WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is an easy and delicious recipe that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting soup form. It is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a big batch and let it cook slowly while you go about your day. The best part is that it is made in one pot, making clean-up a breeze. With its hearty ingredients, this soup is not only filling but also packed with flavor, offering a warm hug in a bowl on chilly days. Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
HOW TO MAKE Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients:
- One pound of ground beef
- Half an onion (finely diced)
- One red bell pepper (finely diced)
- One 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes
- One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- One teaspoon of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Four cups of beef broth
- Twelve ounces of lasagna noodles
- Half a cup of ricotta cheese
- One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- One cup of shredded parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS:
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the beef is cooked thoroughly and no longer pink.
- After browning, drain off any excess grease from the skillet to keep your soup from being too greasy.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Next, add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the crockpot. These veggies will add flavor and a bit of color to your soup.
- Follow this by pouring both the crushed and diced tomatoes into the pot. Both types of tomatoes add a rich flavor to the soup.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, evenly distributing them throughout the mixture. This is what makes the soup taste delicious and aromatic.
- Carefully pour in the beef broth, ensuring it blends well with the other ingredients. The broth is what turns this meal into a cozy soup.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or alternatively, on a high heat setting for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- When the cooking period is nearly over, remove the lid. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly into the crockpot. Mixing them in well ensures they absorb all the yummy flavors as they cook.
- Replace the cover and continue cooking on a high heat setting for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are thoroughly cooked and tender.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, followed by a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
HOW TO SERVE Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is perfect for serving in bowls with plenty of melted cheese on top. For added flavor, you can sprinkle some fresh basil or oregano over the cheese before serving. This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty garlic bread, making for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with a simple side salad for a complete dinner. Don’t forget to have some extra cheese on hand for those who can’t resist a cheesy topping!
HOW TO STORE Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Storing leftover Crockpot Lasagna Soup is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup. In that case, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It should last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.
TIPS TO MAKE Crockpot Lasagna Soup
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Season to Taste: You can always adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or some crushed black pepper.
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Add Veggies: Feel free to sneak in more vegetables! You can add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
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Make It Creamy: For a creamier version of the soup, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half and half just before serving.
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Use Pre-cooked One-Dish Pasta: If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked pasta. Just add it in the last 15 minutes of cooking to heat it through.
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Check for Noodle Doneness: Ensure that the noodles are cooked to your liking. If they are still firm after 45 minutes, give them a little more time but check frequently.
VARIATIONS
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils or beans for protein. Replace the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you have a hearty vegetarian soup.
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Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup: Add a couple of cups of fresh spinach just before serving for added nutrients and flavor. You can also mix in different types of cheeses like cheddar or feta for a unique twist.
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Spicy Italian Sausage: Instead of ground beef, try using spicy Italian sausage for a kick. The sausage will add a different flavor profile and enhance the overall taste of the soup.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together.
2. What can I serve with Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
This soup is great on its own but pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a side of roasted vegetables.
3. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a scrumptious bowl of Crockpot Lasagna Soup any day of the week. It’s a meal that is tasty, filling, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for many households. Enjoy every spoonful!
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked thoroughly and no longer pink.
- Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
- Transfer the browned beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the crockpot.
- Pour the crushed and diced tomatoes into the pot.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the mixture.
- Pour in the beef broth and mix well.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- When cooking is nearly done, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot.
- Replace the cover and continue cooking on high for another 30-45 minutes, until noodles are cooked and tender.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.