Savor the flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting bowl with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe. Featuring ground beef, onions, bell peppers, a mix of tomatoes, and a trio of cheeses, it's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy lasagna effortlessly.
Growing up, lasagna was the star of our family gatherings. It was a symbol of love and togetherness, meticulously layered by my grandmother's hands. As I ventured into my own cooking adventures, I yearned to recreate those flavors but often found myself pressed for time. That's when I stumbled upon the concept of Crockpot Lasagna Soup. It was a revelation! This recipe became my go-to for busy weekdays, infusing my kitchen with the aromas of childhood while allowing me the freedom to multitask. It's not just a recipe; it's a nostalgic journey in every spoonful.
Why This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Stand Out:
- Effortless Cooking: This recipe transforms the complex layers of a traditional lasagna into a simple, one-pot meal, perfect for busy cooks.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomatoes, simmered to perfection, creates a deeply satisfying soup.
- Cheesy Goodness: A trio of cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan – melts into the soup, giving you that beloved cheesy lasagna experience.
- Versatile and Adaptable: It's easy to modify with different ingredients or to accommodate dietary restrictions, making it a crowd-pleaser for various tastes.
Ingredients Notes:
Jump into this culinary adventure with some useful tips for your Crockpot Lasagna Soup ingredients!
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier option, but don't shy away from richer cuts for more flavor.
- Onions and Bell Peppers: These veggies add a subtle sweetness and crunch. Feel free to experiment with different colored bell peppers for a vibrant twist.
- Tomatoes: The combination of crushed and diced tomatoes offers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Go for quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: This is your flavor powerhouse. If you have time, try a homemade blend for a more authentic touch.
- Cheeses: The ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella brings the melt, and parmesan rounds it out with a sharp tang. Freshly grated cheese is always best!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!
How To Make The Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
Let's dive into making this scrumptious Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
- Brown the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet until it's nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a deep, meaty flavor.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Move the browned beef into your crockpot. This will be the base for your soup.
- Add Veggies and Tomatoes: Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and both types of tomatoes. These ingredients will meld together to create a rich, tomatoey base.
- Season: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, adding layers of herby flavor.
- Pour in Beef Broth: The broth not only adds liquid but also contributes to the overall savoriness of the soup.
- Cooking Time: Set your crockpot to cook. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and blend beautifully.
- Noodle Time: Breaking the lasagna noodles into the soup transforms it into a true lasagna experience.
- Final Cooking Phase: A short, high-heat phase cooks the noodles perfectly.
- Serve with Cheeses: Each bowl gets a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan, creating a cheesy, delightful topping.
Storage Options:
After enjoying your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you'll likely have leftovers, which is great news! This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and delicious meal. If you're thinking longer-term, freeze the soup in airtight containers. It keeps well for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat for a taste that's as good as fresh!
Variations and Substitutions:
Customize your Crockpot Lasagna Soup to suit your palate or pantry!
- Meat Variations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or a meat substitute.
- Veggie Mix-Up: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for an extra veggie punch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for a new flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- One pound of ground beef
- Half an onion finely diced
- One red bell pepper finely diced
- One 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes
- One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- One teaspoon of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
- Four cups of beef broth
- Twelve ounces of lasagna noodles
- Half a cup of ricotta cheese
- One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- One cup of shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, ensure to drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the crockpot. Follow this by pouring in both the crushed and diced tomatoes.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and Italian Seasoning, evenly distributing them throughout the mixture.
- Carefully pour in the beef broth, ensuring it blends well with the other ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on a low heat setting for 6-8 hours, or alternatively, on a high heat setting for 3-4 hours.
- After the cooking period, remove the lid of the crockpot. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, adding them directly into the crockpot. Ensure all smaller pieces also fall into the mixture.
- Replace the cover and continue cooking on a high heat setting for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are thoroughly cooked.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, followed by a generous handful of both mozzarella and shredded parmesan cheese.
