This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the tasty goodness of lasagna in a cozy soup form. With pasta, cheese, and ground meat simmered together, it’s a delightful meal!
Honestly, who can resist cheesy goodness served in a bowl? I love how simple it is to toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do its magic while I kick back and relax!
Making this soup is a breeze—you just layer everything and let it cook. Plus, it warms you up and fills you up, perfect for chilly days. Grab some bread, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or even turkey for a leaner option. I often switch to turkey for a healthier twist—just remember, it may not be as rich in flavor.
Onion and Garlic: A small onion adds great flavor. If you’re in a hurry, dried onion or shallots are fine. For garlic, feel free to use garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) if you’re out of fresh.
Marinara Sauce: Any marinara or spaghetti sauce works. If you need a lighter option, try a vegetable-based sauce. I love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Broth: Beef broth gives a hearty taste, but chicken broth or vegetable broth is great too, especially for a lighter flavor. Homemade stock boosts the taste if you have some on hand!
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These make things easy, but you can substitute them with regular lasagna noodles—just cook them slightly before adding.
How Can I Perfectly Cook the Noodles in the Soup?
Add the broken lasagna noodles about 30 minutes before serving. This way, they don’t get mushy. Just stir them in and cover the crockpot to allow steam to do the work. Keep an eye on them; you want them tender but still with a bite. This technique helps them soak up all those delicious flavors!
Lastly, when you stir in the ricotta, it adds creaminess and helps bind everything without overwhelming the soup. Enjoy your comfy bowl of lasagna soup!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 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 20 minutes for prep and approximately 6-7 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir often until the meat is browned and cooked through. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep it nice and light!
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer that tasty meat mixture over to your crockpot. Now, add in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine!
3. Let It Cook:
Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Stir them into the soup, cover again, and let them cook until they’re tender. You’ll love how they soak up all those delicious flavors!
5. Stir in the Ricotta:
Just before you serve, stir in the ricotta cheese. This will add a creamy texture that everyone will enjoy!
6. Serve It Up:
Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Optional: Refresh it with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch.
7. Enjoy:
Serve hot, ideally with crusty garlic bread or rolls. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness with your family or friends!
There you have it, a simple and delicious way to enjoy lasagna in a cozy soup form. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just keep in mind it may be a bit less flavorful, so consider seasoning it a little more or adding some extra herbs!
What If I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
If you don’t have no-boil noodles, you can use regular lasagna noodles instead. Just break them into pieces and cook them slightly in boiling water before adding them to the soup for best results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water to keep the soup from getting too thick!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Just omit the meat and replace the beef or chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture!
