This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With yummy layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a cozy meal for any day.
You just pop everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic! I love how it fills the house with a wonderful smell while I just relax—no need to hover over the stove!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage or Beef: I like using Italian sausage for added flavor, but ground beef works just as well. If you want a lighter option, consider turkey or chicken. For a meat-free version, use lentils or plant-based sausage crumbles.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic are important for the base flavor. If you’re short on time, onion and garlic powder can be good substitutes, though fresh is always best for that aromatic kick!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works fine too. To make it vegetarian, swap it out for vegetable broth. You could even use chicken broth if that’s what you have.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles are super convenient. If you can’t find them, regular noodles work as well, just cook them according to the package before adding them to the soup.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess and richness to the dish. If you want a dairy-free option, look for vegan ricotta, or blend tofu with a bit of lemon juice for a similar texture.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Ingredients?
For maximum flavor, first brown your meat well for a rich taste. Don’t rush this step! Cooking onions and garlic together with the meat helps release their flavors, making a great base for your soup.
- Use a large skillet for even cooking. This allows moisture to escape, making your meat brown nicely.
- Don’t skip the garlic! Add it after browning the meat since burning garlic can make it bitter.
- Taste the mixture before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or pepper can bring everything to life!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and 3-7 hours to cook in the crockpot, depending on whether you choose the low or high setting. It’s perfect for a laid-back cooking day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage (or beef) and cook until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your soup from being greasy!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Next, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the meat. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft. This step adds delicious flavors to your soup!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Once the meat and veggies are ready, transfer everything into the crockpot. It’s time for the main event!
4. Mix in the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth along with the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and a bit of salt and pepper to season. Stir it all together well. Yum!
5. Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let the magic happen while you relax!
6. Add the Lasagna Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the broken lasagna noodles right into the soup. They’ll soak up the flavors and cook to a perfect tenderness.
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for another 25-30 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Check occasionally to give those noodles some love!
8. Mix in the Ricotta:
Before you’re ready to serve, stir in the ricotta cheese for a creamy richness that takes this soup to the next level. It’s going to be so good!
9. Serve it Up:
Ladle portions of the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh herbs if you’d like. This adds a beautiful finishing touch.
10. Enjoy!
Your comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the warm, hearty flavors. Perfect for any day of the week!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can easily swap it for ground beef, turkey, or even a meat-free alternative like lentils or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Just add a splash of broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! If you can’t find no-boil lasagna noodles, you can use regular noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions separately, then add them to the soup just before serving to ensure they don’t become overly soft.
