Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. This delicious soup features tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, all simmered together in a slow cooker for a meal that’s both convenient and full of flavor. Topped with a dollop of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil, each bowl of this lasagna soup delivers the comforting taste of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors have melded together and the soup is rich and flavorful.
- Add the Pasta:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged in the soup. Cover and continue to cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- Serve:
- Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a delightful and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna with minimal effort. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
