This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and hearty dish that’s easy to make! It’s packed with tasty ground beef, cozy noodles, and lots of melted cheese, bringing all the flavors of lasagna into a delightful soup.
I love how this dish practically cooks itself! Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you want comfort food without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The star of this dish! You can replace it with ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. For a plant-based twist, try lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic deliver essential flavors. If either is unavailable, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as a substitute. Just adjust the quantities to taste!
Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These create the base of our soup. If you’re looking for a fresher taste, use fresh tomatoes, but ensure they’re well-cooked. Canned diced tomatoes can work too; just blend them for a smooth texture.
Beef Broth: Swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth if you prefer a different flavor. Homemade broth adds an extra touch of goodness!
Lasagna Noodles: Broken lasagna sheets are the perfect choice, but any pasta works! You can use penne or rotini, just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that creamy finish. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Crockpot?
To enhance flavors, browning the ground beef, onions, and garlic before adding them to the crockpot is a must! This step develops delicious depth. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat before transferring it to your crockpot.
Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as the soup cooks. A pinch more salt or some extra herbs can make a huge difference!
Lastly, let your soup simmer low and slow. This is where the magic happens! The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, making for a cozy and tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles or broken lasagna sheets
For The Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
For Serving:
- Garlic bread or toasted bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and can be cooked on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just a little waiting time for a delicious meal to be ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the browned meat mixture to the crockpot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop!
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir the noodles into the soup and make sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Continue cooking on high until the noodles are tender, which should take around 25-30 minutes. Check them every so often.
6. Serve and Add Toppings:
Once the noodles are ready, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Finish it off with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color!
7. Enjoy:
Pair your delicious soup with garlic bread or toasted bread slices for a comforting meal! Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty, flavorful Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot.
What if I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can substitute with any small pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different pasta shapes can vary in cooking time.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth. Consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
