When it comes to comfort food, lasagna is a timeless favorite. Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and hearty meat create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. But let’s face it: traditional lasagna can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Lasagna soup is a deconstructed version of the classic dish that provides all the comforting flavors of lasagna with less effort. And when you make it as a lasagna soup crock pot recipe, it becomes even more effortless. This slow-cooker lasagna soup is the perfect way to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and easy crock pot lasagna soup recipe, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Check out also our blog for Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Why Make Lasagna Soup in a Crock Pot?
Using a crock pot for this recipe takes the stress out of cooking. It allows the flavors to meld together over several hours, creating a rich and flavorful soup that’s ready when you are. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup involved—everything cooks in one pot! Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just want a hassle-free meal, crock pot lasagna soup is the way to go.
Find out also a tasty recipe for Carrot and Lentil Soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lasagna Soup
The beauty of lasagna soup is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here’s a basic list to get you started:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For the Toppings:
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat: Start by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease and transfer the mixture to your crock pot.
2. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors.
3. Slow Cook: Set your crock pot to low and let the soup cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and develop.
4. Add the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crock pot. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid, and let them cook until tender.
5. Prepare the Toppings: While the noodles cook, prepare the toppings. Mix ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper for a creamy dollop. Shred the mozzarella and grate the Parmesan.
6. Serve and Garnish: Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a scoop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil. The combination of hot soup and melty cheese is pure magic!
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or broken-up gluten-free lasagna sheets.
- Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna soup in the crock pot is everything you love about lasagna in a simpler, more approachable form. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. Plus, the crock pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to focus on other things. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting meal, this easy crock pot lasagna soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Want something a little different? Try making chicken lasagna soup crockpot style for a lighter twist! So grab your crock pot and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!