Imagine the rich, savory flavors of lasagna, but instead of meticulously layering noodles and sauce, you simply toss everything into a crockpot and let it simmer to perfection. That’s the magic of Crockpot Lasagna Soup: Dump, Set & Forget Comfort! – a hearty, family-friendly meal that delivers all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary shortcut to ultimate comfort food. Here’s why this lasagna soup will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Seriously, it’s a “dump and go” recipe. Minimal chopping, no pre-cooking required. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Incredible Flavor: All the classic lasagna flavors you crave – rich tomato sauce, Italian herbs, savory meat, and creamy cheese – meld together beautifully in this soup.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this comforting soup. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies too!
- Make-Ahead Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your preferences. Add more vegetables, switch up the meat, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Freezer-Friendly: Makes a big batch? No problem! Leftovers freeze well for future meals.
The Secret to Amazing Crockpot Lasagna Soup
While the recipe is incredibly simple, a few key elements contribute to its outstanding flavor:
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality crushed tomatoes, Italian sausage, and broth will make a noticeable difference.
- Proper Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the Italian herbs and spices. They are what give lasagna its signature flavor.
- Layering Flavors: Even though it’s a dump-and-go recipe, consider layering the ingredients in the crockpot to help the flavors meld together evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the noodles towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- The Perfect Cheese Blend: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese adds richness and cheesy goodness.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional): Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for a truly “dump and go” approach.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage and onion mixture (if using) to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Noodles: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Recipe Notes & Variations:
- Meat Options: Substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage for the sausage. You can even use a combination of meats.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Cheese Variations: Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or asiago.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last hour of cooking.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Don’t Overfill the Crockpot: Make sure the ingredients don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your slow cooker.
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the soup occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Prevent Noodles from Sticking: Stir the noodles in well when you add them and stir again a few times during the last 30 minutes to prevent them from clumping together.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Making Crockpot Lasagna Soup in Advance
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Prep the Ingredients: Brown the sausage, chop the vegetables, and measure out the spices. Store everything in separate containers in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Soup: Combine all the ingredients (except the noodles and cheese) in the crockpot. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cook: When ready to cook, follow the recipe instructions, adding the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Freezing Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or batch cooking. Here’s how to freeze it:
- Cool Completely: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Portion: Divide the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace in the containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave.
- Reheat: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.
- Add Cheese: Add the cheese mixture after reheating, just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle extra grated parmesan cheese on top.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Crockpot Cooking Tips & Tricks
Using a crockpot or slow cooker is a fantastic way to prepare delicious and convenient meals. Here are some general tips to ensure success:
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Use a Liner: Consider using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Brown Meat First: Browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor and texture.
- Add Dairy Last: Add dairy products, such as cream or cheese, during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Beyond Lasagna Soup: Other Easy Crockpot Recipes
Once you experience the convenience of crockpot cooking, you’ll want to try other easy and delicious recipes. Here are a few suggestions:
If you’re in the mood for barbeque, the Shredded Chicken Crockpot BBQ is an absolute winner. It’s perfect for sandwiches, sliders, or topping salads. For a creamy and comforting soup, try the Creamy White Chicken Chili – a simple yet satisfying meal. And don’t forget the versatility of Crockpot Chicken Thighs, offering crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. Or maybe you’d like to try the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe for a proposal, which is sure to impress!
Chicken thighs are extremely versatile in the slow cooker. For a sweet and savory option, consider Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs. Another great chili option is Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a time-saving, stress-reducing, flavor-packed solution for busy weeknights. It’s a celebration of comfort food, simplified for the modern cook. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to experience the magic of lasagna in soup form. Your family will thank you!
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