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Cozying up with a bowl of Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug on a chilly evening. This dish holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen, reminding me of family gatherings where laughter and stories filled the air. If you’ve ever had those days when you just want something easy yet delicious, then this is the recipe for you. It’s packed with rich flavors and cheesy goodness that will surely impress your loved ones. Let me take you on a little culinary journey filled with warmth and nostalgia.
Total time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours
Cost: Approximately $15
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: Around 400 per serving
Ingredients for preparing Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: This adds the savory base that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- 1 onion, chopped: Onions bring sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aroma of garlic cooking is unmatched and will fill your kitchen with warmth.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: This is the soul of your soup, providing rich tomato flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth: Using good quality broth enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs creates that classic Italian flavor we all love.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of spice to elevate the taste.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: These noodles create that comforting texture associated with lasagna.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness that make the soup deliciously different.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: You can never go wrong with melty cheese!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end gives a salty kick that truly finishes the dish.
- Fresh basil for garnish: This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to each bowl.
(BOLD) Personal note: A simple trick to elevate this dish is to sauté the garlic and onions until they’re caramelized for a few extra minutes before adding them to the crockpot. It brings out even more sweetness!
Steps to prepare Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
(H3) Step 1: Brown the Meat
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- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain excess fat. This step is crucial as it builds the foundational flavors for your soup.
(H3) Step 2: Mix It Up in the Crockpot
2. In a crockpot, combine the browned meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors blend beautifully.
(H3) Step 3: Let It Simmer
3. Cook on low for about 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to develop and mingle together.
(H3) Step 4: Add the Noodles
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. It’s exciting to see the noodles soaking up all that delicious broth!
(H3) Step 5: Mix in the Cheeses
5. Once the noodles are cooked, add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir well until everything is creamy and wonderful.
(H3) Step 6: Serve with Love
6. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cheese and fresh basil. As you dish it up, remember to enjoy the moment, whether you’re sharing it with family or indulging by yourself.
Why I love making this dish:
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is so special to me because it’s a perfect blend of simplicity and taste. The memories of preparing it during family occasions, filling the air with the love of home-cooked meals, makes it more than just soup; it’s comfort in a bowl.
What you’ll need:
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- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-step guide to preparing Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- First, brown the ground beef or sausage with the onion and garlic in a skillet. Trust me, this foundational step is key to flavor!
- Next, transfer everything to your crockpot, add the other ingredients, and let it enjoy a long, slow simmer.
- About halfway through, stir in those lasagna noodles.
- As you approach serving time, mix in your ricotta and most of the cheeses.
- Finally, garnish with fresh basil, and serve it hot!
Tips for the best results:
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while cooking; it complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Feel free to throw in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Serving suggestions:
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth. I love serving it with a drizzle of olive oil on top and a sprinkle of extra cheese.
What to pair Crockpot Lasagna Soup with:
You can enjoy your soup with a glass of red wine or refreshing iced tea. It really rounds out the meal.
What to do with leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before enjoying it again.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meat with mushrooms or plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version. -
How long will leftovers last?
They should be good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. -
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Just make sure to leave out the noodles before freezing. Add them when you reheat. -
What if I want it to be spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes to bring up the heat level if you’re feeling adventurous!
Conclusion:
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Crockpot Lasagna Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt experience that brings warmth to your home. I can’t wait for you to savor every spoonful, just as I have with my family. Enjoy cooking, and remember – every dish is an opportunity to create joyous memories.
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Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Adds the savory base that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- 1 cup onion, chopped Brings sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fills your kitchen with warmth.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes Provides rich tomato flavor.
- 6 cups beef broth Enhances overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Creates classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt Essential for seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper A little bit of spice.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces Creates comforting texture.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds creaminess and richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Classic cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Finishes the dish with a salty kick.
- Fresh basil for garnish Adds fresh flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- In a crockpot, combine the browned meat mixture, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Cooking
- Cook on low for about 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- Once the noodles are cooked, add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir well until creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining cheese and fresh basil.