Introduction
Transforming simple ingredients into a cozy, comforting meal is what weeknight dinners are all about! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect example. Forget hours spent layering lasagna noodles – this recipe delivers all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time, and with minimal cleanup! Get ready for a family favorite that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for a casual get-together.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s unbelievably easy, unbelievably delicious, and unbelievably satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the flavors into a hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable – feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the meat for a vegetarian option!
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 🍝 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🍃 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🇮🇹 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 🍜 9 lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
Instructions
1️⃣ In your slow cooker, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the onion and garlic to the slow cooker and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, oregano, basil, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Add the broken lasagna noodles.
5️⃣ Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the noodles are tender.
6️⃣ Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have dried herbs, you can substitute with fresh herbs. Use about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms.
Heat Control
This recipe uses low and slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. High heat may cause the noodles to break down too quickly and the sauce to become watery. Low heat ensures a perfectly tender noodle and a rich, flavorful soup.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is primarily creamy and comforting, you can add a crunch factor by topping it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some crispy fried onions.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
- To boost the flavor, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 (15 ounce) can of lentils or 1 cup of crumbled vegetarian sausage.
Storage Tips
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a mason jar or a pretty thermal container and attach a recipe card. It’s perfect for a friend or family member who needs a little comfort food.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Veggie Lasagna Soup: Add chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
🌟 Meaty Lasagna Soup: Add Italian sausage along with the ground beef.
🌟 Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Noodles are too mushy: Reduce the cooking time or use a sturdier type of noodle.
- Soup is too watery: Simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time to reduce the liquid.
- Soup is too thick: Add a little water or broth to thin it out.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of beans? Yes, feel free to experiment with other beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, let it cool completely and then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this in a regular pot? Yes, follow the instructions but adjust cooking time accordingly, potentially adding more liquid if it gets too thick.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a true crowd-pleaser – easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #CrockpotLasagnaSoup! Enjoy!