Lasagna soup crockpot has been a lifesaver for me lately. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for easy, comforting meals that the whole family will love. And let me tell you, this lasagna soup crockpot recipe has become a true staple in our household.
It all started a few months ago when I was feeling particularly exhausted after a long day. The thought of making a complicated dinner just seemed daunting, but I knew I needed to get something hearty and satisfying on the table. That’s when I remembered a recipe I had bookmarked for lasagna soup crockpot, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
I tossed all the ingredients into the slow cooker before heading out the door for the day, and when I came home, the house was filled with the most incredible aroma. The kids came running, already asking what was for dinner, and when I served up bowls of that rich, tomatoey broth with tender noodles and melty cheese, they were in absolute heaven. Even my picky eater cleaned her plate, which is no small feat, let me tell you.
Ever since that first time, lasagna soup crockpot has become a regular on our meal rotation. It’s just so easy to throw together, and the flavors are out of this world. Plus, the fact that it’s a one-pot meal means I can spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying quality time with my family. What’s not to love?
Why This Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect lasagna soup crockpot
The secret to this lasagna soup crockpot recipe is in the slow-cooked, deeply-flavored broth. By simmering the tomatoes, herbs, and spices in the crockpot all day, the flavors have time to meld and develop, creating a soup that’s truly worthy of the lasagna name. And the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you go about your day.
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Classic Lasagna Soup in the Crockpot
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna in a delicious soup form, simmered to perfection in the crockpot. This easy, family-friendly recipe is packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, tender pasta, and melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. – Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. – Transfer the meat mixture to a crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, broken lasagna noodles, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the noodles are tender.
5. – Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
6. – Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, use less water or broth.
– Adjust spices to your taste preferences.
– Top with additional cheese, fresh herbs, or crushed red pepper flakes.
– Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: For that classic lasagna flavor and texture.
– Onion: Diced onion adds depth and sweetness to the broth.
– Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for any lasagna-inspired dish.
– Crushed tomatoes: The base of the soup’s rich, tomatoey flavor.
– Tomato paste: Helps to thicken the broth and intensify the tomato taste.
– Beef broth: Provides the liquid foundation for the soup.
– Dried oregano: An essential Italian seasoning that ties the flavors together.
– Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they give the soup its signature lasagna feel.
– Shredded mozzarella: For that irresistible melty, cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step lasagna soup crockpot Instructions
Preparing Your lasagna soup crockpot
This lasagna soup crockpot couldn’t be easier to make. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. In just a few hours, you’ll have a comforting, flavor-packed soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
1- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your crockpot.
2- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and dried oregano to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
3- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors have melded and the soup is hot and bubbly.
4- About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. This will give them just enough time to cook through without getting mushy.
5- Ladle the lasagna soup crockpot into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6- Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your lasagna soup crockpot turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
– Use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best texture and taste.
– Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking – a little extra oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really take this soup to the next level.
– Be sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot. This will help them cook evenly and prevent any large, unwieldy noodles.
– Shredding the mozzarella cheese just before serving will ensure it melts beautifully on top of the hot soup.
Serving and Storing Your lasagna soup crockpot
Perfect Pairings for lasagna soup crockpot
This lasagna soup crockpot is a meal in itself, but it’s always a good idea to have a few tasty accompaniments on hand. A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be the perfect complement, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty soup. And don’t forget a crusty piece of garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of that delicious broth.
For drinks, a bold red wine or a refreshing iced tea would both be fantastic choices. And if you’re serving this soup for a crowd, set out a few extra toppings like fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their bowl to their liking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this lasagna soup crockpot recipe is that it makes fantastic leftovers. Simply let any remaining soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
You can also make this soup in advance and freeze it for even longer storage. Just let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for lasagna soup crockpot
Creative lasagna soup crockpot Variations
While this classic lasagna soup crockpot recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or mix in some chopped spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost.
You could also experiment with different cheese toppings, like a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese for that authentic lasagna flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even add in some diced zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Making lasagna soup crockpot Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of this lasagna soup crockpot, simply substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini noodles in place of the regular pasta. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly option, you can skip the noodles altogether and serve the soup over a bed of riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead.
If you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can easily make this soup plant-based by omitting the ground beef and using crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat in its place. And instead of mozzarella cheese, top each bowl with a sprinkle of vegan shredded cheese or a dollop of cashew-based ricotta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of breaking them up?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t want to take the time to break the noodles, you can absolutely use whole lasagna noodles in this recipe. Just be sure to break or cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
Q: How long does this lasagna soup crockpot take to cook?
A: This recipe is designed to be a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal. On the low setting, the soup will take 6-8 hours to cook. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it on the high setting for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this lasagna soup crockpot makes excellent leftovers! Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This lasagna soup crockpot recipe makes a large batch, enough to serve 6-8 people comfortably. If you’re feeding a smaller crowd, you can easily cut the ingredients in half for a more modest portion.
Q: What should I do if the soup seems too thin?
A: If your lasagna soup crockpot turns out a bit thinner than you’d like, try mixing a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with some of the hot broth until smooth, then stir that mixture back into the soup. The cornstarch will help to thicken it up nicely.
Conclusion
There you have it – my go-to recipe for the most delicious, comforting lasagna soup crockpot. This easy, hands-off meal has become a staple in my household, and I’m confident it’ll become a family favorite in yours, too.
The secret is in the slow-cooked, deeply-flavored broth that infuses every bite with that signature lasagna taste. And with the simple addition of broken lasagna noodles, you get all the comfort of a classic lasagna in a convenient, one-pot soup form.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up those simple ingredients, toss them in your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure lasagna bliss. I promise, this lasagna soup crockpot will become a new weeknight dinner staple in no time. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below!