This easy lasagna soup has all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss! Just toss everything into a crockpot and let it cook slowly.
The layered goodness of pasta, cheese, and sauce makes this dish hard to resist. On chilly days, it’s my go-to comfort food. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds great flavor, but you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian choice, try using sautéed veggies like mushrooms or lentils.
Marinara Sauce: Any jar of marinara will work. If you’re low on time, a jar of spaghetti sauce will do. You can also make your own from canned tomatoes for more control over spices.
Diced Tomatoes: These bring acidity to balance the soup. If you want a spicier kick, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead!
Lasagna Noodles: You can use any pasta. Broken rigatoni or penne make good substitutes if you can’t find lasagna noodles.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are ideal, but you could replace ricotta with cottage cheese. For lactose-free options, use dairy-free alternatives to these cheeses.
How Do I Make Sure My Lasagna Noodles Cook Perfectly in the Slow Cooker?
The key to getting your noodles just right is timing! You want them tender without turning mushy. Here’s a straightforward approach:
- **Wait until the end:** Add the broken noodles about 30 minutes before you plan to serve the soup. This ensures they cook just right.
- **Stir gently:** After adding the noodles, stir them carefully to mix without breaking them too much.
- **Check for doneness:** Sample a noodle after 20 minutes to see if it’s cooked to your liking. Adjust the time based on your crockpot’s heat.
Following these tips will give you a delightful lasagna soup with perfectly cooked noodles every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles or broken lasagna pasta sheets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, then you’ll let the crockpot do the work for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Once the cooking is done, it takes just a few more minutes to add the noodles and serve! Overall, it’s around 7 to 8 hours for a comforting meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft. Once everything is cooked, drain off any excess fat.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Pour the cooked beef, onion, and garlic into your crockpot. It’s the base of your delicious soup!
3. Add the Sauces and Spices:
Now, add the marinara sauce, the can of diced tomatoes (including its juices), and the beef broth to the crockpot. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. Give it a good stir to mix everything together well.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook! Set it to low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors meld together wonderfully!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the soup. Cover and let them cook until they are tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
6. Season to Taste:
Once the noodles are all soft and perfect, add salt and pepper according to your taste! Give it a final stir.
7. Serve It Up:
When you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a dash of Parmesan cheese. Yum!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you want, add fresh basil or parsley on top for a lovely touch. Now, enjoy every gooey, cheesy spoonful of your lasagna soup!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lower-fat alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions for adding it to the skillet.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese or prefer a lighter option, cottage cheese is an excellent substitute. You could also skip it entirely or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit your dietary needs.
