Oh, the joys of a warm kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of bubbling sauces and melting cheese! Let me take you on a nostalgic journey through my discovery of Crockpot Lasagna Soup. It all started on a particularly rainy afternoon, when I was craving comfort food but didn’t have the energy to whip up the traditional lasagna. As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a delightful revelation: what if I transformed my beloved lasagna into a hearty soup? And thus, Crockpot Lasagna Soup was born.
The scent of savory meats simmering with rich tomato and aromatic Italian herbs wafted through the air as it cooked. The texture of tender noodles and creamy ricotta nestled beautifully among vibrant vegetables, creating an inviting, warm embrace. The first spoonful brought an orchestra of flavors dancing on my palate—just the right balance of salty and sweet, creamy and tangy. Little did I know that this one-bowl wonder would become a staple in my family, and I know it will find a special place in your heart, too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just brown your meat, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic.
- Full of Flavor: Every spoonful is packed with the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine that your whole family will adore.
- Nourishing Ingredients: With beef, tomatoes, and rich cheeses, it’s a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or serve it at dinner gatherings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste—add veggies, spice it up, or switch out cheeses!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: For that hearty, savory base! You can also use a mix for extra flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A dash of garlic makes everything better—trust me on this!
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The heart of our soup—this is where the magic begins!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of freshness.
- 4 cups beef broth: A rich foundation that enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- 2 cups water: Perfect for balancing the robustness of the broth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that will transport you straight to Italy with each bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Key to bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick that enlivens the earthiness of the dish.
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The best part—who doesn’t love lasagna?
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Transfer your soup to the creamy realm—heavenly!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is the crowning glory of this dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that perfect finish and a sprinkle of sophistication.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: A pop of color and a fragrant hint of freshness.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Brown the Meat
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until everything is beautifully golden and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat for a lighter soup!
2. Combine Ingredients
In your trusty crockpot, combine the browned meat mixture with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together like a beautiful symphony of flavors coming together—how comforting does that look?
3. Cook Slowly
Cover that pot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Let it do its thing while you go about your day. The smell will be the best reminder that dinner is just around the corner.
4. Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Watch as they soften and absorb all those incredible flavors, turning your soup into a hearty delight.
5. Incorporate the Ricotta
When the noodles are tender, add the ricotta cheese and mix well. The creamy goodness will meld seamlessly into the soup—every bite will be like a warm hug!
6. Finish and Serve
Serve hot, topped with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Just look at those glorious layers of cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips for Success
- Texture Matters: If you prefer less chunky soup, you can use crushed tomatoes instead of diced.
- Sauté the Veggies: You can add bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost—sauté them with the meat for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you want a thicker soup, reduce the water or add more lasagna noodles.
- Layer of Cheese: For an even cheesier experience, consider adding more mozzarella on top during the last few minutes of cooking and cover until melted.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free option!
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of hot Italian sausage if you like heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Replace ricotta with goat cheese for a tangy twist or opt for your favorite cheese blend!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your savory soup with a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread for a delightful dunking experience. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the lasagna soup beautifully. And let’s not forget a chilled glass of red wine or sparkling sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a refreshing touch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time; just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to toss everything into the crockpot. This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container for safe storage.
Leftovers
Maybe you have some soup left? Lucky you! Use it to fill baked potatoes, or toss in a batch of fresh pasta for an easy lunch. You can also make mini lasagna cups using lasagna noodles and muffin tins—your creativity knows no bounds!
Freezing
Absolutely! Just portion out your soup into airtight containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion, and store up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For a cozy reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For a quick option, the microwave works wonders too! Just make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it to prevent splattering.
FAQs
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Of course! Just simmer everything in a large pot over medium heat for about 1-2 hours, or until the noodles are soft.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any of your favorites—cottage cheese, gouda, or even a nice cheddar work well.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries! Vegetable broth or even chicken broth will be just delightful in this recipe.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Just substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free noodles and adjust cooking time as needed.
Final Thoughts
Every time you whip up this Crockpot Lasagna Soup, I hope you feel the warmth of home and family gathered around the dinner table. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. I’m so delighted to share this cozy dish with you, and I can’t wait to hear how it becomes a cherished recipe in your kitchen! Happy cooking, friends! 🌿💖
Full recipe card is below.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage For that hearty, savory base! You can also use a mix for extra flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds a sweet, aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A dash of garlic makes everything better—trust me on this!
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce The heart of our soup—this is where the magic begins!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Adds texture and a burst of freshness.
- 4 cups beef broth A rich foundation that enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- 2 cups water Perfect for balancing the robustness of the broth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that will transport you straight to Italy with each bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt Key to bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper A subtle kick that enlivens the earthiness of the dish.
For the Noodles and Cheese
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces The best part—who doesn’t love lasagna?
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Transfer your soup to the creamy realm—heavenly!
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melty, gooey cheese is the crowning glory of this dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For that perfect finish and a sprinkle of sophistication.
- to taste fresh basil, for garnish A pop of color and a fragrant hint of freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally until everything is beautifully golden and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat for a lighter soup!
- In your trusty crockpot, combine the browned meat mixture with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- When the noodles are tender, add the ricotta cheese and mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.