Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Schedules
Life gets hectic, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share this lasagna soup recipe slow cooker recipe with you. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a hearty, comforting soup that’s practically made itself. This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious lunches or dinners all week long. It’s also amazing for those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook. Trust me, you’ll be thanking yourself!
Family-Friendly Comfort Food
Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a project to make from scratch. This lasagna soup recipe slow cooker gives you all the comforting flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Even the pickiest eaters in your family will be lining up for a bowl. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and utterly delicious – pure comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Essential Pantry Staples
The best part about this recipe is that you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! You’ll need:
- Ground Beef: A good source of protein and savory flavor. I usually opt for lean ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or plant-based crumbles (cook these separately for a shorter time, though!)
- Diced Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base for the soup.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and thickness to the broth.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, creating a more robust taste.
- Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful and rich soup base. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
- Dried Herbs: Italian seasoning, oregano, basil – all the classic lasagna flavors!
- Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor boost.
- Onion: Forms the base for the soup’s flavor, adding sweetness and depth.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into smaller pieces, they provide that signature lasagna texture. Don’t worry about perfectly uniform shapes; rustic is good!
- Ricotta Cheese: For serving. Adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the rich soup.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For serving. Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy, gooey finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: For serving. Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Optional Add-Ins for Customization
Want to personalize your slow cooker lasagna soup? Go for it! Here are a few ideas:
- Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy kick and more complex flavor. You can even do a mix of ground beef and sausage!
- Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color. Red, green, or yellow – your choice!
- Mushrooms: Adds an earthy, umami flavor. I like using cremini or button mushrooms.
- Spinach or Kale: Sneak in some extra greens for a boost of nutrients. Add these in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first, let’s get everything ready. Brown your ground beef (or sausage) in a skillet over medium heat, drain off any excess grease, and set aside. Dice your onion, mince your garlic, and if you’re adding any veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, chop those up too. Break your lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker and are easy to eat. Getting this done ahead of time ensures you can easily whip up this easy lasagna soup recipe.
Layering Flavors in the crockpot lasagna soup
Now, the fun part! Add the browned ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion to your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine everything, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure noodles are mostly submerged in the liquid. Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once the noodles are tender, give the soup a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember, a pinch of salt and pepper can make all the difference! And if you like a creamier soup, you can stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese right before serving. Mmm, are you getting hungry yet?
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Choosing the Right Pasta
While standard lasagna noodles work great, some people also wonder: Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles in slow cooker soup? The answer is yes, you absolutely can, but keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting mushy.
For those looking for a gluten-free slow cooker lasagna soup, just swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones!
Adjusting Consistency and Seasonings
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is! If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) during the last hour of cooking. For a thinner soup, add a little more broth. As for seasonings, don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking.
Serving and Storing Your Lasagna Soup
Topping Ideas for Maximum Flavor
Okay, this is where you can really get creative. When serving your comfort food soup, don’t skimp on the toppings! A dollop of fresh ricotta cheese (or a dairy-free lasagna soup recipe slow cooker alternative such as a cashew cream), a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley are must-haves. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a balsamic glaze for extra flavor. Trust me, these toppings take this soup to the next level!
How to Freeze and Reheat Leftovers
This soup is perfect for meal prep lasagna soup for freezing. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Whether you’re looking for an easy lasagna soup recipe for a busy weeknight or a comforting meal to warm you up on a cold day, this slow cooker lasagna soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles in slow cooker soup?
Yes, you can! However, they tend to cook faster than regular lasagna noodles, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming too soft. You might want to add them later in the cooking process.
How long does lasagna soup take in a crockpot?
Lasagna soup typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in a crockpot. However, cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for noodle tenderness around the minimum time.
Can I freeze slow cooker lasagna soup?
Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I substitute for ricotta in lasagna soup recipe slow cooker?
If you’re looking for a substitute for ricotta, you can try cottage cheese, which has a similar texture and flavor. You can also use a dollop of cream cheese or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a vegan option.
Is lasagna soup better with ground beef or Italian sausage?
It’s a matter of personal preference! Ground beef provides a classic, savory flavor, while Italian sausage adds a bit of spice and richness. Some people even like to use a combination of both for a more complex flavor profile. Experiment and see what you prefer!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large skillet,
Ingredients
Meat
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage, casing removed
Soup base
- 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 6 oz tomato paste
- crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 8 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add onion and garlic to the slow cooker alongside meat.
- Pour in beef broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and red pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours).
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles and spinach; cover and cook until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in parmesan, then ladle into bowls, topping each with mozzarella and dollops of ricotta.
