Craving classic Italian flavors but short on time? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the delicious taste of traditional lasagna to your dinner table with minimal effort. Imagine rich, savory broth, tender noodles, and gooey cheese all simmering together in one pot. This recipe promises ultimate comfort food and a truly simplified lasagna experience.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This incredible slow cooker lasagna soup is a game-changer for busy home cooks. Here are just a few reasons why it will become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Enjoy all the classic lasagna taste without the tedious layering.
- It is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and hands-on time.
- This hearty, comforting, and satisfying soup will warm you from the inside out.
- It’s a family-friendly and budget-conscious recipe that everyone will adore.
- The versatile nature of this dish allows for easy dietary adjustments and substitutions.
Ingredients
Gather your simple ingredients to create this flavorful Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth (1 carton)
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this hearty lasagna soup to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Meat: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian ground alternative.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have diced and crushed tomatoes, use a large jar of your favorite marinara sauce, or a can of tomato paste mixed with water.
- Noodles: No lasagna noodles? Use other pasta shapes like rotini, cavatappi, or even penne for a similar hearty texture.
- Cheese: For ricotta, try cottage cheese or softened cream cheese for a similar creamy tang.
- Vegetables: Boost the nutrition by adding fresh spinach, zucchini, or sliced mushrooms with the other vegetables.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth can be used instead of beef broth, depending on your preference.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker lasagna soup:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Ladle
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
Instructions
Creating this comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup is straightforward and mostly hands-off. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.
- First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Draining the excess grease from cooked ground beef can significantly reduce its fat and calorie content. Drain off the excess grease thoroughly from the cooked beef. This step is crucial for a non-oily soup.
- Then, place the browned ground beef into a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper directly over the beef in the slow cooker. These vegetables will soften and infuse flavor.
- Pour in the entire can of crushed tomatoes and the can of petite diced tomatoes. Make sure to scrape out all the tomato goodness from the cans.
- Add in the Italian seasoning and the minced garlic. Stir all the ingredients gently to combine them evenly within the slow cooker.
- Pour in the four cups of beef broth. Give it another light stir to ensure everything is well-distributed.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove the lid from the crock pot. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces; aim for pieces about 1-2 inches long. Stir them directly into the simmering soup. I break them in over the crock pot so all the small pieces will fall directly into the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot again and continue to cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes. Cook until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite.
- Spoon the hot and hearty soup into individual bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Serve this delicious crockpot lasagna soup immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Elevate your slow cooker lasagna soup with these helpful tips and avoid common pitfalls for a perfect dish every time.
- Noodle timing: Add noodles towards the end of the cooking cycle to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Break noodles evenly: Uniformly broken noodles ensure they cook consistently and are easier to eat.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and add more Italian seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
- Serve quickly: Noodles continue to absorb liquid, so enjoy your crockpot lasagna soup soon after it’s ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooked noodles: Adding noodles too early results in a mushy texture; stick to the recommended cook time.
- Skipping browning meat: Browning develops crucial flavor and improves the texture of the ground beef.
- Not draining grease: Excess grease makes the soup oily and less appealing; always drain it thoroughly.
- Too thick/thin soup: Adjust broth for thickness, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) to thicken a thin soup.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Crockpot Lasagna Soup makes a fantastic meal on its own, but these additions and tips enhance the experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty soup with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for dipping.
- Pair your slow cooker lasagna soup with a simple green salad or a classic Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- A dollop of sour cream on top can add a surprising and delightful tanginess.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze the soup without the cheese topping. Add fresh cheese when reheating.
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
Variations
- Spicy: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end of cooking for extra richness.
- Vegetarian: Omit the meat, use vegetable broth, and add cooked lentils, mushrooms, or extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach.
- White Lasagna Soup: Explore a different flavor profile by using a white sauce base (like béchamel) instead of tomato, with chicken or turkey.
Nutrition Information
This comforting crockpot lasagna soup provides a satisfying and balanced meal. Here’s a quick overview:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 6 g |
| Calories | 605 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 52 g |
| Protein Content | 36 g |
| Fat Content | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 13 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 90 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1143 mg |
| Fiber Content | 4 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 1 g |
Full nutrition details are available on the recipe card.
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes to the crock pot.
- Stir in the Italian seasonings.
- Pour in the beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the lid, then break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them directly into the crock pot.
- Cover again and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions about making this easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup? We have answers!
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No, regular lasagna noodles work best for this recipe as they stand up better to the slow cooking process without dissolving.
How do I thicken my lasagna soup?
If your soup is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a bit longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) at the end.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Reheat gently on the stove.
What if I don’t have fresh ricotta?
You can easily substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, which offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, you can follow similar steps on the stovetop, just reduce the cooking times significantly after adding the broth and noodles.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup truly delivers on its promise of classic Italian flavors with unmatched simplicity. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents and beginner cooks looking for a delicious, comforting meal without all the fuss. We encourage you to try this amazing one-pot dish and discover a new family favorite. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below!
