Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, flavorful twist on traditional lasagna.
It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for busy days. Here’s a delicious recipe to try:
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade marinara)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add to Crockpot:
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the crockpot. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Noodles:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender (about 20-30 minutes on high).
5. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or let the soup simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note that the noodles will absorb more liquid as they sit, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Enjoy your comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup! 🍲🧀