Crockpot Lasagna Soup (Quick & Easy!)
Introduction
Are you in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal that requires minimal effort? Look no further than Crockpot Lasagna Soup! This recipe takes all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a hearty and flavorful soup. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can have a piping hot bowl of lasagna soup waiting for you at the end of a busy day. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish and learn how to make it step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about Crockpot Lasagna Soup. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, this recipe is versatile and customizable. You can easily adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves delicious and fuss-free meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to make ingredient substitutions according to your taste or dietary preferences. For example, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef, or gluten-free lasagna noodles if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir gently to submerge the noodles in the soup.
- Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve the Crockpot Lasagna Soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can cook the lasagna noodles separately according to the package instructions and add them to the soup just before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Crockpot Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time:
- For an extra boost of flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the soup.
- If you’re short on time, you can brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, simply transfer the pre-cooked mixture to the crockpot and continue with the recipe.
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the soup, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future meals.
Variations and Substitutions
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- If you’re vegetarian, you can omit the ground beef and replace it with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute them with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- If you’re a cheese lover, you can add additional types of cheese to the soup, such as ricotta or fontina.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. For example, try adding a pinch of thyme or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with some delicious accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
- Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- A glass of red wine or a fruity iced tea pairs well with the savory notes of the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions for browning the ground beef and sautéing the onion and garlic using the “Sauté” function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release before opening the Instant Pot.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Crockpot Lasagna Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna dish that will warm your soul on chilly days. This recipe offers all the flavors you love in lasagna, but with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy individuals and families who crave a comforting and delicious meal without the hassle. Give it a try and let the rich aromas and flavors transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. Don’t forget to share your lasagna soup adventures with us!
Crockpot Lasagna Soup (quick & easy!)
Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a hearty and flavorful soup. With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a piping hot bowl of lasagna soup with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
-
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot.
-
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
-
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
-
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir gently to submerge the noodles in the soup.
-
Cover the crockpot again and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, about 30 minutes.
-
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
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Serve the Crockpot Lasagna Soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
