Crock Pot Lasagna Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: crock pot lasagna soup. I can practically smell it now! The aroma of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs wafting through the house… it’s pure magic.

I remember the first time I made this crock pot lasagna soup. It was a weeknight, and I was dreading dinner. You know those days? The kids were being, well, kids, and I had zero energy to make a complicated meal. I stumbled upon a recipe online, tweaked it to my liking, and threw everything into my trusty crock pot. Honestly? I didn’t have high hopes. But, oh my goodness, was I wrong! When we ladled that first spoonful into our bowls, the whole family went silent… then, sighs of contentment. It was like lasagna, but in a cozy, slurpable soup form. A total game-changer!

Now, I’ll admit, my first attempt wasn’t perfect. I used too much water, and it ended up a little bland. We’ve all been there, right? But that’s the beauty of cooking – learning from your mistakes and perfecting your recipes. Since then, I’ve tweaked and refined my crock pot lasagna soup recipe, and it’s become a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. And cleanup? A breeze!

This crock pot lasagna soup fits perfectly into my life. I can prep it in the morning before the school rush, and by dinnertime, a warm, comforting meal is ready to go. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies, which, let’s be honest, is always a win with the kiddos.

Honestly? It’s a hug in a bowl. And who doesn’t need a hug these days? Trust me, once you try this crock pot lasagna soup, it will become a family favorite in your house too.

INGREDIENTS

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious crock pot lasagna soup. Don’t worry; I’ll share my little secrets along the way!

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• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: I personally love using Italian sausage for a bit of extra flavor, but ground beef works just as well. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works fine. I sometimes use a sweet onion if I have one on hand, it adds a nice touch.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: I’m a garlic lover, so I sometimes add an extra clove or two. Don’t be shy!
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: I always use crushed tomatoes for my crock pot lasagna soup because they provide a nice, thick base.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Tomato sauce adds richness and depth of flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth: You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. I like beef broth for its heartiness.
• 1 (15 ounce) can ricotta cheese: I always use whole milk ricotta for the best texture and flavor in my crock pot lasagna soup.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Feel free to use more if you’re a cheese fanatic like me!
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, savory note that complements the other cheeses.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that’s essential for lasagna flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of sweetness and freshness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best, in my opinion.
• 9 lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces: This is key! Breaking the noodles before adding them to the crock pot prevents them from sticking together and ensures they cook evenly. Check out All About Lasagna Noodles to learn more about lasagna noodles.
• Optional: 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers): This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. I often add spinach because the kids don’t even notice it!

Shopping Tips:

When making crock pot lasagna soup, I like to buy my canned tomatoes in bulk when they’re on sale. They last forever, and it’s always good to have them on hand. You can usually find good deals on cheese at your local warehouse store.

Kitchen Wisdom:

Here’s a crock pot lasagna soup trick I learned from my mom: brown the ground beef or sausage before adding it to the crock pot. This helps to develop the flavor and prevent the soup from being greasy.

Ingredient Prep Shortcuts:

To save time, I often buy pre-chopped onions and garlic. It’s a little more expensive, but it’s worth it on busy weeknights.

Cost-Saving Tips:

Using less meat and loading up on veggies is a great way to save money on this recipe.

Storage Tips:

Leftover crock pot lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well!

HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this amazing crock pot lasagna soup, step by step. Don’t worry, it’s super easy!

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1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. I learned the hard way with crock pot lasagna soup that skipping this step results in a greasy soup. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Your crock pot lasagna soup should smell heavenly already!
3. Combine ingredients in the crock pot: Transfer the browned meat, onion, and garlic to your crock pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the crock pot. Stir to make sure they are submerged in the liquid. Don’t worry if your crock pot lasagna soup seems a little watery at this point; the noodles will absorb some of the liquid as they cook.
5. Cook on low: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In my kitchen, crock pot lasagna soup usually takes about 7 hours on low. But every crock pot is different, so keep an eye on it. Make sure noodles are cooked to desired texture.
6. Stir in the cheeses: Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and heated through. This is where the magic happens! The cheeses add a creamy, decadent texture that takes this crock pot lasagna soup to the next level.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the crock pot lasagna soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a dollop of ricotta cheese, if desired.

Personal Cooking Tip:

While the crock pot lasagna soup is cooking, I like to prep a simple side salad and garlic bread. It makes for a complete and satisfying meal.

Reassuring Note:

If your crock pot lasagna soup is too thick, you can add a little extra beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can cook it for a little longer with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Family-Tested Shortcut:

If you’re really short on time, you can use pre-cooked Italian sausage or ground beef. Just make sure to drain off any excess grease.

Sensory Cues:

Your crock pot lasagna soup should smell like a warm, comforting blend of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and cheese. The noodles should be tender but not mushy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

SERVING

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing crock pot lasagna soup bubbling away. Now, how do you serve it up and make it a real hit? Let me share some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy this dish.

The kids love our crock pot lasagna soup when I top it with a dollop of extra ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. They think it looks fancy, and honestly, it just adds that extra touch of deliciousness.

My go-to side dishes are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, and the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors. Sometimes, I will make Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti for a family gathering and then have the soup the next day.

This crock pot lasagna soup is perfect for so many occasions! It’s great for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck with friends, or even a casual get-together. I’ve even made it for tailgating parties, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

For presentation, I like to ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a dollop of ricotta cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and visual appeal.

If you have extra crock pot lasagna soup, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well! Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

For leftover crock pot lasagna soup, I sometimes turn it into a lasagna dip! I just heat it up in a baking dish, top it with extra mozzarella cheese, and bake it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.

I’ve experimented with a few seasonal variations. In the fall, I like to add butternut squash or pumpkin puree to the soup for a warm, comforting twist. In the summer, I add zucchini or yellow squash for a lighter, more refreshing flavor.

My friends always ask for this crock pot lasagna soup recipe whenever I make it. They love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

FAQs

Alright, let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about this fabulous crock pot lasagna soup. I’ve heard them all, so let’s get you feeling confident!

1. Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! You can easily make this a vegetarian lasagna soup. Just omit the ground beef or Italian sausage and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. I often add lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
2. Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, you can use other types of pasta, but lasagna noodles work best because they hold their shape well in the crock pot. If you use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
3. Can I add other vegetables? Of course! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some popular options include bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and celery.
4. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together? To prevent the noodles from sticking together, make sure to break them into small pieces and stir them well into the soup. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the soup to help prevent sticking. You know what I do when my crock pot lasagna soup is at risk? Toss the noodles with a bit of olive oil first!
5. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just prepare all the ingredients and store them in the crock pot in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply turn on the crock pot and cook according to the instructions.
6. My soup is too thick/thin. What do I do? If your soup is too thick, add a little extra beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, remove the lid from the crock pot and cook for a little longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Feedback about my crock pot lasagna soup is generally that the consistency is spot on!
7. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to mark the bag with the date and recipe name!

My Final Thoughts

This crock pot lasagna soup recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family truly loves. It’s comforting, satisfying, and easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. And honestly? Clean up is a breeze!

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Here are my crock pot lasagna soup Pro Tips:

• Pro Tip 1: Brown the meat! Don’t skip this step. Browning the meat adds so much flavor and prevents the soup from being greasy.
• Pro Tip 2: Break the noodles! This is essential to prevent them from sticking together and ensure they cook evenly.
• Pro Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few different variations of this crock pot lasagna soup.

• Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. My husband loves this version!
• Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese at the end for extra creaminess. This is a decadent treat!
• Vegetable-Packed Lasagna Soup: Load up on the veggies for a healthier and more filling meal. My daughter loves this version because she feels healthy.

I encourage you to make this crock pot lasagna soup your own. Experiment with different ingredients and seasonings until you find the perfect combination for your family’s taste.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this crock pot lasagna soup as much as my family does. It’s a truly special dish that brings us together around the table. And don’t forget to check out my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe for another family favorite!

So, grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of crock pot lasagna soup. Happy cooking!

This easy lasagna soup recipe is sure to be a hit with your family.

Crock Pot Lasagna Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

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This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup has all the flavors of lasagna without all the work! It’s an easy and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Zoubida
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the ground beef mixture to a crock pot.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the lasagna noodles.
7. Serve the soup topped with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.

Notes

For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.