Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and cheese. With your trusty slow cooker doing the hard work, you can enjoy a rich and hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home. Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen as you savor the aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup recipe stands out for its convenience and flavor. It offers all the deliciousness of a traditional lasagna but in a warm soup form that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to throw everything into the pot and let it simmer until the noodles are tender. With robust ingredients like lean ground beef, flavorful fire-roasted tomatoes, and creamy cheeses, every bowl delivers a comforting taste of home. Plus, it’s an ideal meal for families or gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
To make the mouthwatering Crock Pot Lasagna Soup, gather the following ingredients for an enriching experience.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Directions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions turn translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once done, set the mixture aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the lean ground beef. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your soup light and healthy.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Get your crock pot ready! Add the sautéed onions and garlic along with the browned beef. Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (including the juices) and the low-sodium chicken broth. Toss in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing everything well to combine.
- Add the Noodles: Next, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crock pot. Make sure to stir gently so that the noodles are well immersed in the broth but avoid breaking them too much.
- Set the Temperature: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours. You will know your soup is ready when the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Serve It Up: Once cooked, your soup is ready to enjoy. Serve it hot, topping each bowl with a generous scoop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for that authentic lasagna experience.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Serving your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is as enjoyable as making it. Here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Garnish: Add fresh basil or parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. This will provide not only visual appeal but also a burst of flavor.
- Cheese Aficionados: For cheese lovers, consider serving additional grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on the side. This allows everyone to customize their bowls as they like.
- Accompaniments: Consider pairing your soup with crusty bread or a crisp garden salad. A simple side of garlic bread can complement the dish beautifully, making it even more fulfilling.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, don’t hesitate to reheat and enjoy them. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a hit:
- Meat Choices: While lean ground beef is the classic choice, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner alternative.
- Homemade Stock: For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.
- Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to your soup. Just add them in the last hour of cooking so they maintain their texture.
- Adjusting Thickness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the thickness of the soup. If you like it more brothy, add an extra cup of chicken broth. For a thicker soup, increase the amount of noodles or cheese.
- Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Everyone prefers different levels of seasoning, so feel free to experiment!
How to Store Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Storing your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is straightforward, and it can be kept for several days. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to storage containers.
- Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are also acceptable. Make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the soup may expand when frozen.
- Refrigerator: In the refrigerator, your soup can last about 3-4 days. It’s a great idea for meal prep or leftovers.
- Freezing: If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing the soup. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label and date the containers for easy reference.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Making this dish your own is easy with these fun variations:
- Cheesy Spinach: Add a couple of cups of fresh spinach when you add the noodles for added greens and nutrients.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the ricotta for cottage cheese or use a combination of various cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process to give your soup a spicy boost.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add a unique twist to your classic soup.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so watch them closely.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Lasagna Soup?
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a soup version of traditional lasagna, made with ground beef, noodles, and cheese, all cooked in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook?
You can cook it on low for about 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours, depending on your schedule.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or additional vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I make it creamy?
Adding more ricotta or a splash of heavy cream just before serving can give your soup a heartier and creamier texture.
What sides go well with Crock Pot Lasagna Soup?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a garden salad make excellent sides to this comforting dish.
With these tips and tricks, you are well on your way to mastering the art of Crock Pot Lasagna Soup. Enjoy diving into this hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Base Ingredients
- 28 oz fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth For richer flavor, use homemade stock
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces Can use gluten-free noodles as an alternative
- 1 cup ricotta cheese For a creamier texture, add additional ricotta or heavy cream before serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Can add more for topping
Seasoning
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust seasoning before serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, brown the lean ground beef until fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Cooking
- In the crock pot, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, browned beef, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles carefully, stirring gently to immerse them in the broth.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, topped with a scoop of ricotta and sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
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