Hearty Homemade Lasagna Soup in a Crockpot
Lasagna is a beloved dish that many people enjoy, but making it from scratch can be a labor of love. That’s why this lasagna soup recipe is a game changer! It brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup, and the best part? You can make it effortlessly in your crockpot! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: Just toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful: Each bowl is packed with rich tomato sauce, savory herbs, and melty cheese.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
What You’ll Need
This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Total Time:
4-8 hours (depending on cooking method)
Servings:
6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- In the crockpot, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir to combine and cover again to allow the noodles to cook.
- Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until combined.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Lasagna Soup
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- You can use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and make the soup even easier.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna soup pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd!
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if it thickens up.
Final Thoughts
With this hearty homemade lasagna soup made in a crockpot, you can enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal. Gather your family, serve up a bowl, and enjoy the deliciousness!
