Lasagna Soup: A Crock-Pot Recipe for Effortless Weeknight Meals
Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but who has time for all that layering and baking? This Crock-Pot Lasagna Soup recipe offers all the cheesy, meaty, and satisfying flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time and effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to customize to your preferences and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for your standard 6-quart slow cooker. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller appliances.
- 1 pound ground beef: Use your favorite blend – lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian crumbles substitute for a healthier option.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that aromatic Italian kick.
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes: The base of our flavorful broth.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and body to the soup.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides extra texture and acidity.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Low-sodium broth is recommended.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another must-have Italian herb.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh element.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: To balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: To balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic lasagna cheese pull.
- 1 cup cooked lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces: Pre-cooked noodles save time and prevent mushiness. You can easily find pre-cooked lasagna noodles at most grocery stores.
- Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness!
Instructions for Crock-Pot Lasagna Perfection:
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Brown the Ground Beef: Before adding everything to your slow cooker, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a deeper flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the browned ground beef (or uncooked ground beef if you skip browning), onion, and garlic to your slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the flavors have melded beautifully.
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Stir in Ricotta & Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese and broken lasagna noodles.
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Cheese it Up: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan cheese, if using).
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Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Meatless Monday: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day!
This Crock-Pot Lasagna Soup recipe is a perfect example of how to create a delicious and convenient meal without sacrificing flavor. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy!
