Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Description

Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy, cozy bowl with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup! With its rich tomato broth, tender beef, broken lasagna noodles, and cheesy goodness, this dish offers the perfect balance of hearty and comforting. No layering, no baking—just a hands-off, delicious way to satisfy your lasagna cravings.

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 lasagna noodles, broken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:
1. Brown ground beef, drain fat. Transfer to Crockpot.
2. Add onion, broth, tomatoes, garlic powder, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook low 6-7 hrs or high 3-4 hrs.
4. Add noodles, cook 20-30 min.
5. Serve with ricotta, mozzarella, and basil.

Prep Time: 20 min
Kcal: 400 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup every time.

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy soup.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: Transfer the drained beef to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Add the Noodles: About 20-30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces and stir them into the hot soup. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta and half of the mozzarella cheese in a small bowl. This creates a creamy, rich topping.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your soup bowl with these simple ideas. Serve the hot soup in deep bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and fresh basil. For a complete meal, pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

How-to Summary

This hands-off recipe simplifies lasagna. Brown beef, combine all soup ingredients (except noodles and cheeses) in a slow cooker, and cook for 3-7 hours. Add broken lasagna noodles 30 minutes before serving. Finish each bowl with a creamy cheese blend and fresh basil.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Any short pasta like mafalda, rotini, or shells works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions for al dente.
• How can I make this soup ahead of time? Prepare the soup base (through step 3) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove, then proceed with adding the noodles.
• Is it possible to make this vegetarian? Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based crumble or a cup of rinsed brown lentils, and use vegetable broth.
• Why are my noodles mushy? This happens if they cook too long. Always add them in the last 20-30 minutes and avoid overcooking on high heat.
• Can I freeze the leftovers? The soup base freezes well, but pasta does not. For best results, freeze before adding noodles, or be prepared for very soft pasta upon reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Draining the Beef: Skipping this step will make the soup overly greasy.
• Adding Noodles Too Early: Adding noodles at the start causes them to disintegrate. They must be a last-minute addition.
• Overcrowding with Cheese in the Pot: Stirring all the cheese into the entire pot can make it clumpy and oily. Always add cheese as a fresh topping per bowl.
• Underseasoning: Slow cookers can mute flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs after the noodles are cooked.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate solution for a comforting, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. It delivers every essential element of baked lasagna in a convenient, spoonable form. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a family-favorite dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy the simplicity and delicious results!