Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

In my kitchen, this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a staple that never fails to impress. Picture this: a rich, hearty, and comforting bowl of soup that tastes just like your favorite lasagna, but with significantly less fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a dish that warms both your heart and your home. What makes it truly special is how easily it comes together in the slow cooker, allowing all those wonderful flavors to mingle while you focus on your day.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is loaded with benefits that make it a must-try. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply seeking a satisfying meal after a long day, this dish delivers. The best part? You can throw everything into the crock pot and let it do the work for you.

"I made this for my family last Sunday, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds!" – A happy reader.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or 2 hours 15 minutes)
• Servings: 6

Preparing Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

To get started, you’ll follow a few simple steps that will yield a deliciously comforting meal. First, you’ll sauté the meats, then add them to your crock pot with the rest of the ingredients. Finally, let the slow cooker do its magic! Here’s how it all comes together.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to ensure your soup is rich and flavorful:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking. If you prefer a bit more heat, opting for spicy Italian sausage is a great choice!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease to keep your soup light.

2. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Pour the browned meats and sautéed onion and garlic into your crock pot. Add in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.

4. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and gently mix them in.

5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the noodles are tender.

6. Stir in the ricotta cheese until well incorporated and melted throughout the soup. Just before serving, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Serving this lasagna soup is as easy as it is enjoyable! Ladle your warm soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad and some crunchy garlic bread for a truly satisfying meal. A glass of red wine also complements the richness of the soup beautifully!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

To store any leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you wish to freeze it, make sure to store it in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop until heated through, adding a bit of extra broth if needed.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Sautéing First: Browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic adds layers of flavor to your soup. Don’t skip this step!
• Noodle Tip: Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces allows for better distribution in the soup. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for a friendly alternative!
• Flavor Bump: For an extra pop of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the soup just before serving.
• Serving Size: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Creative Twists

Feel free to customize this soup to your liking! Here are some ideas to consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meats with a mix of mushrooms and zucchini for a veggie-packed meal.
• Cheesy Delight: Add extra layers of cheese by stirring in some shredded cheese throughout the cooking process.
• Herbal Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or parsley to give it a fresh finish.

Nutrition Table

Enjoy creating this delicious Crock Pot Lasagna Soup that captures the essence of a classic lasagna in a cozy, comforting bowl!