COOKING ADVENTURES WITH CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP
Oh boy, have I got a treat for you today! If you’re anything like me and find it hard to resist a delicious bowl of lasagna, then you’re going to absolutely LOVE this Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe. It’s everything you adore about traditional lasagna, but in a cozy, comforting soup form. Plus, it just simmers away while you go about your day, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a chilly fall evening, and I was craving comfort food. After rummaging through my pantry, I stumbled upon a few pantry staples and a half-empty bag of lasagna noodles. And just like that, this brilliant idea was born! The aroma that filled my house as it cooked was enough to make my neighbors jealous. Trust me; you’ll want to whip this up and share with loved ones (or just enjoy it all by yourself – no judgment here!).
What’s in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: This adds heartiness and flavor to the soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a spicy Italian sausage to give your soup a little kick!
– 1 medium onion, diced: Onions are the flavor base of many great dishes. They bring sweetness and depth as they cook down into the broth.
– 3 cloves garlic, minced: Are you sensing a pattern here? Garlic is the ultimate flavor booster and brings really good vibes!
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The star of our soup! You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for a bit of a smoky touch.
– 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce: This helps create a rich and thick base for your soup. Always a classic!
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth: This adds warmth and depth to the entire dish. Homemade or store-bought works here!
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This is where we capture all the Italian flavors – just close your eyes and picture a sunny Italian kitchen.
– 1 tsp salt: Balances all the flavors – you definitely don’t want bland soup!
– 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just a little heat to keep things interesting.
– 9-12 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: This is what distinguishes our soup from just a regular tomato soup. You can adjust the number of noodles depending on how thick you want your soup to be.
– 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creaminess overload! It gives that lasagna feel in every spoonful.
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Because who says you can have too much cheese? (Hint: no one!)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish: They add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: A must, trust me. It’s like a cherry on top but for your soup!
– Crusty bread for serving: Essential for soaking up all that deliciousness!
Is Crockpot Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Now, who says comfort food can’t be good for you? This soup packs a punch of nutrients from the tomatoes, which are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants, and the proteins from the ground beef or Italian sausage keep you feeling satisfied. The addition of ricotta cheese provides calcium, and if you opt for a veggie version with sautéed zucchini and spinach, you’re boosting your nutrient intake even more!
However, a word of caution: watch out for the sodium in canned sauces and broths, and sneak in your own low-sodium options if you’re keeping an eye on salt, especially if you’re using Italian seasoning or sauces. And while the cheeses are delightful, they can add up in calories, so feel free to use reduced-fat options if that’s your style.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 9-12 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Crusty bread for serving
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
1. To kick things off, heat up your skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion until the meat is cooked through and the onions turn lovely and translucent. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute – the smell will be heavenly!
2. Transfer this savory mix to the precious crockpot of yours! Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir – you want all those flavors to mingle together like old friends at a reunion.
3. Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high. Feel free to take a quick peek and inhale deeply. Seriously, I always say that the best part of cooking is the aroma!
4. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s noodle time! Stir in those broken lasagna noodles and cover it up again, allowing them to cook until tender.
5. When the noodles are all done, mix in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese – oh, the creaminess is going to make you swoon!
6. Serve your soup hot, garnished with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Don’t forget to dish out some grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side for dipping. Heaven awaits!
Soup-er Tips & Tricks
– Want to give this a veggie twist? Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and add some spinach for a nutritious boost.
– If you like your soup thicker, don’t hesitate to add a few more lasagna noodles!
– This soup freezes beautifully, so feel free to whip up a big batch, and store some for a rainy day. Just chop the noodles’ cooking time when you reheat it.
– Perfect for serving with a robust side salad for a complete meal!
There you have it, my friends! I truly hope you dive into this delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup adventure. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and so will anyone you share it with! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. I have a hunch it’ll become a family favorite just like it did in mine! Happy cooking!
