LASAGNA SOUP: SET & FORGET

Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of lasagna, but without all the fuss of layering noodles and cheese. That’s the magic of Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup! It’s a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, delivering all the delicious lasagna flavors you love in a warm, satisfying bowl. Get ready to ditch the complicated recipes because we’re about to dive into a simple, foolproof method for creating this family favorite.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this incredibly simple and flavorful Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Don’t be intimidated by the list – most of these are pantry staples!

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the “Lasagna” Component:

• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Dollop of ricotta cheese

Step-by-Step to Lasagna Soup Nirvana

Okay, let’s transform these ingredients into a comforting bowl of Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup! Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think.

Getting Started (The “Prep & Sizzle” Phase):

1. Brown the ground beef (or sausage) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This is where the real flavor starts to build.

Crockpot Assembly (The “Set It & Forget It” Phase):

1. Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture to your slow cooker.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
3. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Noodle Time (The “Almost There” Phase):

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
2. Continue to cook until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them al dente, not mushy.

Ricotta Magic (The “Creamy Dreamy” Phase):

1. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is what gives the soup that classic lasagna feel.

Serving Up Happiness (The “Grand Finale” Phase):

1. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and some fresh basil leaves.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ingredient Swaps and Super Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is incredibly versatile. Here are some swaps you can make:

• Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Or, for a vegetarian option, skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
• Noodles: Any small pasta shape will work in a pinch – penne, rotini, or even ditalini.
• Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, or even a little cream cheese.
• Broth: Chicken broth works great if you don’t have beef broth. Vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian version.
• Tomatoes: If you only have one type of canned tomato, just double the amount.

Tips and Tricks for Ultimate Lasagna Soup

Want to take your Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup to the next level? Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This is crucial! Nobody likes mushy noodles. Add them only in the last 30 minutes of cooking and check them frequently.
• Brown the Meat Well: Browning the meat properly is key to developing rich flavor in the soup. Don’t skimp on this step!
• Add a Splash of Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of red wine to the skillet after browning the meat. Let it simmer for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients to the crockpot.
• Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding a drizzle of pesto, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even some toasted croutons.
• Make it Ahead: You can easily make this soup ahead of time. Simply prepare it as directed, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Slow Cooker Secrets: Mastering the Low & Slow

The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup lies in the slow cooking process. It allows all the flavors to meld together and create a truly rich and comforting dish. Here are a few slow cooker secrets to keep in mind:

• Don’t Overfill Your Crockpot: Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and potentially even a mess. Stick to about 2/3 full.
• Avoid Opening the Lid Too Often: Each time you lift the lid, you release heat, which can prolong the cooking time. Resist the urge to peek!
• Use a Crockpot Liner: For easy cleanup, use a crockpot liner. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Slow cookers can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep an eye on the noodles to ensure they don’t overcook.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Your Soup

While this Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, here are some sides that will complement it perfectly:

• Crusty Bread: For dipping into the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Because garlic bread makes everything better.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic comfort food pairing.

Other Soup Sensations: Expanding Your Culinary Horizons

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Why not try some of these other delicious soups? If you’re craving more Italian inspired goodness, you might like SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP. Craving something with a little more spice? Perhaps MEXICAN STREET CORN SOUP would be more up your alley. Or, if you want to stay with a slow-cooked, comforting classic, you can always try CHICKEN STEW or MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP. For a more simple recipe, CREAMY POTATO SOUP is always a great choice! And of course, for a more in-depth recipe, explore LASAGNA SOUP PERFECTION, which really dives into the best ways to perfect this simple dish.

Storing Your Leftover Lasagna Liquid Gold

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little broth if it’s too thick.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Effortless Lasagna Soup Masterpiece!

So there you have it – Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, a dish that’s both incredibly simple to make and unbelievably delicious. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a comforting, hearty meal that the whole family will love. So go ahead, give it a try! I know you’ll be amazed by how easy and rewarding it is to whip up this lasagna-inspired soup. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Lasagna Soup: Set & Forget Crockpot Recipe

This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup offers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and come home to a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
• Fresh basil leaves for topping

Equipment

• large skillet
• Spatula or spoon
• Slow cooker (crockpot)
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• medium bowl
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture to your slow cooker.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
5. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they’re submerged in the liquid.
8. Continue to cook until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Check for al dente texture.
9. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
11. Top each bowl with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and some fresh basil leaves.
12. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For richer flavor, brown the meat well and consider adding a splash of red wine to the skillet after browning, simmering for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. To avoid mushy noodles, add them only in the last 30 minutes of cooking and check frequently. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef, or use other small pasta shapes if lasagna noodles are unavailable. Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used in place of ricotta if needed. Get creative with your toppings; pesto, extra parmesan, or toasted croutons are great additions.