This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With noodles, beef, cheese, and rich tomato flavor, it hits the spot on chilly nights.
The best part? You just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the magic. Who wouldn’t want less kitchen time and more couch time? 😄
I love topping my soup with extra cheese and fresh basil. It makes every bite feel special. Perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives this soup its hearty flavor. You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option, or even a plant-based ground substitute for a vegetarian version.
Lasagna Noodles: Definitely use uncooked lasagna noodles for this soup, as they absorb the flavors during cooking. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta shapes or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Cheese: Ricotta is lovely for creaminess, but you can swap it out for cottage cheese if you prefer. For a stronger flavor, consider using goat cheese. As for mozzarella, feel free to incorporate any melty cheese you enjoy!
How Do I Cook Lasagna Noodles in a Crockpot?
Cooking noodles in a slow cooker can be tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it! Here’s what to do:
- Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces so they cook evenly.
- When it’s about 30 minutes before serving, stir the broken noodles directly into the soup. This way, they’ll soak up all the rich flavors.
- Check them after 10-15 minutes to ensure they’re tender. Don’t let them sit too long, or they’ll become mushy!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting lasagna soup takes about 15 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the crockpot. Plus, an extra 30 minutes of cook time for the noodles. Easy as pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Stir it for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your soup isn’t greasy!
2. Season It Up:
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to your beef mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and everything smells amazing.
3. Mix it All Together:
Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together so it’s well combined.
4. Let it Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Relax while your lovely soup simmers away!
5. Don’t Forget the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Give it a good mix and let them cook until they’re tender and delicious!
6. Add the Creaminess:
Just before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese to make it creamy and rich. It makes all the difference!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Yum! Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm, and savor every comforting spoonful of your lasagna soup!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for the beef if you want a lighter option. It will still be delicious, and you can follow the same cooking instructions!
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. For a creamier texture, you could also try heavy cream or cream cheese, adding a bit more richness to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare and store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to add the lasagna noodles until you’re ready to reheat, as they can become too soft if cooked and stored together.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, warm it up on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if needed!
