Craving the classic flavors of lasagna without all the fuss? This easy crockpot lasagna soup recipe delivers. Imagine rich, savory tomato sauce, tender noodles, and gooey cheese, all simmering together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table with minimal hands-on effort. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this dish is pure comfort in every delicious bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
You’re going to adore this simplified take on a beloved classic. It brings all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna straight to your dinner plate, but with far less work. According to studies, regularly cooking meals at home is linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Learn more about the health benefits of home cooking.
- Authentic Lasagna Flavor, Simplified: Enjoy all the hearty, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna without the tedious layering.
- Minimal Prep, Easy Cleanup: Your slow cooker does most of the work, meaning less time in the kitchen and fewer dishes afterward.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it! This crockpot lasagna soup is ideal for those hectic evenings when you need a delicious meal ready.
- Customizable to Dietary Needs: Easily adjust ingredients to suit vegetarian preferences or other dietary requirements.
- Comforting and Budget-Friendly: This wholesome soup warms you from the inside out and uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients for Your Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Gather these simple ingredients for your delicious crockpot lasagna soup. You likely have many of them in your pantry already!
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth (1 carton)
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your taste and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Ground Meat: Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey, lean Italian sausage, or a mix of both.
- Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding a handful of fresh spinach, diced zucchini, or finely shredded carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, use an equivalent amount of good quality marinara sauce for a rich base.
- Broth: Chicken broth works wonderfully if you don’t have beef broth. Vegetable broth is also a great option, especially for a vegetarian version.
- Noodles: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti for a similar effect. Ensure they are added at the correct time.
- Cheeses: If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese makes a surprisingly good and creamy substitute.
- Seasoning: Enhance the flavor with fresh basil or oregano, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
Making this crockpot lasagna soup requires just a few basic kitchen items. You’ll be surprised how little you need!
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet for browning meat
- Basic kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board, and a stirring spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Making this crockpot lasagna soup is super straightforward. Follow these steps for a comforting meal that practically cooks itself!
First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, then drain off any excess grease. This step ensures your soup isn’t too oily.
Next, place the browned ground beef into your 6-quart crock pot. Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper. These vegetables will soften and infuse the soup with delicious flavor as it cooks.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the petite diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and minced garlic. Stir everything gently to combine these aromatic ingredients.
Finally, pour in the beef broth. This liquid forms the base of your wonderful crockpot lasagna soup. Stir one last time to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, cook on the high setting for 3-4 hours. Let your slow cooker work its magic!
Once the initial cooking time is complete, remove the lid. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. I like to break them directly over the crock pot, so any small pieces fall right in. Stir the broken noodles into the soup mixture.
Cover the crock pot again. Continue to cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly cooked through and tender. Check them periodically to ensure they don’t get too soft.
Spoon the hot, hearty soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
These tips will help you achieve the best results and solve common issues with your crockpot lasagna soup. A little knowledge goes a long way!
- Prevent Mushy Noodles: Always add your lasagna noodles towards the end of the cooking time. Adding them too early will result in overcooked, mushy pasta.
- Thicker Soup: If your soup seems too thin, use slightly less broth next time. Alternatively, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate and thicken the soup.
- Enhanced Flavor: For a deeper flavor, sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic with the ground beef until softened before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Adjust Spice: Want a little kick? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a pleasant warmth.
- Creamy Ricotta: For an even creamier texture, stir the ricotta cheese into individual bowls just before serving, rather than into the whole pot. This also allows guests to customize.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile crockpot lasagna soup is perfect for family dinners and makes excellent leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious crockpot lasagna soup piping hot. It pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a fantastic accompaniment, balancing the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use either the stovetop or microwave. If the soup has thickened significantly, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, allow the soup base (without the noodles added) to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add fresh, cooked noodles before serving.
Variations
Get creative with your crockpot lasagna soup using these delicious variations!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding diced jalapeños along with the bell pepper, or an extra teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Version: For an extra rich and creamy soup, stir in a block of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Different Meats: Experiment with ground Italian sausage for a more pronounced fennel flavor, or use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this crockpot lasagna soup provides a comforting and nutritious meal. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving.
| Serving Size | 6 g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 605 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
| Sodium | 1143 mg |
| Potassium | 737 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Vitamin A | 1131 IU |
| Vitamin C | 32 mg |
| Calcium | 410 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delightful crockpot lasagna soup. We want to make sure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Can I use other pasta?
Yes, you can! Penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti can be good substitutes if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef.
How do I prevent mushy noodles?
The key is to add the noodles only during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. This ensures they cook to a perfect al dente texture without becoming overcooked.
Can I freeze this soup?
You can definitely freeze the soup base without the noodles. Once thawed, reheat it and then add freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
How can I make the soup thicker?
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly. You can also leave the lid off for the last portion of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
What kind of beef is best?
Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) is recommended to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy. Always drain any excess fat after browning. When using a slow cooker, following proper food safety guidelines is crucial to prevent foodborne illness. The USDA provides comprehensive information on slow cooker food safety.
Conclusion
This crockpot lasagna soup offers a truly delicious and incredibly simple way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this recipe is a winner for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Give this amazing recipe a try soon and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Comfort in Every Bowl
Equipment
- large skillet
- 6-quart crock pot
- bowls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth (1 carton)
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, drain excess grease, and then transfer it to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and beef broth into the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After initial cooking, remove the lid, break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, and stir them into the soup.
- Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the lasagna noodles are fully cooked through.
- Spoon the soup into bowls, then top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of mozzarella, and shredded parmesan cheese.