Description
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup combines all the hearty flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Featuring ground beef, Italian seasonings, tomatoes, and tender lasagna noodles cooked slowly to meld the tastes perfectly, then finished with a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base of the soup.
- Combine in slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture into the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together properly.
- Add noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, ensuring they absorb the soup’s delicious flavors.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well incorporated, giving the soup its classic creamy lasagna texture.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese for an added savory finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Broken lasagna noodles work best to imitate the texture of lasagna layers in soup form.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.
