Slow cooker lasagna soup has become my family’s go-to comfort food, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made it over the years. It all started when my kids were little, and they were begging me for lasagna one chilly autumn evening. I wanted to make something that was just as satisfying, but a little easier to put together, so I decided to give this slow cooker lasagna soup a try. Let me tell you, it was an absolute hit! The flavors were spot-on, and the slow-simmered broth made the whole house smell amazing. From that day on, slow cooker lasagna soup has been a staple in our household, and I know your family is going to love it just as much as mine does.
Why This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this perfect slow cooker lasagna soup is the way the flavors meld together over time in the slow cooker. By letting the ingredients simmer away for a few hours, the tomatoes, spices, and herbs have a chance to really infuse the broth, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with a quick stovetop version. Plus, the slow cooking process tenderizes the ground beef, making each bite absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
What really sets this slow cooker lasagna soup apart is the way the noodles are incorporated. Instead of using traditional lasagna noodles, I use broken-up pieces of lasagna sheets or no-boil lasagna noodles. This allows the noodles to soak up all of that amazing broth, and it gives you that classic lasagna texture in every spoonful. Trust me, your family is going to go crazy for this twist on a classic dish.
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Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of lasagna in a hearty, slow-cooked soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, delivering a nourishing and delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella 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 slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, lasagna noodle pieces, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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 shredded mozzarella cheese and top with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, stir in a cup of ricotta cheese or heavy cream towards the end of the cooking time.
– Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or provolone, to customize the flavor.
– Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this slow cooker lasagna soup, you’ll need ground beef, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken or beef broth, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need lasagna noodles or sheets, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. The key is to use high-quality ingredients that will really amplify the flavors.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This slow cooker lasagna soup is a breeze to put together, and it’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights. It takes just about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you can let the slow cooker do all the work. The total cooking time is around 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker.
1- Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2- Next, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
3- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
4- Break the lasagna noodles or sheets into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the slow cooker lasagna soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To make the best slow cooker lasagna soup, be sure to use a high-quality tomato-based pasta sauce or crushed tomatoes. This will give you that rich, tomatoey flavor that’s essential for lasagna. You can also experiment with different types of noodles, like whole wheat or gluten-free, to suit your dietary needs. And don’t be afraid to add in any extra veggies you have on hand, like diced zucchini or spinach, to boost the nutrition.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This slow cooker lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and some warm, crusty garlic bread. For a heartier meal, you could also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a slice of garlic-infused focaccia. And don’t forget a glass of your favorite red wine – it’s the perfect accompaniment to this rich and satisfying soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this slow cooker lasagna soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals. This soup also makes a great make-ahead option – just assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before, then turn it on in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Creative Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try mixing up the flavors of this slow cooker lasagna soup. For a spicy kick, add in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. You could also swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different protein. And if you’re a fan of mushrooms, try adding in some sliced cremini or portobello mushrooms for an extra layer of earthy flavor.
Making Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this slow cooker lasagna soup more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat ground beef or ground turkey, opt for whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles, and swap in low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. You could also skip the cheese altogether and top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamy, protein-packed topping. For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of breaking them up?
A: Absolutely! You can use whole lasagna noodles in this recipe, but they may take a bit longer to cook through in the slow cooker. I find that breaking them up into bite-sized pieces helps them cook more evenly and soak up the broth better.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: If you’d like a thicker consistency, you can try adding a bit more tomato paste or blending a portion of the soup with an immersion blender. You can also let the soup simmer for a bit longer on the stovetop to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Q: Can I prep this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This slow cooker lasagna soup is a great make-ahead option. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, then just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free dinner.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This slow cooker lasagna soup recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, comforting soup, so I’d recommend serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal.
Conclusion
I hope this slow cooker lasagna soup becomes a new family favorite in your house, just like it is in mine. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and the hands-off preparation makes it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.