Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal Made Easy!
Craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Our Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution! This comforting, cheesy soup has all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna but with the convenience of a slow cooker. It’s a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. Add the Ingredients:
To the slow cooker, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the Soup:
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a rich, hearty base for your soup.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked lasagna noodles to the slow cooker, breaking them into smaller pieces. Stir well to ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the soup. Cover and cook for the remaining time until the noodles are tender.
5. Make the Cheese Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a bowl. Set aside.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once the noodles are cooked and the soup is ready, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture, allowing it to melt into the hot soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup:
- Customize your protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different twist.
- Extra vegetables: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the soup for a boost of veggies and extra flavor.
- Use no-boil noodles: If you’re in a pinch, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular ones.
- Make it ahead: This soup is great for meal prep! Make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Make it creamy: For a richer texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup:
- Convenient and Easy: This soup is incredibly easy to prepare and cooks itself while you go about your day.
- Comforting and Hearty: Packed with rich tomato flavor, gooey cheese, and tender noodles, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences—add more cheese, spice it up, or throw in your favorite veggies.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup reheats wonderfully and even gets better after a day or two!
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