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Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
To make this rich, hearty soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter option)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or your choice of meat) until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This adds extra flavor to the soup base.
Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Combine the ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic into the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The soup will cook down and become thick, rich, and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before the soup is done cooking. Stir the noodles into the soup and continue to cook for the remaining time. This will give the noodles enough time to soften and absorb all the flavors.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
- Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The ricotta and mozzarella will melt into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture that mimics the cheesy layers of traditional lasagna.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra herbs as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Lasagna noodles will continue to soften as they sit in the soup, so add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Make It Veggie-Friendly: For a more vegetable-forward soup, you can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the soup base. These veggies pair well with the hearty meat and cheese and add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hold back! You can add more mozzarella, ricotta, or even a bit of provolone or Gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Use a Combo of Meats: You can use ground beef and Italian sausage for a flavor-packed combination. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup brings all the comfort of lasagna without the layers and oven time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, creating a rich, savory soup that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The combination of tender noodles, ground meat, and gooey cheese creates a filling, satisfying bowl of goodness that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight, since you can prep everything in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work. The delicious aroma that fills your home while it simmers is the cherry on top. Plus, it’s a fantastic dish to serve when hosting friends or family, as it’s easy to make in large batches and can be kept warm for hours.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl
If you love lasagna but don’t have the time or energy to assemble and bake it, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. It’s everything you love about lasagna—pasta, meat, marinara, and cheese—served in a comforting soup form that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
So, grab your slow cooker and start cooking this comforting, cheesy soup today. You’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can deliver so much flavor and warmth. Enjoy!
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