Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This hearty soup combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and baking. Simply throw your ingredients into a crockpot, let it simmer, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this easy recipe will become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient Cooking: With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you can set it and forget it.
- Rich Flavor: Packed with all the classic lasagna flavors, this soup is both hearty and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crockpot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart crockpot: Perfect size for making large batches of soup; ensures even cooking.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat before adding to the crockpot; enhances flavor.
Ingredients
For this delicious Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Meat Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
For the Sauces
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
For Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth (1 carton)
For the Noodles and Cheese
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
How to Make Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot
Then place the browned ground beef into a 6-quart crockpot.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Add in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes to enhance flavor.
Step 4: Season It Up
Add in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Pour in Broth
Pour in 4 cups of beef broth to create a rich base for your soup.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 7: Add Noodles
Remove the lid. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces directly over the crockpot to prevent mess. Stir them in gently.
Step 8: Final Cooking
Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes until the noodles are cooked through.
Step 9: Serve
Spoon into bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, along with a handful of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese for that extra creamy finish. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Serving Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is simple and allows for creativity. This delicious soup can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance your meal experience.
Individual Bowls
- Serve each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for added creaminess.
- Sprinkle freshly shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor.
Bread Pairings
- Offer crusty garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch that complements the soup.
- Try serving with warm, buttery breadsticks for a comforting touch.
Salad Additions
- A fresh Caesar salad pairs well, providing a crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
- Consider a simple mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for brightness.
Garnish Options
- Fresh basil leaves can be added as a garnish to bring freshness and color.
- Crushed red pepper flakes offer an option for those who enjoy a little heat.
How to Perfect Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, follow these tips for perfection.
- Brown the beef well: Ensure the ground beef is nicely browned before adding it to the crock pot. This step adds depth of flavor.
- Use quality broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels while still getting rich flavor in your soup.
- Break noodles properly: Break lasagna noodles into small pieces directly over the pot. This method ensures even cooking without clumping.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings if needed, allowing you to customize flavors perfectly.
- Let it sit: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice that complements the flavors in lasagna soup perfectly; serve warm and crispy.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing provides balance; add croutons for extra crunch.
- Parmesan Crisps – These baked cheese snacks add texture and cheesiness; they are simple to make at home.
- Antipasto Platter – Offer an assortment of cured meats, olives, and cheeses; it’s an inviting start to any meal.
- Bruschetta – Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, this appetizer brings freshness that pairs well with warm soup.
- Stuffed Peppers – For a hearty addition, serve stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and ground meat alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown the meat beforehand for added richness.
- Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality canned tomatoes or broth can dull the flavor of your soup. Opt for high-quality ingredients for a more delicious outcome.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Adding noodles too early may result in mushy pasta. Break them into pieces and add them towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Eyeballing the seasonings can throw off the flavor balance. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy in each batch.
- Neglecting Cheese Topping: Forgetting to add cheese at serving can make your soup less creamy and satisfying. Always top with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for that classic lasagna taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup unique?
This recipe combines all the flavors of classic lasagna but simplifies the process by using a crockpot, making it accessible for busy cooks.
Can I customize my Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, use different cheeses, or swap ground beef for turkey or sausage.
How long does it take to cook Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Cooking time varies; on low, it takes about 6-8 hours, while on high it takes about 3-4 hours.
Is Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy a delightful meal with minimal effort!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm comfort of Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, an effortless yet satisfying dish that brings together all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. This hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Simply add your ingredients to a crockpot and let it simmer to create a delicious meal that everyone will rave about. With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, this recipe is bound to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess grease.
- Transfer browned beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
- Add diced onion and red bell pepper.
- Stir in both types of tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with dollops of ricotta cheese and toppings of mozzarella and parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Leave a Comment