This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a warm, hearty dish full of beef, noodles, and cheese goodness! It cooks slowly to let all the flavors blend perfectly.
Who knew lasagna could be so easy? Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love topping mine with extra cheese right before serving—it’s pure comfort! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or crumbled tofu.
Lasagna Noodles: I love using traditional lasagna noodles, but you can swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free versions. You can even use any pasta shape you have on hand—just adjust cooking time as necessary.
Crushed Tomatoes: These provide a rich base to the soup. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce also work well. Just keep an eye on the texture and adjust as needed.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella are must-haves for that cheesy goodness. If you’re out of Parmesan, nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative. For mozzarella, any melty cheese like provolone or cheddar can also be fun to use.
How Do I Brown Ground Beef Properly?
Browning ground beef is key to adding flavor to your soup. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Use a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until hot.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Stir occasionally.
- Cook until fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. By draining excess fat, you keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Don’t rush this step; it allows the meat to develop a nice color and flavor!
Enjoy making your delicious Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup!
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
For The Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Garnish:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 10 minutes for prep, and then you’ll need to let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. After adding the noodles, there’s about 30 minutes of cooking time left. So, in total, expect around 7 hours for low or about 4 hours and 30 minutes for high, which is well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef:
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are softened. This will add a wonderful flavor to your soup!
3. Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into the slow cooker. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes, along with some salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it together.
4. Cooking the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s easy—just let it simmer away while you go about your day!
5. Adding the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your soup, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re fully submerged in the broth and then cover again.
6. Final Touches:
Once the noodles are tender (after about 20-30 minutes), stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow it to melt into that savory broth!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle that hearty soup into warm bowls and top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, warm goodness of your lasagna soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will still provide excellent flavor in your soup. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
What Can I Use Instead of Crushed Tomatoes?
If you don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Just keep in mind that diced tomatoes may give a chunkier texture to the soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, and you might need to add a splash of broth to maintain its consistency when reheating.
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply add everything to the slow cooker in the morning; it’ll be ready when you come home for dinner!