This Crockpot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with rich tomato flavors, cheesy goodness, and hearty pasta that will make your taste buds dance.
Who doesn’t love a meal that basically cooks itself? Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re feeling a bit lazy in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds a rich flavor, but you can mix it up with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Veggie crumbles work well for a meatless dish too!
Onion: A small yellow or white onion complements the flavors nicely. If you’re short on onions or prefer a milder flavor, shallots or even green onions can be a great substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a great kick. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work too, using about 1/4 tsp for every clove you substitute.
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles are best here, but broken-up penne or fusilli can substitute. For low-carb versions, spiralized zucchini would work too!
Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella create that classic cheesy pull. You can swap ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do I Cook Lasagna Noodles in a Crockpot?
Cooking lasagna noodles in a crockpot is easier than it looks! Timing is key to getting them just right without them turning mushy.
- Cook the soup for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high before adding the noodles. This helps to build that delicious flavor.
- Add the broken noodles about 30 minutes before serving. Stir them in to ensure they soak up the tasty broth!
- Cover the crockpot for 20-30 minutes after adding the noodles. This steam helps them cook evenly and perfectly!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy lasagna soup that everyone will love!
Crockpot Cheesy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz/225g) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup (240ml) ricotta cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream or additional ricotta for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes for preparation and 6-7 hours for cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high to let all those delicious flavors come together. This means you can set it and forget it for a cozy meal later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is brown and fully cooked through, draining any excess fat afterward. This step adds a great depth of flavor!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, transfer the cooked beef mixture into your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, optional red pepper flakes, and add salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen nicely. The aroma will be amazing!
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir them in and cover the crockpot again, cooking until the noodles are tender—this should take around 20-30 minutes.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. This creamy mixture will make your soup even more delicious!
6. Serve and Garnish:
When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and add a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture to each serving. Top each bowl with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color.
7. Add the Final Touch:
If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or extra ricotta on top of each bowl for an extra creamy finish. Finally, sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, comforting Crockpot Cheesy Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly lighter flavor, so consider adding a bit more seasoning if you prefer a robust taste.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can replace the ground beef with veggie crumbles or lentils for protein. Just ensure all your broth and sauce ingredients are vegetarian. It’ll still be deliciously hearty!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating!
