This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a cozy meal that combines all the flavors of lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. With rich meat, tasty tomatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best!
Cooking this soup in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it! I love coming home to a delicious aroma and a simple meal ready to enjoy with some crusty bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works perfectly in this soup. If you want a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, swap out the meat for lentils or mushrooms for a rich flavor.
Broth: Beef broth gives the soup depth. If you’re avoiding beef, chicken or vegetable broth is a great alternative. Just make sure to check the sodium level if you’re watching your salt intake!
Tinned Tomatoes: Crushed and diced tomatoes add great texture and flavor. If fresh tomatoes are available, you can use them too; just chop them up. For a sweeter soup, add a little sugar to balance the acidity.
Pasta: I use regular lasagna noodles, but you can easily replace them with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just remember to break them into smaller pieces for better cooking in the soup.
Cheese: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan brings creaminess and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter soup.
How Can I Ensure My Noodles Are Perfectly Cooked in the Soup?
Cooking the noodles perfectly can be tricky in a slow cooker. Here are some tips:
- Wait to add them until the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they won’t overcook and become mushy.
- Break the noodles into smaller pieces to help them cook evenly and make it easier to eat.
- Stir the noodles gently when you add them to avoid clumping and ensure they get a nice soak in the tasty broth.
With these steps, your noodles will be just right, adding the perfect lasagna texture to your soup!
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (or broken wide egg noodles)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. You’ll need about 30 minutes at the end to cook the noodles, so plan for a total of 3.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on your cooking time preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is nicely cooked and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it smells wonderful!
2. Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Once the meat and onion mixture is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine—this is where all the flavors start to come together!
3. Cooking Time:
Now, cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This gentle cooking will let all the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Adding the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir them into the soup, cover again, and keep cooking on high for 25-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and delicious.
5. Mixing the Cheese:
While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This will make a creamy topping that adds extra flavor.
6. Serving it Up:
When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each serving. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a lovely touch!
7. Enjoy with Sides:
Serve this hearty soup hot with crusty bread or alongside a side salad. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to please!
This soup beautifully captures the flavors of traditional lasagna while being easy to prepare in a slow cooker. Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner version of this soup. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll still get a deliciously hearty meal!
What If I Can’t Find Broken Lasagna Noodles?
No problem! You can use any small pasta shape like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente by checking it 5-10 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein. Also, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep all the flavors intact!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup. Enjoy!
