Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe: Easy Comfort Food
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but preparing it can take hours. If you’re looking for all the delicious flavors of lasagna with much less effort, Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. This recipe captures the essence of lasagna ground beef, rich tomatoes, tender pasta, and melted cheese but in a soup that’s slow-cooked to perfection.
Cooking this meal in a crockpot makes the process incredibly simple, allowing you to set it and forget it. The slow cooking helps to develop deep, rich flavors that bring out the best in each ingredient. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup will quickly become a favorite.
For more quick and easy soup recipes, be sure to check out the Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe on AllRecipes, which offers another great take on this dish.
Why Slow Cooker Meals Are So Popular
Slow cookers have revolutionized the way many people cook. They allow you to prepare meals in advance, make the most of busy weeknights, and extract maximum flavor from ingredients. With Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you get the added benefit of minimal cleanup and the satisfaction of a wholesome, homemade meal.
Plus, slow-cooked meals tend to taste better the longer they sit, as the flavors meld together. You can also make large batches and save leftovers for future meals. The ease and convenience of slow cooking, combined with the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna, make this soup a winner.
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
To make a classic Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or sausage | 1 pound |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 ounces) |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 ounces) |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Lasagna noodles | 8 noodles, broken into pieces |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan | ½ cup |
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful soup that’s hearty enough to stand on its own. You can adjust the cheese, meat, and seasonings to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For another family-favorite dish using these core ingredients, check out our Country Pork Casserole for a similar comforting meal.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide for preparing Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Brown the meat | In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat. |
| Add to crockpot | Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic mixture to your crockpot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. |
| Cook on low or high | Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. |
| Add the noodles | About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender. |
| Stir in the cheese | Just before serving, stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts into the broth, creating a creamy, rich texture. |
| Serve | Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, shredded Parmesan, or a dollop of ricotta. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. |
This recipe yields about six servings, making it ideal for family dinners or batch cooking. For more easy, comforting recipes like this one, check out our Mexican Bean Casserole.
Popular Variations of Crockpot Lasagna Soup
One of the best things about Crockpot Lasagna Soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Substitute the meat with vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make it completely vegetarian.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final cooking stage for a richer, creamier texture.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace them with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Health Benefits of Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Despite being a hearty comfort food, Crockpot Lasagna Soup can also be nutritious, especially when made with lean meat and plenty of vegetables. Here are a few health benefits:
- High in Protein: The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta provides a good amount of protein to support muscle repair and growth.
- Rich in Fiber: If you add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, this soup can provide a good amount of dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting heart health.
- Customizable for Lower Calories: By using lean ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cheese, and whole-wheat noodles, you can create a lighter, healthier version of this dish.
For more nutritional tips, check out this Healthline article on the benefits of high-protein foods.
FAQs About Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the ground beef with vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
How long does it take to cook?
The soup cooks on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The noodles should be added about 30 minutes before serving to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy noodles, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking, so they retain their texture.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, Crockpot Lasagna Soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for sopping up any extra broth.
- Wine Pairings: A light Italian red like Chianti or a glass of Chardonnay complements the flavors of the soup.
For another comforting meal idea, try our Classic Pot Roast Recipe—perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup combines the best of lasagna and soup, making it a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-prepare meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping meals in advance, this dish offers all the flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot, slow-cooked meal. With endless variations and the ability to customize ingredients, Crockpot Lasagna Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
For more easy, slow-cooked meals, check out our Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.