Description
Warm up your soul with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup—a hearty, spoonable twist on the Italian classic. Imagine tender lasagna noodles swimming in a rich, savory tomato broth, studded with seasoned beef and crowned with melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for chilly nights or busy days when you want a hands-off meal that tastes like love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (28 oz/794g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 8–10 dry lasagna noodles (about 8 oz/227g), broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Set Up the Crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook until tender (25-30 minutes on high). Check occasionally to avoid overcooking.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Ladle soup into bowls, then top each with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and a pinch of fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite sides—garlic bread is a must!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Brown the beef mixture the night before and refrigerate. Dump it into the crockpot with the liquids in the morning for an even easier start.
- Substitutions: Swap beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage, or go vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms.
- Noodle Tip: If planning leftovers, cook noodles separately and add them to individual servings to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high) + 30 minutes for noodles
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 375g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg (varies with broth and cheese)
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg