This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and comforting dish made with pasta, cheese, and your favorite tomato sauce, all simmered together for hours. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax!
The best part? You get all the delicious lasagna flavors in a cozy soup form! I love serving it with some crusty bread for dipping—perfect for a chilly day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I love using ground beef for a classic flavor, but Italian sausage adds a nice kick! If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey is a great substitution. You could even use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of marinara sauce saves time and adds great flavor. If you’re short on sauce, combine tomato paste with diced tomatoes and some Italian herbs for a homemade version!
Lasagna Noodles: Mini lasagna noodles work perfectly here, but you can break regular lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can also be swapped in to cater to dietary preferences.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess! If you want a lighter option, consider cottage cheese or even a vegan ricotta made from blended tofu and nutritional yeast.
How Do I Get the Noodles Perfectly Cooked in the Soup?
Cooking the noodles in the crockpot is simple, but timing is key to avoid mushiness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wait until the soup has been cooking for a good while before adding the noodles—about 30 minutes before serving works best.
- Add the noodles and stir gently to avoid breaking them. Cover the crockpot again and let the noodles cook until they’re tender, checking a couple of minutes before serving.
- If your soup becomes too thick, you can always add a splash of broth to loosen it up!
Enjoy your deliciously comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) mini lasagna noodles or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. After that, it simmers in the crockpot for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, making it perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and fragrant. This step adds lots of flavor!
3. Combining Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Now, transfer the meat mixture to your crockpot. Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and the can of diced tomatoes (make sure to include the juice!). Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Cooking the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. No need to check in too often; just let it simmer and fill your kitchen with delicious aromas!
5. Adding the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to add the noodles. Stir them gently into the soup. Cover the crockpot again and allow the noodles to cook until tender. This step ensures the noodles soak up all that tasty broth!
6. Creamy Finishing Touch:
Just before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s fully mixed in and gives the soup a creamy texture.
7. Serving it Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. The extra cheese melts beautifully into the soup!
8. Garnishing:
If you like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Now, enjoy your hearty and comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup, perfect for any day of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great, lean alternative to beef or sausage. It will still provide good flavor in the dish. Just be sure to season well as turkey can be milder in taste.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by using a plant-based meat substitute or simply omitting the meat altogether. Use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more flavor and texture!
What Can I Serve with Lasagna Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also great choices, perfect for dipping into the delicious soup!
