Indulge in the comforting flavors of lasagna without all the prep work with this easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and a medley of three cheeses, offering the classic lasagna taste in a more convenient, one-pot form. Perfect for busy days, it’s an effortless yet satisfying meal for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: Enjoy all the cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagna without the layers and lengthy baking process.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in your slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfectly Cozy & Comforting: A bowl of warm, Italian-inspired soup, perfect for chilly nights.
- Customizable: Make it your own by swapping out the meat, adjusting the spice level, or using your favorite pasta.
- Cheesy & Creamy Finish: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan melt together to create the rich, lasagna-inspired taste you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version or a richer cut for more flavor.
- Onions & Bell Peppers: These add a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture.
- Tomatoes: A blend of crushed and diced tomatoes gives the soup depth and texture. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan bring the cheesy lasagna goodness to every bite. Freshly grated cheese works best!
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. This step enhances the rich, meaty flavor.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Add the browned beef to your crockpot, forming the base of your soup.
- Add Veggies and Tomatoes: Toss in diced onions, bell peppers, and both crushed and diced tomatoes to create a flavorful tomato base.
- Season: Stir in Italian seasoning for a burst of herbal flavor.
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth to create a savory, rich broth for the soup.
- Slow Cook: Set your crockpot to cook and let the flavors meld together. Slow cooking allows everything to combine beautifully.
- Add Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the soup. This creates that lasagna feel without the layers.
- Final Touches: Cook the noodles on high heat for about 30-45 minutes, ensuring they are tender and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Serve with Cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of ricotta, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep pasta separate if possible to avoid it soaking up too much broth.
- Freeze: Freeze the soup (without pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Meat: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken, or make it vegetarian with mushrooms and other veggies.
- Pasta: Use rotini, penne, or gluten-free pasta. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles.
- Cheese: If you prefer, use ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, or provolone.
- Broth & Sauce: Substitute chicken or vegetable broth and try fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Spices: Add red pepper flakes for heat, or enhance with basil, oregano, or extra Italian seasoning.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe:
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease and transfer to the crockpot.
- Add Veggies & Tomatoes: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot.
- Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with a scoop of ricotta cheese, followed by mozzarella and parmesan.
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup offers the same rich, cheesy flavor of lasagna, with the convenience of a slow cooker and minimal prep time. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving a comforting, Italian-inspired dish!