Craving the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna but without the fuss? This lasagna soup recipe crock pot style delivers all that hearty goodness with minimal effort. Prepare for maximum comfort in a bowl. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This delightful recipe truly simplifies mealtime without sacrificing flavor. You will quickly understand why this crock pot lasagna soup is a must-try:
- Classic Taste, No Assembly: Enjoy all the layered flavor of traditional lasagna without stacking noodles or multiple baking dishes.
- Dump-and-Go Convenience: This recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners, allowing you to set it and forget it.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It is a savory, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out, ideal for any chilly evening.
- Effortlessly Customizable: Easily adapt this soup with your favorite vegetables or different types of protein to suit any palate.
- Budget-Friendly Meal: It uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have, making it a smart choice for your grocery list.
- Simple Cleanup: Since it all cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, saving you precious time after dinner.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious crock pot lasagna soup. Each component plays a vital role in building that classic lasagna flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize grease.
- 1/2 onion: Finely diced yellow or white onion adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 1 red bell pepper: Diced, this brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Unstrained, they provide texture and a fresh tomato burst.
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz): This forms the rich, thick tomato base of your soup.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: This essential blend of herbs creates the signature Italian taste.
- 4 cups beef broth (1 carton): Low-sodium broth gives you more control over the saltiness.
- 12 oz lasagna noodles: Regular or no-boil noodles work perfectly when broken into pieces.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: For a creamy, dreamy topping.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Essential for that classic melty cheese layer on top.
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded): A salty, umami finish for serving.
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this lasagna soup to your pantry and preferences.
- Meat: Substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a vegetarian crumble for the beef.
- Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding spinach, zucchini, or shredded carrots.
- Tomatoes: Use marinara sauce or tomato puree if crushed or diced tomatoes are unavailable.
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth are excellent alternatives to beef broth.
- Noodles: Penne, rotini, or other short pasta varieties can stand in for lasagna noodles.
- Dairy: Cottage cheese or cream cheese can replace ricotta for a different creamy texture.
Equipment Needed
Preparing this easy lasagna soup recipe crock pot requires only a few essential kitchen tools.
- 6-quart slow cooker: The star of the show for hands-off simmering.
- Large skillet: For browning the ground beef before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Basic kitchen tools: A sharp knife, cutting board, and a sturdy spoon for stirring.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this lasagna soup recipe crock pot is incredibly simple, breaking down the process into easy, manageable steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect, comforting meal.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain off the excess grease thoroughly. This step is crucial for a flavorful, non-greasy soup.
- Transfer the browned beef into your 6-quart crock pot. Spread it evenly at the bottom.
- Add the diced onion and red bell pepper over the beef in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes directly into the crock pot with the other ingredients.
- Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the mixture, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor.
- Pour in the beef broth. Stir all the ingredients together gently to combine them well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Remove the lid when the initial cooking time is complete.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces over the crock pot. Let the small pieces fall directly into the soup.
- Stir the broken noodles into the hot soup, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Ladle the hearty soup into individual serving bowls.
- Top with a generous tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, for a burst of color and fresh flavor, completing your amazing lasagna soup crock pot creation.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Mastering your slow cooker lasagna soup is easy with these simple tips.
- Prevent mushy noodles: Do not add the lasagna noodles too early; wait until the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasonings: Always taste the soup before serving and modify salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
- Drain meat thoroughly: Ensure you drain all excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy soup.
- Boost flavor: Stir in fresh basil or parsley at the very end for an aromatic finish.
- Creamy texture: For an extra rich soup, swirl in a touch of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- Thicker soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add less broth initially or simmer uncovered for a bit at the end.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile lasagna soup is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to serve it best, store leftovers, and try exciting variations.
How to Serve
- Pair with crusty bread or warm garlic knots for dipping.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Offer extra shredded mozzarella and parmesan at the table for guests to add more.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
The USDA recommends that hot food can be placed directly in the refrigerator or rapidly chilled to ensure food safety when storing cooked leftovers. Find out more about refrigeration and food safety.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- You can freeze this soup without the ricotta cheese for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute the beef with cooked lentils, sliced mushrooms, or diced zucchini.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for heat.
- Creamier: Stir in a tablespoon or two of mascarpone cheese right before serving.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with provolone or Fontina for unique flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is certified GF.
Nutritional Information
Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this crock pot lasagna soup. Please remember these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient amounts used.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 15-20 g |
| Cholesterol | 60-70 mg |
| Sodium | 800-900 mg |
| Fiber | 3-4 g |
| Sugar | 7-9 g |
Note: This information is an estimate for approximately 6 servings. Values can fluctuate based on specific ingredients and brands chosen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making this comforting lasagna soup recipe crock pot style.
- Can I use different pasta? Yes, absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti works wonderfully.
- How do I make the soup thicker? To thicken the soup, you can simmer it longer uncovered to reduce the liquid, or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Can this recipe be frozen? Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to freeze it without the ricotta cheese topping for best results.
- How long does the soup keep? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your soup will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Is it vegetarian-friendly? This recipe is easily adapted for vegetarians. Simply substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite meat alternative.
Conclusion
Embrace the simplicity and comfort of this lasagna soup recipe crock pot. It brings all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a convenient, delicious soup that practically cooks itself. Perfect for a cozy, family dinner or feeding a crowd, this effortless slow cooker preparation makes mealtime a joy. Try this comforting, satisfying recipe today and discover your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna.
