Warm up with a hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, combining rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta. This comforting dish brings the flavors of classic lasagna to a delightful soup form, making it perfect for cozy nights at home or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this soup promises to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This soup is not just delicious; it offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try!
- Easy Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich, satisfying taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for busy days.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy and comforting dish!
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with all ingredients cooked in one pot.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for easy cooking without constant supervision; great for developing flavors over time.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Soup Base
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
For the Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (12-ounce) package lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Cook until fully cooked and the onion is soft. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes; stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker, pushing them down into the liquid as much as possible. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until noodles are tender. Stir once halfway through cooking if possible.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Once noodles are cooked, stir in ricotta cheese until well combined.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic touch.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a bright flavor and enhances the presentation.
Add Extra Cheese
- Mozzarella: Top each bowl with more shredded mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.
- Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan brings a savory depth to the soup.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping.
- Italian Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks are perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.
Create a Salad Bar
- Mixed Greens Salad: Offer a side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the flavors of lasagna soup beautifully.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent mushy noodles; they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, stir the soup halfway through cooking to evenly distribute ingredients and flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup can enhance the meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables adds variety.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits topped with cheese and garlic complement the rich flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy balance to your meal.
- Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Parmesan and Caesar dressing is always a crowd-pleaser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making slow cooker lasagna soup, small errors can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef and onions can result in a lack of flavor. Always brown them first to enhance the dish’s richness.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking the noodles too long can make them mushy. Add them halfway through cooking for the best texture.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can compromise the overall flavor. Use fresh herbs and good-quality cheese for a better taste.
- Neglecting to Stir Occasionally: Failing to stir during cooking can cause uneven cooking. If possible, give it a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even consistency.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup is best consumed within 2-3 months.
- Leave some space in containers for expansion when freezing.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
Slow cooker lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna but in a hearty soup form. It’s easy to prepare in your slow cooker!
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, swap ground beef for turkey, or use different cheeses based on your preference.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Slow cooker lasagna soup makes an excellent meal prep option since it stores well and retains flavor when reheated.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker lasagna soup offers a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and creamy textures, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist each time you make it!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with a delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, where the rich flavors of classic lasagna come together in a comforting soup. This easy recipe combines seasoned ground beef, zesty marinara sauce, and tender pasta, making it an ideal choice for cozy evenings or family gatherings. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every spoonful topped with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs for an extra touch of comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (12-ounce) package lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion until cooked through. Add garlic and seasonings; stir until fragrant.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add broth and crushed tomatoes; mix well.
- Push broken lasagna noodles into the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until noodles are tender.
- Stir in ricotta cheese until blended before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; garnish with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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