The aroma of simmering tomatoes, bubbling cheese, and savory spices fills the air as you walk into your kitchen. You know what that means: it’s time for a cozy night in with a bowl of Crockpot Lasagna Soup that will warm your soul and make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching.
Picture this: a cold winter evening, snuggled up on the couch with your favorite blanket, and the tantalizing smell of lasagna wafting through the house. You can almost hear it calling your name. This delightful dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for those lazy days when you just want to throw everything in a pot and let it work its magic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup makes dinner prep feel like a breeze.
- Each spoonful bursts with rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Visually, it’s as comforting to look at as it is to eat, with layers of color and texture.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate any dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions you may need!
Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty base that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
- Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness and depth; just be sure to chop it finely.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch; use at least three for maximum flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes for a rich sauce; they form the backbone of this soup.
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness while adding robust flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flavors; don’t skip this!
- Pasta: Use small pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni or ditalini that fit perfectly in each spoonful. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta recipe.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; mix it with some parsley for extra flavor before serving.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey topping that makes everything better; sprinkle generously over each bowl.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside while you gather the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until fragrant and translucent—about five minutes—then combine with the browned meat.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Transfer the meat mixture into your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine everything.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
About half an hour before serving, add your chosen pasta directly into the crockpot. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Prepare Your Toppings
While waiting for the pasta to cook, mix ricotta cheese with fresh parsley in a bowl—this will add wonderful creaminess when dolloped onto your soup later.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once everything is ready and piping hot, ladle the soup into bowls. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and a spoonful of herbed ricotta for that ultimate comfort food experience!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy this delightful twist on traditional lasagna—it’s sure to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- This delightful crockpot lasagna soup offers a warm hug in a bowl.
- Its layers of rich flavors and textures make it the perfect comfort food.
- Plus, with minimal prep and maximum taste, you can whip up a masterpiece even on your busiest days.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef or sausage for maximum flavor. While that’s sizzling away, chop your veggies and gather the rest of your ingredients. Once everything is ready, toss it all into the crockpot and let the magic happen!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your crockpot lasagna soup! Swap in turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter dish. Add spinach for greens or extra cheese because, let’s face it, more cheese is always better!
Storing & Reheating
To store your delicious soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly layered flavors, let the soup simmer for at least four hours on low heat.
- Use no-boil noodles for easy prep and to eliminate cooking time.
- Don’t skip garnishing with fresh basil; it adds a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about that one snowy evening when I made this recipe for my friends. Their delighted faces as they dipped crusty bread into the cheesy goodness became an unforgettable memory full of warmth and laughter.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
To prepare Crockpot Lasagna Soup, gather essential ingredients like ground beef or turkey, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. You’ll also need lasagna noodles broken into pieces, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Fresh basil can enhance the flavor further. This combination creates a hearty soup that captures the classic lasagna taste in every spoonful. Ensure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting for a smooth cooking experience.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Cooking Crockpot Lasagna Soup usually takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat in your slow cooker. The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully and ensures that the noodles become tender. Make sure to check the doneness of the noodles towards the end of the cooking time. Adjusting the cooking duration may depend on the specific model of your crockpot.
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time! It refrigerates well and even tastes better after a day as the flavors continue to develop. To store, allow it to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want a quick dinner option.
What can I serve with Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Crockpot Lasagna Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it with some grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for added flavor. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad A fresh green salad dressed lightly complements this hearty soup without overwhelming its rich taste. Zesty Caesar Dressing Recipe Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe Fresh Homemade Caesar Salad These sides enhance your dining experience while keeping preparation simple and straightforward.
Conclusion for Crockpot Lasagna Soup :
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is an easy and delicious twist on traditional lasagna that simplifies meal prep without sacrificing flavor. With simple ingredients like ground meat, tomatoes, and cheeses combined with broken lasagna noodles, this soup delivers comfort food at its best. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, it’s customizable and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Enjoy this hearty dish that brings together all your favorite lasagna elements in one warm bowl! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on classic lasagna, perfect for cozy nights in. This easy-to-make dish combines lean ground beef, rich crushed tomatoes, and gooey cheeses, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s a versatile meal that can be customized to suit any dietary preference. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delightful bowl of goodness that promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups small pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant (about 5 minutes). Combine with browned meat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta to the crockpot and cook until tender.
- While pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and dollops of herbed ricotta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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