Let me tell you about this incredible lasagna soup crockpot that’s become my go-to comfort food! Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of savory beef and Italian herbs filling the kitchen, and a bubbling pot of goodness waiting for you. The beauty of making it in a crockpot is that you can toss everything in, forget about it for a few hours, and then come back to a warm, hearty meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s one of those recipes that wraps you in a cozy hug, perfect for family gatherings or just a quiet night in. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, stirring until the onion is translucent and the beef is nicely browned. This step is key for developing flavor, so don’t rush it!
- Once the meat is cooked, transfer the entire mixture into your crockpot. Make sure to scrape all those delicious bits from the skillet—they add so much depth to the soup!
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with some salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine everything evenly.
- Now, it’s time to set your crockpot! Cook on low for about 6 hours. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- After 6 hours, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. The noodles will soak up that rich broth and become perfectly tender. Just keep an eye on it, so they don’t overcook!
- Finally, when you’re ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous scoop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The cheese will melt slightly and create a creamy finish that you’ll absolutely love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to prepare—just brown the meat, toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the work for you!
- Cleanup is a breeze since you only need the skillet and the crockpot; no endless pots and pans to wash!
- The flavors are absolutely incredible, with rich beef, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheese coming together in perfect harmony.
- This hearty soup is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, bringing everyone together around the table.
- It’s a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out—ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a little extra love.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep!
Tips for Success
- Browning the meat: Don’t skip this step! Browning the ground beef with the onion and garlic not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nice depth to the soup. Make sure the meat is cooked through and nicely caramelized for the best results.
- Adjusting seasonings: Taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to suit your taste. If you love a little heat, you might even add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
- Cooking the noodles: Keep an eye on those lasagna noodles! They can go from perfectly tender to mushy if cooked too long. Adding them in the last 30 minutes keeps them just right, soaking up all that amazing broth without losing their shape.
- Adding veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider tossing in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers when you add the broth. They’ll cook down beautifully and blend right into the soup!
- Cheese options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! I love using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for an extra cheesy vibe. And don’t be shy with the ricotta—generously dollop it on top for that creamy finish!
Variations
- Ground turkey: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option that still packs a punch of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy the same comforting dish with fewer calories!
- Vegetable-packed: Add in some chopped spinach, zucchini, or even carrots for a boost of nutrition. Toss them in right before the noodles to let them cook down without losing their texture.
- Cheese blends: Get creative with your cheese! Try a combination of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor profile, or mix in some Parmesan for a nutty twist. The more cheese, the better, right?
- Spicy kick: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you mix in the broth. It’ll give your lasagna soup a delightful kick that’ll warm you right up!
- Herb variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Sprinkle some in right before serving for a fresh burst of flavor that complements the rich soup beautifully.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover lasagna soup crockpot is super simple! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, and it’ll last for up to 3 months.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a little thick, you can add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
And don’t forget to top it off with a little extra ricotta or mozzarella when you serve it again—it makes all the difference! Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values per serving of this delightful lasagna soup crockpot. Keep in mind these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty soup not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a balanced meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy every delicious bite knowing you’ve got a comforting dish packed with flavor and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Absolutely! Freezing lasagna soup is a great way to save it for later. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I adjust the recipe for smaller servings?
If you’re looking to make a smaller batch, you can easily halve the ingredients. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; it might be a little shorter, so start checking for doneness around 5 hours if you’re cooking on low.
What should I serve with lasagna soup?
I love serving this hearty soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a lovely touch, too! And don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine to elevate the meal.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! You can swap the ground beef for a mix of mushrooms or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully meat-free.
How spicy is this lasagna soup?
The soup itself is not spicy, but you can easily add some heat! If you enjoy a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when you mix in the broth. Adjust it to your taste and enjoy the warmth!
Can I use store-bought sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Sure! If you’re in a pinch, using a jar of store-bought marinara or pizza sauce can work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since some sauces can be saltier or sweeter than plain crushed tomatoes.
Lasagna Soup Crockpot: 6 Steps to Comforting Warmth
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A hearty lasagna soup made in a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
- Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Serve with ricotta and mozzarella on top.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add vegetables for more nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 400
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna, soup, crockpot
