Okay, confession time: I *adore* lasagna. That cheesy, layered goodness? Yes, please! But sometimes, honestly, I just don’t have the energy for all that layering. Know what I mean? That’s where my brilliant Crockpot Lasagna Soup comes in! It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl, with all the flavor of lasagna but, like, a million times easier because your crockpot does all the work.
Seriously, this is pure comfort food. We’re talking beef, pasta, veggies, and a *ton* of cheese. And the best part? It’s so simple to throw together. Trust me, even on the craziest weeknight, you can have this Crockpot Lasagna Soup simmering away, making your house smell amazing. It combines beef, pasta, veggies, and three cheese? You’ll never want to make lasagna the old way again!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Seriously, what’s not to love? This soup is a lifesaver on busy days. Here’s why I think you’ll be hooked:
Quick and Easy
Minimal effort, basically zero effort. Just dump it all in and let the crockpot work its magic. I’m all about that!
Lasagna Flavor
All the yummy taste of lasagna, without standing over a hot oven for hours. It’s kinda genius, if I do say so myself.
Weeknight Winner
This is my go-to when I’m short on time but still want a hearty, satisfying meal. Everyone always asks for seconds!
Comfort Food
Is there anything better than a warm bowl of cheesy, savory soup on a chilly evening? I think not. This is pure comfort in a bowl.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Ingredients
Okay, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have lying around. I always try to keep things simple, and this recipe is no exception!
Meats and Aromatics
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasoning
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Base and Noodles
1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Parmesan rind (optional)
8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken
Finishing Touches
3 cups chopped spinach
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe is super straightforward, I promise. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef – this is totally doable!
Prepare the Beef Mixture
First, grab a big skillet and heat up that olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, toss in your ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook it all up until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Trust me, browning the beef makes a huge difference in flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Slow Cook the Soup
Now, carefully transfer that beef mixture into your slow cooker. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in that Parmesan rind (it adds a *ton* of flavor!). Give it a good stir, pop the lid on, and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. I usually go for low, because I think it makes the flavors meld together even better, but high works great if you’re in a hurry!
Adding the Noodles
Okay, here’s where the “lasagna” part really comes in! Stir in those broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW until the noodles are tender. This usually takes about 25-35 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You don’t want mushy noodles. Nobody likes mushy noodles!
Making the Cheese Topping
While those noodles are cooking, let’s whip up the cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and chopped fresh basil. Set it aside for now. My favorite part is tasting it to make sure it tastes good!
Finishing and Serving
Almost there! Uncover the soup and stir in the spinach until it wilts. This only takes a minute or two. Now, ladle that yummy Crockpot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of that amazing ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil. And that’s it! Dinner is served! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Want to take your Crockpot Lasagna Soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way!
Browning the Beef
Seriously, don’t skip this! Browning the beef adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get otherwise. It’s all about those delicious browned bits!
Noodle Doneness
Keep an eye on those noodles! Every slow cooker is different, so check them regularly and adjust the cooking time as needed. You want them tender, not mushy!
Adjusting the Spice Level
Not a fan of spice? No problem! Just reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes. Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch more! It’s totally up to you. This is your soup!
Fresh Basil
Don’t skimp on the fresh basil! It adds a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the soup. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite! My favorite part is the smell!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Okay, so maybe you don’t have *everything* on hand. No sweat! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for this Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Don’t be afraid to get creative! It’s all about making it work for you.
Ground Beef
Don’t have ground beef? No problem! Ground turkey works great, or even Italian sausage if you’re feeling a little extra. Just make sure to brown it up real good first!
Lasagna Noodles
Need to keep things gluten-free? Easy peasy! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles. They work just as well, I promise! Just watch the cooking time, they might get tender a little faster.
Marinara Sauce
Feeling adventurous? Try a different flavor of marinara sauce! Or, if you just have plain tomato sauce, toss in a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. So good!
Cheese
Mix and match those cheeses! Use provolone, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick! I love experimenting with different flavors. It’s all about what you like!
What to Serve with Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Alright, you’ve got this amazing Crockpot Lasagna Soup ready to go… but what should you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite pairings. Keep it simple, or go all out – it’s up to you!
Crusty Bread
Seriously, you *need* some crusty bread for dipping. It’s essential for soaking up all that delicious broth. I like to grab a baguette from the bakery. Yum!
Side Salad
A simple side salad adds a little freshness and balances out the richness of the soup. Just some greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Perfect!
Garlic Bread
Okay, maybe this is overkill, but who can resist garlic bread? Especially with lasagna soup! It’s the ultimate comfort food combo, if you ask me!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Got questions about this Crockpot Lasagna Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I freeze Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Yep, absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Easy peasy!
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup on the Stovetop?
You bet! Brown the beef and veggies in a large pot. Then, add the marinara, broth, and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer, then add the noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cheese topping as directed. Done!
Can I add more vegetables to Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Of course! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or kale. Add them along with the marinara and broth. Just remember that some veggies, like zucchini, will cook faster than others, so keep an eye on them!
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
This is a big one! The key is to add the noodles later in the cooking process, and to keep an eye on them! Don’t overcook them. They should be tender, but still have a little bite to them. If you are worried, cook them separately and add them in when serving!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Made too much Crockpot Lasagna Soup? No problem! Leftovers are just as delicious (maybe even more so!). Here’s how to store and reheat it like a pro.
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy!
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat this Crockpot Lasagna Soup either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stovetop is my fave – just simmer it over medium heat until it’s heated through. If you’re in a rush, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, so it heats evenly. Careful, it gets hot!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and the nutritional info for this Crockpot Lasagna Soup can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, lean vs. regular beef, etc.). So, the numbers you see aren’t set in stone, okay? Just a general guideline. Use your best judgment and enjoy!
Loving Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Loved this Crockpot Lasagna Soup as much as I do? Leave a comment and let me know! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, and share it with your friends on social media! Happy cooking!
Print
Amazing Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe With Just 3 Cheeses
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Lasagna Soup combines beef, pasta, vegetables, and three cheeses. Enjoy lasagna flavors in a simple soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 ounces dried lasagna noodles, broken
- 3 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until beef is browned and onion softens, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add marinara, chicken broth, and Parmesan rind.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- Stir in lasagna noodles. Cover and cook on LOW until noodles are tender, about 25-35 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and basil for the topping.
- Uncover soup and stir in spinach until wilted.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with ricotta mixture and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker.
- Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg