Let me tell you, this *lasagna soup crockpot* is a game changer! It’s like all the deliciousness of lasagna, but cozy and comforting in a warm bowl of soup. I love how easy it is to throw everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic while I go about my day. The smell wafting through the house as it cooks is absolutely heavenly, and trust me, your family will be eagerly waiting for dinner! The combination of hearty ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and melting cheeses creates a symphony of flavors that just warms your soul. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Seriously, you’ll be hooked after the first spoonful!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering *lasagna soup crockpot*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: I prefer lean ground beef for a heartier flavor without too much grease.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works perfectly, adding that sweet and savory base to your soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick—don’t skip this!
- 4 cups beef broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness; it’s the liquid gold of this recipe.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: This brings that rich tomato flavor that’s essential for any lasagna.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: I love the added texture from these—they really enhance the soup.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that just screams Italian comfort food.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Regular or gluten-free noodles work great; just make sure to break them up into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds that creamy, dreamy element that lasagna lovers adore.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because what’s lasagna without gooey, melty cheese?
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to make it just right for you.
How to Prepare Lasagna Soup Crockpot
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get this *lasagna soup crockpot* going! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and I’ll walk you through every step. Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying this deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Meat
First things first, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add in that pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef as it browns. You want it to be nice and evenly cooked, and the onions should be softened and a bit translucent—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell is going to be fantastic!
Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot
Once your beef mixture is browned to perfection, it’s time to transfer it to your trusty crockpot. Just scoop it all in there—don’t leave any behind! That flavor is too good to waste. Give it a little stir to spread it out evenly at the bottom.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Next up, grab your beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Pour them into the crockpot over the meat mixture. This is where the magic really starts to happen! Stir everything together so that the flavors mingle beautifully. It should look like a hearty, chunky tomato sauce at this point.
Step 4: Cooking Time
Now, cover the crockpot and set it to low. You’re going to let this simmer for about 6 hours. Just imagine the delicious aromas filling your kitchen while you go about your day! It’s the kind of meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to tackle other things—or just relax.
Step 5: Add Noodles
After those 6 glorious hours, it’s time to add the fun part—the lasagna noodles! Break them into pieces and stir them into the soup. Make sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover the crockpot again and let it cook for another 30 minutes. This is key for the noodles to soften and soak up all that yummy flavor!
Step 6: Stir in Cheeses
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—scoop in that creamy ricotta cheese and sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Give everything a good stir until the cheeses are melted and incorporated. It’s going to look so inviting! Now you’re ready to serve up this comforting bowl of *lasagna soup*—enjoy every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you—perfect for busy days!
- Rich and Hearty Flavor: With layers of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Comforting and Filling: This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, making it ideal for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste—add veggies, switch up the cheese, or go gluten-free!
- Great for Leftovers: This recipe makes a generous batch, and the flavors only get better the next day.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy goodness of this lasagna soup—it’s a win-win!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *lasagna soup crockpot* turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips that I swear by. These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your soup to delicious heights!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time browning the meat, onions, and garlic. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t skip it! The more you let those ingredients caramelize, the richer your soup will taste.
- Check the Noodle Texture: When adding the broken lasagna noodles, keep an eye on them during that last 30 minutes of cooking. You want them tender but not mushy. If you like your noodles a bit firmer, you can even add them halfway through the cooking time.
- Adjust Seasonings: Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your palate. A little taste test can go a long way in making this soup just right for you!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Want to sneak in some veggies? Go for it! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this soup is all about the flavors, using high-quality broth and fresh ingredients really makes a difference. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Let It Sit: If you have time, allow your soup to sit for about 10 minutes after you stir in the cheeses. This gives everything a chance to meld together and makes for an even creamier texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of *lasagna soup crockpot*! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your *lasagna soup crockpot* is ready and waiting, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to elevate your meal experience! Trust me, a few simple sides can take this cozy dish to the next level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious soup, and it adds a satisfying crunch to each bite!
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons makes for a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil on skewers provide a light and flavorful addition that complements the Italian theme beautifully.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: For a nostalgic twist, serve up some gooey grilled cheese sandwiches. The melty cheese pairs perfectly with the soup, making for a comforting combo!
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots adds color and nutrition to your meal. They’re easy to prepare and bring a lovely caramelized flavor.
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Create a beautiful antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, cheese, and marinated artichokes. It’s a fun way to start the meal and adds a variety of flavors and textures.
Mix and match these suggestions to find your perfect pairing, and enjoy every delicious moment of your *lasagna soup crockpot* experience! Bon appétit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So you’ve made a big batch of this delightful *lasagna soup crockpot*, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers? No worries! I’ve got you covered with the best ways to keep your soup fresh and delicious for days to come.
First things first, let your soup cool completely before transferring it to storage containers. I like to use airtight containers for the best results. You can portion out individual servings or store it all together—whatever works best for you! Just be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup can expand when frozen.
For refrigeration, your *lasagna soup* will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just pop it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a warm bowl of goodness.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option! Your soup can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. That way, it’ll be nice and ready to heat up for dinner!
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. You can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works just fine too—just make sure to use a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through.
And here’s a little tip: if the soup seems a bit thick after reheating, just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. It’ll be just as comforting as the first time you made it! Enjoy those cozy leftovers!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty bowl of *lasagna soup crockpot*, it’s helpful to know what’s going into your delicious meal! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind these are approximate figures and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Knowing this info can help you make informed choices while still indulging in the comforting flavors of your favorite soup. Enjoy every bite, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be a bit milder in flavor.
How can I make this lasagna soup crockpot vegetarian?
You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils, mushrooms, or even a mix of chopped veggies. Just keep the beef broth or use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor!
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients the night before, then store them in the fridge. Just toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you when you get home!
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as some may take longer or shorter to cook.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! This lasagna soup freezes beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight and reheat!
Lasagna Soup Crockpot: 6 Reasons You’ll Love This Comforting Dish
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty lasagna soup made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in ricotta and mozzarella cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Top with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna soup crockpot











