To prevent mushiness, add the broken lasagna noodles about 30 minutes before serving. This way, they cook just until tender and maintain their shape.
- First, set a timer and keep an eye on the noodles as they cook in the broth.
- Stir occasionally to check for doneness and to prevent sticking.
- If your soup sits for a while before serving, consider adding a little extra broth to keep it from thickening too much!
With these tips, you’ll have a comforting bowl of lasagna soup that’s easy to make and full of flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz/796 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 oz (225g) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) 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 crockpot for 5 to 6 hours on low, or about 3 hours on high. Just enough time to relax or tackle other chores while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup light and tasty!
2. Cook Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and fragrant.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer the meat mixture to your crockpot. Next, add the beef or chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and some salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. It’s great to set it and forget it!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the broken lasagna noodles into the soup. Give it a good stir and cover the pot to let the noodles cook.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese along with half of the shredded mozzarella until creamy and well mixed.
7. Serve it Up:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the soup hot in bowls, topped with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. It’s perfect with a slice of crusty bread!
This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger, all while being super simple to make! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. It will keep the flavors delicious but slightly lighter. Just be sure to season it well since turkey has a milder taste.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for lentils, mushrooms, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and you’re good to go!
What Should I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor!
