Crockpot Lasagna Soup – Easy, Comforting One-Pot Meal

Your New Go-To Comfort Food: Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Hello, cozy food enthusiasts! If you’re like me, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to soothe the soul. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my favorite recipe for Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Picture this: all the incredible flavors of lasagna but in a delightful, hearty soup that requires hardly any fuss. It’s easy, comforting, and perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious waiting for you at the end. Plus, you can make it all in one pot—what’s not to love?

Nutritional Boost in Every Bite

What I adore about this soup is that it not only warms your heart but also packs in a whole lot of nutrition. With lean ground beef or Italian sausage, you’re getting a solid dose of protein that is vital for energy. The addition of fresh spinach or kale adds plenty of vitamins and minerals – think iron and vitamin K! And let me tell you, the lasagna noodles make it feel all the more hearty and satisfying. It’s a well-balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Let’s Get Creative: Adaptable Variations

• Meat Options: Want to go vegetarian? No problem! Simply replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms—I promise they’ll soak up all those lovely flavors!
• Gluten-Free: You can easily use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you need to avoid gluten. Just watch the cooking time as it may differ slightly.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. They blend beautifully into the soup and add more nutrients!
• Dairy-Free Variant: For a dairy-free take, swap the ricotta and mozzarella with cashew cheese or your favorite plant-based cheese.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Olive oil for sautéing

Easy Cooking Instructions

1. Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it until it becomes nice and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. I love that moment when the kitchen starts smelling wonderful!
2. Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and let it sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Now it’s time to add your ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned all the way through, breaking it up with your spatula. Drain any excess fat if you wish, but some fat will give flavor!
4. Transfer this delicious meat mix into your crockpot. Now, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a hearty stir to mix everything well.
5. Cover your crockpot and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything melds together beautifully.
6. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in those broken lasagna noodles and your fresh spinach or kale. Cover and let it cook until the noodles are tender. This is the moment when your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
7. In the meantime, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. It’ll add such creaminess!
8. When it’s ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, add a lovely dollop of ricotta cheese on top, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for that pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy it hot, ideally with some crusty bread for dipping. Trust me, you’re going to want this bread to soak up every bit of the delicious broth!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• If you happen to have any soup leftover (which, let’s be honest, might be unlikely!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze this soup! Just ensure it cools completely before putting it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about 3 months!
• This soup tends to thicken as it sits. If it becomes too thick after storage, simply add a bit more broth or water when you reheat it.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this tasty lasagna soup, here’s a list of tools that will make life easier:

• A large skillet for sautéing the meat and onions.
• A crockpot for the slow cooking action.
• A mixing bowl for preparing the ricotta cheese.
• Some measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• A good spatula for stirring and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment! Cheddar or a dairy-free alternative works well too.
2. What if I don’t have a crockpot? No worries! You can also make it on the stove. Just simmer it in a pot, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle it; perfect for meal prep!
4. Is this soup suitable for freezing? Definitely! Just let it cool fully before storing in airtight containers.
5. Can I add more spices for extra flavor? For sure! Red pepper flakes or more Italian seasoning can add a nice kick!

Join the Fun!

And there you have it—your easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup, ready for cozy nights in! 🍲 I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please tag me on social media when you try it out! Also, don’t forget to check out more fun recipes on my Pinterest board. Happy cooking!