Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. This hearty dish combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking. Imagine coming home after a long day to a warm, savory soup that tastes just like lasagna, complete with layers of meat, cheese, and plenty of delicious noodles. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comfort food without the fuss.
Why We Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
One of the best things about this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on other activities. Plus, it feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings. You’ll also appreciate how customizable it is—whether you prefer more vegetables, a different type of cheese, or alternative proteins, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes.
Ingredients about Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- 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 up)
- 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 making this mouthwatering Crockpot Lasagna Soup, first, you’ll need to brown the meat and onions. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage, and cook until browned. As the meat cooks, toss in the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent. Drain the excess fat and season with salt, black pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This adds depth and flavor right at the start.
Next, transfer the browned meat mixture to your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Also, toss in the bay leaf for extra flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and tomato paste. Then, add the beef broth, which will create the wonderfully rich base of the soup.
Now it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles. Just give them a gentle stir to ensure they’re submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set your slow cooker on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to make the cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, warmed heavy cream, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
When you’re ready to serve, remove the bay leaf from the soup and ladle it into bowls. Spoon the creamy ricotta mixture over each serving, then top with shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle a bit of lemon zest on top if you want to add a fresh zing. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Serving Crockpot Lasagna Soup is part of the fun! Grab some deep bowls to allow for generous portions of this hearty soup. Top each serving with a dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and bubbly.
For an added touch, consider garnishing each bowl with fresh basil or parsley to enhance the visual appeal and flavor. Serve your lasagna soup with some crusty bread or garlic breadsticks on the side for a complete and satisfying meal. This combo is perfect for dipping into the delicious broth!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Lasagna Soup
To make the most of your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, keep these expert tips in mind. First, don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe. For a vegetarian version, you can swap the meat for an assortment of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for even cooking. Also, if you prefer a thicker soup, consider reducing the amount of broth you add. On the other hand, if you like it more soupy, you can add an extra cup of broth.
Another great tip is to prepare the soup ahead of time. You can assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and simply plug it in the next day. This makes getting dinner on the table super convenient.
Finally, remember that leftovers can be just as delightful. The flavors of the soup often deepen after a day in the fridge, giving you an even more satisfying meal.
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Storing your Crockpot Lasagna Soup is straightforward! If you have leftovers, cool the soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and avoids any contamination.
You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to switch things up based on your preferences. If you want more greens in your diet, try adding spinach or kale about an hour before the soup finishes cooking. This not only provides nutrition but also adds vibrant color to your dish.
If you’re a fan of different cheeses, consider mixing cream cheese or mozzarella with the ricotta for a richer texture. You can also experiment with different types of broth, such as chicken broth for a lighter taste.
Another delicious variation is to add some sliced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies. For a twist on the flavor profile, you could include some sun-dried tomatoes or pesto as well. These simple changes can take your Crockpot Lasagna Soup to another level!
FAQ
What is Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna in a hearty soup form, complete with meat, cheese, and noodles, all cooked together in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Depending on your slow cooker settings, it typically takes around 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high to finish cooking the soup.
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with your favorite vegetables or even lentils for a filling vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
After cooling, you can store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What can I serve with Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
For a complete meal, consider serving it with garlic bread, a side salad, or crusty bread for dipping.
With these details at your fingertips, you’re more than ready to whip up your own hearty bowl of Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Enjoy each steaming spoonful and the comfort it brings!
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Ground Sausage
- 2 pieces 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) Add if you like a bit of heat.
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf To add extra flavor.
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 15 ounces Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 10 pieces Uncooked Lasagna Noodles, broken Break into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (warmed up)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional) For added freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and sausage, and cook until browned.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Drain the excess fat and season with salt, black pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Cooking
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Add the beef broth and ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and stir gently to submerge.
- Close the lid and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Final Steps
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, warmed heavy cream, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Once cooking time is complete, remove the bay leaf from the soup.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the ricotta mixture and shredded cheeses.
- Optionally sprinkle with lemon zest before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!