Ah, the magic of a cozy evening at home with a warm bowl of Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup! I don’t know about you, but when the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp bite, my heart—and my stomach—starts calling for comforting, homey dishes. This soup is like a big hug in a bowl, and let me tell you, it has special memories attached. I remember one chilly Sunday when I whipped this up for a gathering with friends—there were smiles all around, and we barely had any leftovers!
What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. Imagine creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and the hearty goodness of ground beef, all mingling together in savory broth alongside perfectly tender lasagna noodles. What could be better? Whether you’re navigating a busy week or just looking to impress, this soup is your delicious answer. Let’s dive right in!
What’s in Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Noodles: These are the stars of the show, adding that traditional lasagna texture. When broken into smaller pieces, they soak up the flavors beautifully.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I often go for Italian sausage for that extra kick in flavor, but ground beef works just as well. Just think about which savory route you want to take!
Onion: Diced and sautéed, onion lays the essential flavor foundation for this soup. It adds a sweet richness that cooks down beautifully.
Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic! A few minced cloves give this soup an aromatic depth that makes it oh-so-inviting.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of this soup, crushed tomatoes brings that beloved tang and richness. I prefer San Marzano for their deep flavor, but any brand you like works wonderfully!
Beef or Chicken Broth: Using broth creates a layered flavor profile that elevates the soup to restaurant quality. Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought is just fine too.
Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds an aromatic flair. If you’ve got fresh herbs hanging around, go wild and use those instead!
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings but crucial for drawing out the flavors of all the ingredients—you don’t want to overlook these!
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy texture of ricotta adds a luxurious touch and makes this soup truly special. Plus, it’s a must for that rich lasagna flavor!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty gooeyness that makes the soup feel indulgent. I like to use whole milk mozzarella for the best stretch!
Fresh Basil Leaves and Grated Parmesan Cheese: These are perfect finishing touches that make this dish restaurant-worthy. Who doesn’t love a pop of color and flavor?
Is Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Let’s break it down—while this soup is undoubtedly comfort food, it does pack some nutritional benefits!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Provides protein and essential nutrients but can be higher in fat, especially if you’re using sausage. Opt for lean ground beef or turkey if you’re looking for a healthier twist.
Ricotta Cheese: Offers calcium and protein, making it wholesome, but just keep in mind it’s also high in calories, so moderation might be key.
Crushed Tomatoes: A standout for health benefits, they’re rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits. Plus, they add natural sweetness!
Overall, this soup brings hearty comfort, but like any dish, balance is key—pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for extra nutrients, and you’ll be golden!
Servings
This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
How to Make Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary (nobody likes a greasy soup!).
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a crockpot.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir it all together so everything is well-mixed.
4. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and gently stir to ensure they’re submerged in the sauce—those noodles are going to soak up all that flavorful goodness!
5. Cover the crockpot and allow it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the noodles are tender.
6. Shortly before you’re ready to serve, stir in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella until everything is well combined. Let it heat through; you want those cheeses to melt into deliciousness!
7. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you fancy a little more salt or pepper.
8. Serve the soup in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. I promise, it will look and smell divine!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This soup is perfection on its own, but feel free to get creative! Want to sneak some veggies in there? Toss in a handful of spinach or some sliced mushrooms right before serving—they’ll wilt beautifully! Pair it with a crisp, crusty bread for dipping, and maybe a nice green salad on the side. Oh, and if you happen to have leftovers (which is a rarity), it’s even tastier the next day!
My friends always beg for me to make this soup, and I bet yours will too once they catch a whiff! So why not hop into the kitchen, embrace that cozy cooking magic, and let deliciousness happen? I’d love to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!
