Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite, perfect for busy days when you want rich flavors without much fuss. This hearty soup combines all the delicious elements of lasagna in an easy-to-make, cozy bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 cups beef broth
• 12 oz lasagna noodles
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Transfer the browned ground beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
3. Step 3: Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the crockpot, followed by both the crushed and diced tomatoes.
4. Step 4: Incorporate the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
5. Step 5: Carefully pour in the beef broth, blending it well with the other ingredients.
6. Step 6: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Step 7: After the cooking period, remove the lid and break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, adding them directly into the crockpot. Ensure all smaller pieces fall into the mixture.
8. Step 8: Replace the cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are thoroughly cooked.
9. Step 9: To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, followed by a generous handful of both mozzarella and shredded Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of red wine when browning the beef.
• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add chopped fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for a fresh finish.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the beef broth by half or simmer uncovered at the end to thicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this soup without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer all ingredients except the noodles in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, then add broken noodles and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

What type of lasagna noodles work best?

Regular dry lasagna noodles work well for this recipe. Breaking them into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly within the soup. No-boil noodles can also be used, but check cooking time as they may soften faster.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-make soup form. Ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning simmer to perfection in a slow cooker, then lasagna noodles are added towards the end for the perfect texture. Topped with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this soup is a delightful, cozy meal ideal for busy days or family dinners.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high plus 30-45 minutes for noodles
• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ onion, finely diced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

Tomatoes and Broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 cups beef broth

Lasagna and Cheese

• 12 oz lasagna noodles
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess grease to ensure a less oily soup base.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned ground beef into a 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot to begin building the soup.
3. Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in both the canned petite diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes, spreading ingredients evenly.
4. Season the Soup: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning thoroughly to distribute the flavors throughout the soup.
5. Add Broth: Carefully pour in the beef broth and mix all ingredients well to combine.
6. Cook on Slow Setting: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and let the soup cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Add Lasagna Noodles: After the initial cook, remove the lid and break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them directly into the crockpot, ensuring smaller pieces fall in as well.
8. Cook Noodles: Replace the lid and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for extra creamy, cheesy goodness.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can cook the noodles separately and add only as much broth as desired.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish adds vibrant color and flavor.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, lasagna soup, crockpot soup, Italian soup, slow cooker recipes, cheesy soup