This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and cheesy delight! It has all the flavors of lasagna but in a cozy soup form, making it perfect for busy days.
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of cheesy goodness? I love how simple it is—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic. Pair it with some bread for a comfy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor to the soup. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or lean ground chicken. Vegetarian? Try adding lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a sauce you love since it sets the base flavor. If you’re out, homemade tomato sauce works too. You can add spices to boost the flavor, like red pepper flakes.
Ricotta Cheese: For that classic lasagna texture, ricotta is key. If you don’t have it, cream cheese or cottage cheese are great alternatives. They add creaminess without being too heavy!
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles will work perfectly, but feel free to use gluten-free noodles or other pasta shapes like rotini or shells if needed.
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking noodles in the crockpot can be tricky! To get them just right, add the broken lasagna noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from getting mushy.
- Once added, stir to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
- Check them around the 20-minute mark to see if they’re tender enough for your liking.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, reduce the cooking time slightly.
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Lasagna Layer:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then a slow cook of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. In the end, just a quick 30 minutes to cook the noodles and you’re all set! Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Beef and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup light and tasty.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into your crockpot. Add in the marinara sauce, beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine all those yummy flavors!
3. Cooking Time:
Cover your crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more the flavors meld together!
4. Adding the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Stir them in so they’re submerged in the broth, then cover the crockpot again.
5. Finishing Touches:
After about 20-30 minutes, check to see if the noodles are tender. Once they are, stir in the ricotta cheese until everything is blended nicely.
6. Serve It Up:
Dish the soup into bowls and sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you like, add fresh basil or parsley for a pretty garnish.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your delightful lasagna soup warm alongside some crusty bread for dipping. It’s a perfect meal for sharing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It will change the flavor slightly but still taste delicious. Just keep an eye on cooking times since turkey may cook a little faster.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your soup with your favorite ingredients. You can add spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for extra veggies. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if adding fresh vegetables to ensure they’re cooked through.
