Crockpot Lasagna Soup: A Warm Bowl of Comfort
Let me tell you, nothing warms the heart quite like a big bowl of Lasagna Soup, especially when it’s simmering away in my trusty crockpot! This recipe creates a magical blend of flavors that brings me right back to my childhood. I can still vividly remember the bustling kitchen at my grandmother’s house, with her ladling out steaming bowls of traditional lasagna amidst laughter and chatter. When I stumbled upon the idea of turning this beloved dish into a soup, I just couldn’t resist trying it—and boy, was it a hit!
What’s truly delightful about this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is how easy it is to whip up. I love tossing everything into my crockpot and letting it do the hard work while I tackle a mountain of laundry or catch up on my favorite shows. The aroma that fills the house is simply irresistible, and you can’t help but feel cozy just thinking about it!
What’s in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage: Whether you go for beef or sausage, both options impart a deliciously rich flavor. I often gravitate towards Italian sausage for that extra zing!
– 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions add a lovely depth of flavor and aroma, making every bowl feel like a warm embrace!
– 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because who can resist garlic? It’s the secret ingredient that kicks the flavor up a notch!
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: This gives our soup the delicious, saucy base that makes it taste just like lasagna.
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Adds extra richness and blends beautifully with the crushed tomatoes.
– 4 cups beef broth: The broth is the backbone of this soup, giving it that perfect savory flavor.
– 2 tsp Italian seasoning: Because we want a burst of Italian flavor in every slurp!
– 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors. Adjust these to your preference—you know I love a little kick!
– 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta: My favorites are rotini or elbow pasta. They soak up the flavors beautifully!
– 1 cup ricotta cheese: This dreamy ingredient gives a creamy richness that’s just like traditional lasagna.
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea—the gooier, the better!
– Fresh basil leaves & Chopped parsley: For that fresh finish and a pop of color, these garnishes elevate the whole dish.
Is Crockpot Lasagna Soup Good for You?
When it comes to this warm and comforting Lasagna Soup, there are some delightful health perks! The base of this recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients, starting with the ground beef or Italian sausage, which provides a good source of protein. Plus, the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce are loaded with vitamins C and K, along with antioxidants like lycopene—great for heart health!
The ricotta cheese adds some calcium to the mix, important for keeping bones strong, while the fresh basil and parsley offer a variety of minerals and vitamins. If you want to take things up a notch, consider adding in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
However, a little caution: if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to choose low-sodium broth or sauces to keep things in check.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (such as rotini or elbow)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
– Chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
1. Start by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s browned, drain the excess fat and transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the meat. Give it a stir to combine everything nicely.
3. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Set your crockpot to low heat and let it work its magic for about 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the uncooked pasta and let it continue to cook on high until the pasta is tender and ready to soak in all those delicious flavors.
6. When the pasta is perfectly tender, gently stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese into the soup. Stir gently to combine!
7. Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with the remaining mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and chopped parsley for a beautiful presentation.
Let’s Soup It Up!
For those of you who enjoy a little crunch, serving this lasagna soup with crusty bread for dipping is a game-changer. You could even top it with more cheese if you’re feeling adventurous! And if you want to get creative, throw in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach to amp up the nutrition factor. Adjust the Italian seasoning according to your taste—some of my friends love it extra herby!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let that crockpot do its thing! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hear how it turned out. Feel free to share your experiences or any personal touches you added! Life is too short for boring meals, and with Crockpot Lasagna Soup, every bowl is a warm hug in a mug!
