This cozy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with layers of pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Throw everything in the crockpot, let it cook, and enjoy the wonderful smell wafting through your home. Who needs an Italian restaurant when you can make this at home? 🍝
I love that it’s super easy to prepare—just toss in the ingredients and relax! Perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: For a classic taste, I love using Italian sausage for its spices. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Onion and Garlic: Using a medium onion adds depth and sweetness. If you’re in a hurry, shallots or green onions can be speedy alternatives. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder if needed.
Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These are the base of your flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, use fresh tomatoes blended into a puree. For a low-sodium version, look for low-sodium canned options.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds richness. A homemade broth is fantastic if you have time. For a vegetarian twist, stick to vegetable broth.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, blended tofu or cashew cream provides a similar texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Noodles Cook Perfectly in the Soup?
Getting the lasagna noodles right can be tricky. It’s important to add them at the right time to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and not mushy.
- 30 minutes before you serve the soup, stir in the broken noodle pieces.
- If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water until it’s the desired consistency.
- Check the noodles around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking, as they will continue to soften.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-8 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). It’s perfect for a cozy meal that you can set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat, so your soup isn’t greasy!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Next, transfer the cooked meat mixture to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together nicely.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you’re using the low setting, let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it 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’re ready to serve, stir in the broken lasagna noodles into the soup. If it seems too thick, feel free to add a little more broth or water to get it to your desired consistency.
5. Stir in the Cheeses:
Once the noodles are tender (after about 30 minutes), it’s time to make it cheesy! Stir in the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until everything is well mixed and creamy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your comforting and delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for beef or Italian sausage. Just keep in mind that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a bit of olive oil when browning it to help maintain moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller pasta shapes will cook faster than lasagna noodles.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat crumbles or omit the meat altogether. Ensure to use vegetable broth and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and substance.
