Creamy Crockpot Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights 🍲✨
1. Introduction
Are you craving a warm, hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker? Look no further than this lasagna soup recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this crockpot or slow-cooker dish offers a comforting, flavorful experience with minimal effort. With its creamy texture, savory ingredients, and easy-to-make process, lasagna soup is sure to become a family favorite. Discover how to make this delicious pasta dish that balances hearty goodness with simple prep!
2. Ingredients for Creamy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or macaroni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
3. How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup in Your Crockpot
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. This step enhances the flavor of your hearty Italian pasta dish. Transfer cooked meat directly to your crockpot.
Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base
Add chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef or vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine, creating a rich comfort food base.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Set your Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, making this the perfect slow-cooker pasta dish for busy schedules.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer
About 20 minutes before serving, add the pasta directly into the crockpot with the soup. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Make it Creamy and Finish
Stir in ricotta cheese for a \u00a0creamy texture. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and let it melt. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. This step creates the rich, velvety consistency characteristic of lasagna soup.
4. Tips for Storage and Reheating
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and reheat as needed for a quick meal.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve this hearty Italian pasta dish with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For an extra layer of flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking. Feel free to swap out the pasta for gluten-free options or add extra cheese for a cheesier experience.
Looking for a low-carb twist? Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles! This makes the dish suitable for various dietary needs.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Lasagna Soup
Can I make this lasagna soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
How long does it take to prepare?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest, requiring around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire soup in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
What toppings go well with lasagna soup?
Great toppings include extra shredded mozzarella, fresh basil, grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for making refreshing beverages to enjoy alongside your hearty soup.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Ideal for chopping vegetables quickly for added flavor and nutrition.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: The essential appliance for making our creamy lasagna soup effortlessly.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures your prep and cooking are smooth and mess-free.
8. Additional Resources and Accessories
Enhance your cooking experience with a versatile kitchen pantry & storage cabinet (here) or explore more handy kitchen gadgets on Home Plate Magic.
9. Conclusion
This creamy crockpot lasagna soup recipe offers a satisfying, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and chilly weekends. With its winning combination of rich flavors and simple preparation, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta that tastes like a classic Italian favorite but with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this crockpot lasagna soup guarantees warmth, satisfaction, and an occasional compliment from your family or guests!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Creamy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food designed for busy weeknights. This hearty, flavorful soup combines the rich taste of Italian lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking, resulting in a warm, velvety bowl perfect for cold evenings. Easy to prepare and loaded with savory ingredients, it’s a family-favorite recipe that offers delightful textures and cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
- Total Time: 20 minutes + cook time
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or macaroni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat. Transfer cooked meat to your crockpot.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let the flavors meld during cooking.
- About 20 minutes before serving, add the pasta directly into the crockpot. Cover and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in ricotta cheese for creaminess. Top with shredded mozzarella and let it melt. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms.
- You can prepare the soup ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in portions for longer storage.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last hour for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Dairy, Ground Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
2 thoughts on “Crockpot Lasagna Soup”