Description
Hearty slow cooker lasagna soup blends Italian comfort with convenience, bringing rich layers of pasta, meat, and cheese to your dinner table. Each spoonful delivers a delightful twist on classic lasagna that will satisfy your craving for a warm, filling meal you can easily prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base and Noodles:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for serving)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
- Pour beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and all seasonings into the slow cooker, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Set slow cooker to low temperature and cook for 6-7 hours, allowing flavors to develop and meld together, creating a rich and aromatic base.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and gently stir into the soup, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Gradually incorporate shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Carefully ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls, topping each portion with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added brightness and serve alongside warm, crusty bread to complement the hearty soup.
Notes
- Prevent Noodle Mushiness by adding lasagna noodles only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their perfect texture and avoid becoming overly soft.
- Customize Protein Options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences or health considerations.
- Reduce Sodium Content by using low-sodium beef broth and monitoring salt levels during seasoning, making the soup more heart-friendly.
- Enhance Vegetable Nutrition by incorporating extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to boost the soup’s nutritional profile and add more depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 318 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 678 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg