Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

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When comfort food meets convenience, magic happens in your kitchen. This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup takes all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends. No more spending hours layering noodles and sauce – this deconstructed version delivers the same satisfying taste with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Your slow cooker does most of the work, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of Italian seasonings and savory meat sauce. Each spoonful brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato broth, all crowned with a trio of melted cheeses that create that signature lasagna experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 cups beef broth (1 carton)
  • 12 oz lasagna noodles
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to ensure your soup isn’t too oily.
  2. Transfer your cooked beef to a 6-quart crock pot. This size is perfect for this recipe and allows enough room for the noodles to expand later.
  3. Add your aromatics and base ingredients: diced onion, red bell pepper, both types of tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. These ingredients will develop deep, rich flavors during the slow cooking process.
  4. Cover and let your crock pot work its magic: cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This long, slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
  5. When the time is up, break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cook an additional 30-45 minutes on high until the noodles are tender.
  6. For serving, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each portion with a dollop of ricotta and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Serving and Nutrition Information: This recipe serves 6-8 generous portions. Each serving (based on 8 servings) contains approximately 425 calories, making it a satisfying main course. The soup provides a good balance of protein from the meat and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vegetables from the tomatoes and bell pepper.

Pro Tips and Variations:

  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat cheese options
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition
  • The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though you may need to add a bit of broth when reheating as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid
  • For meal prep, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual portions when serving

This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal – it’s a creative way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the fuss of traditional preparation. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers, this recipe delivers the comfort of classic Italian cuisine in a convenient, soul-warming bowl of soup. So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite. Your taste buds – and your schedule – will thank you!