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Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
  • Large skillet for browning meat
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle for serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles broken into pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic for about 1 minute.
  • Assemble the Soup: Add the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and all seasonings. Stir well.
  • Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours.
  • Add the Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue cooking until tender.
  • Finish with Cheese: Before serving, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve each bowl topped with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

  • Use quality cheese. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and adds that stretchy, gooey texture you crave.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles. Add them toward the end so they stay firm and don’t turn mushy.
  • Make it extra creamy. Stir a little ricotta directly into the soup right before serving for a rich, velvety texture.
  • Add a splash of cream. If you like a slightly richer broth, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Meatless Version: Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Chicken Lasagna Soup: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken and substitute chicken broth.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or rice noodles.
  • Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Add extra mozzarella and Parmesan for an even cheesier bite.