This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and cozy dish loaded with ground beef, noodles, and rich tomato flavors. It’s like your favorite lasagna but in a comforting soup form!
The best part? You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work! I love serving this with cheesy garlic bread to soak up all that deliciousness. Yum! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meat or even a plant-based ground beef alternative.
Broth: Beef broth adds a rich flavor, but you can use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you want a different profile or if you are catering to dietary preferences.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you want to reduce dairy, cottage cheese works well as a substitute, or you can omit it entirely for a lighter version.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: If you can’t find these, regular lasagna noodles can be used. Just break them into smaller pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Get the Richest Flavor from the Soup?
The initial browning of the ground beef with onion and garlic is key to building flavor. Don’t rush this step! Make sure the beef is nicely browned, and the onion is softened before moving on.
- Cook beef over medium heat, breaking it apart until it’s fully browned.
- Add garlic and onions towards the end of browning to prevent burning.
- Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet—they’re packed with flavor!
When adding ingredients to the crockpot, make sure to stir well to combine everything. This ensures each noodle picks up flavors. Letting it cook low and slow helps all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then you can let it cook! If you choose to cook it on low, plan for about 6-7 hours, or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a warm meal waiting for you!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your soup light and tasty!
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Next, transfer your delicious beef mixture into a crockpot. Add in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to mix it nicely.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together!
4. Add the Noodles:
Approximately 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broken lasagna noodles into the crockpot and stir well so they are submerged in the soup. Put the lid back on and cook on high until the noodles are tender.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese to add creaminess to your soup. Serve it hot and top each bowl with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and some fresh herbs if you like! Enjoy your hearty and comforting Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works beautifully in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the beef until browned.
How Can I Make This Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with chopped mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and it will be just as hearty and delicious!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the noodles and finish cooking when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
