CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP HEAVEN

I can still picture my grandma’s kitchen, the scent of simmering tomato sauce filling the air as she prepared her legendary lasagna. Recreating that comforting, layered masterpiece always felt a bit daunting, until I discovered a shortcut that captures all the familiar flavors with minimal effort: Crockpot Lasagna Soup. It’s the perfect way to enjoy lasagna without all the fuss, and I promise you, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup will become a family favorite.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup: Your New Weeknight Hero

Let’s face it: some days, you just don’t have the energy for an elaborate lasagna. That’s where this Crockpot Lasagna Soup comes in! It’s a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave that classic lasagna taste.

This isn’t just throwing ingredients into a slow cooker; it’s about building layers of flavor that meld together beautifully over time. We’re talking rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked noodles. And the best part? Your trusty crockpot does all the hard work for you!

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

• Effortless: Seriously, the prep time is minimal. Just brown the meat, chop some veggies, and toss everything into the crockpot.
• Flavor Explosion: All the classic lasagna flavors are there: savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles.
• Comfort Food at its Finest: This soup is warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a chilly evening.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled, making it perfect for feeding a crowd.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

• Italian Sausage: I prefer using Italian sausage for its robust flavor. You can use mild, hot, or a combination of both. Remove the sausage from its casings before browning.
• Ground Beef: Adds depth and richness to the soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the foundation of the flavor base.
• Canned Tomatoes: I use a combination of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Beef Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that classic Italian flavor.
• Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Lasagna Noodles: Break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup, adding a cheesy, gooey element.
• Fresh Basil: For garnish, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Soup!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through every step!

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. You want the meat to be nicely browned, creating a deep, savory flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat and vegetables to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch squares) and add them to the crockpot. Gently stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The noodles should be tender and the flavors should be well-blended. The aroma will be intoxicating!
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. This is your creamy, cheesy goodness!
7. Stir in Mozzarella: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella cheese. This allows it to melt beautifully and create that classic lasagna cheese pull.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture and fresh basil. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Detailed Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for you to print or save:

“` **Crockpot Lasagna Soup** **Prep Time:** 20 minutes **Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) **Servings:** 6-8 **Ingredients:** * 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings * 1 pound ground beef * 1 onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 28 ounces crushed tomatoes * 15 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained * 6 ounces tomato paste * 8 cups beef broth * 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning * 1 teaspoon sugar * 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces * 15 ounces ricotta cheese * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese * Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish * Salt and pepper to taste **Instructions:** 1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. 2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Transfer the browned meat and vegetables to your crockpot. 4. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir to combine. 5. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the crockpot. Gently stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. 6. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. 7. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well. 8. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella cheese. 9. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture and fresh basil. 10. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy! “`

Success Tips for Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Here are a few golden tips to ensure your Crockpot Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles, especially if cooking on high. Overcooked noodles will become mushy. If you feel like they are getting too soft, switch the crockpot to “warm” for the remaining time.
• Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you like a thinner soup, add more broth.
• Brown the Meat Well: Taking the time to properly brown the meat adds a depth of flavor that you don’t want to miss. Don’t rush this step!
• Add Cheese Just Before Serving: Adding the mozzarella cheese too early can cause it to become rubbery. Stir it in about 30 minutes before serving for the best results.
• Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also use different types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses!

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving for extra creaminess.
• Different Noodles: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can experiment with other types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or even tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano add a pop of flavor and color.
• Top with a Sprinkle of Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese!

And for a truly amazing Italian-inspired meal, why not pair this soup with some RICOTTA MEATBALLS? The combination is pure comfort food heaven! Or, if you’re looking for another comforting soup recipe, you might enjoy my CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP, it’s another family favorite. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, my CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP is a must-try. And of course, for a non-crockpot version, you can check out my LASAGNA SOUP, or another version of LASAGNA SOUP. And for another easy crockpot meal, you might like my Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna!

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just toss everything into the crockpot when you’re ready to start cooking.

For freezing, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth if the soup has thickened during freezing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the easiest recipes, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Soup is Too Thick: Add more broth to thin it out.
• Soup is Too Thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it.
• Noodles are Mushy: Next time, add the noodles later in the cooking process or cook on low instead of high.
• Soup is Bland: Add more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and make any necessary adjustments.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup!

There you have it! A simple, delicious, and comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!