Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup! This dish tastes just like classic lasagna but is far easier to prepare. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, bringing comfort food right to your table without the hassle. Plus, with ground beef or turkey and three types of cheese, you’ll find it satisfying and rich in flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of lasagna in a soup form that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out ground beef for turkey or adjust spices to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A hit among kids and adults alike, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook meals slowly, enhancing flavors while requiring minimal supervision.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and easy cutting of veggies and meats.

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Ingredients

Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup! Tastes just like lasagna, but it’s way easier to make. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage and three types of cheese, this soup is comfort food at its best!

For the Base

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for ground turkey)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

For the Soup

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Noodles and Cheese

• 8 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• ½ cup ricotta

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, fully cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease before moving on.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker insert. Then include:
* Diced onion
* Minced garlic
* Chicken broth or vegetable broth
* Marinara sauce
* Diced tomatoes
* Dried basil
* Dried parsley
* Onion powder
* Oregano
* Dried rosemary
* Red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 4: Add Noodles

When you have 30 minutes left in cooking time, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover again and continue cooking until noodles are tender; about 30 minutes on high should suffice.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

At the end of cooking time, stir in balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve immediately topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delicious way to soak up the soup.
• Crusty Baguette – A fresh baguette pairs beautifully, adding a crunchy texture to each bite.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle of parsley adds brightness and a pop of color.
• Extra Cheese – Offer additional grated mozzarella or parmesan for those who love cheesy goodness.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the warmth of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing addition.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

To make your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust spices as needed; every palate is different.
• Cook Noodles Separately – If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately and stir in just before serving.
• Add Vegetables – For added nutrition, consider throwing in chopped spinach or zucchini during cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil complement the flavors well.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies provide a healthy side that balances the richness of the soup.
5. Cheesy Polenta – Creamy polenta topped with cheese offers a comforting side that rivals traditional pasta.
6. Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates a delightful appetizer to start your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup. Here are a few pitfalls to watch for:

• Using the wrong noodles: Regular lasagna noodles may not cook well in soup. Use no-boil or broken lasagna noodles for the best texture.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the meat too long can make it tough. Sauté until browned, then add it to the slow cooker for the right balance.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving! Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper at the end for optimal flavor.
• Not stirring enough: Failing to stir occasionally can lead to uneven cooking. Give your soup a stir every couple of hours.
• Ignoring storage tips: Improper storage can ruin leftovers. Store in airtight containers and consume within 4 days for freshness.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring halfway through, until warm (2-3 minutes).
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until hot (5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that captures the flavors of traditional lasagna but is made as a hearty soup, making it easier to prepare and enjoy.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that lightens up the dish while still providing delicious flavors.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out proteins. Spinach and zucchini work wonderfully!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the meat with more vegetables or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Cooking time varies from 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low, depending on your slow cooker settings.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is an easy and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Try this recipe today; you’re sure to love its warm, cheesy goodness!