Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the beloved elements of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup. This recipe allows you to enjoy the rich, savory flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Instead, you simply let your slow cooker work its magic, resulting in a warm, delicious meal that resonates with home-cooked goodness.
Why We Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for busy kitchens! The combination of ground beef, sausage, and a medley of spices creates a rich, satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. You can throw everything into your slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delectable meal that the whole family will love. The best part is that it combines all of the classic flavors of lasagna—without the hassle—making it perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients about Crockpot Lasagna Soup
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Ground Sausage
- 2 Onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 24-ounce jar Marinara Sauce
- 15-ounce can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 10 Uncooked Lasagna Noodles, broken
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (warmed)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional)
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup Directions
To start, you will want to brown the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet. Set your stovetop to medium-high heat and add the chopped onions. Cook the mixture until it is thoroughly browned. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your soup light and healthy.
Season your cooked meat mixture with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This is where the flavors really begin to meld together, creating a delightful base for your soup.
Next, transfer this beautiful mixture into your slow cooker. To enhance the flavor profile, sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, and the bay leaf. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (along with their juice), and tomato paste. This combination is what gives the soup its luscious texture. Then, add the four cups of beef broth—this will serve as the hearty base for your soup.
Now, it’s time to break the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. Stir them into the pot, ensuring they get submerged in all the rich flavors. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to fully develop and the noodles to cook perfectly.
When your timer goes off, remove the bay leaf and check the consistency of the soup. It should be thick and hearty. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, warmed heavy cream, and the remaining black pepper until smooth. This mixture will add a creamy accent to your soup.
Serve your delicious soup in bowls and add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top. To give it that ooey-gooey touch, sprinkle shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top. For a fresh twist, you can optionally add a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving. The zesty note will brighten the dish and elevate its overall flavor.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Serving your Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a simple yet delightful experience. Ladle the hot soup directly into sturdy bowls that can hold the hearty contents well. The thick soup should be topped off with the creamy ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of both shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for that indulgent touch that resembles lasagna.
To enhance the experience further, consider pairing the soup with crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad. This combination not only brings balance to the meal but also allows you to enjoy every spoonful of this comforting dish. Present your soup hot, and don’t forget to keep some extra cheese on the table for those who like to add a little more decadence to their dish.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Quality Ingredients Matter – The foundation of your soup depends on the ingredients. Use high-quality marinara sauce and fresh spices for the best flavor. Local markets often have homemade sauces that can elevate your dish significantly.
- Brown the Meat Well – Browning the ground beef and sausage well not only enhances flavor but also helps in developing a rich texture in your soup.
- Adjust Seasonings – Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add some crushed red pepper for extra kick.
- Texture Control – If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth or allow it to cook longer with the lid off towards the end of cooking to let some steam escape.
- Cheese Variations – If you’re not a fan of ricotta, consider using cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Storing your Crockpot Lasagna Soup is quick and easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain even heat distribution.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove or microwave until warm.
Variation of Crockpot Lasagna Soup
There are plenty of ways to put your spin on this delicious recipe! For a veggie-packed version, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the soup. These veggies can easily join the slow cooker during the cooking process, allowing them to soften while infusing their flavor into the broth.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since gluten-free noodles can cook more quickly than traditional ones. And if you want to boost the protein content, consider adding in some white beans or swapping out ground meat for cooked lentils as a vegetarian alternative.
For an even creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream right at the end before serving. This can elevate the texture to a whole new level of richness.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a delicious slow-cooked dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting, hearty soup format. It is perfect for busy families looking for an easy yet satisfying meal.
How long does it take to prepare Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Preparation takes about 20-30 minutes, while cooking can take up to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in a crockpot.
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef and sausage, you can experiment with other meats such as ground turkey or chicken, or even make it vegetarian by using lentils or beans.
What can I serve with Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, a side salad, or even some warm, cheesy breadsticks for a complete meal.
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it. Just mix everything in the slow cooker and let it cook when you’re ready for dinner.
Enjoy your time in the kitchen and the wonderful flavors that this Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings to your table!
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Ground Sausage
- 2 Onions chopped
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 5 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Sauces and Liquids
- 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce
- 15 ounce can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Beef Broth
Noodles and Dairy
- 10 pieces Uncooked Lasagna Noodles broken
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (warmed)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper additional
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat with the chopped onions until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season the meat mixture with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker and add garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste.
- Add the beef broth and stir well.
Cooking
- Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the pot.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours.
- When done, remove the bay leaf and check the consistency.
Serving
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, warmed heavy cream, and remaining black pepper until smooth.
- Serve the soup in bowls and add a dollop of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Sprinkle shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Optionally, add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.
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