Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, easy-to-make soup. This recipe is perfect for busy days, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss of layering and baking.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 🍅 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 🍲 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 🍝 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 🥦 1 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
📝 Directions:
1. Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer the meat to your slow cooker.
2. Add Ingredients:
- To the slow cooker, add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. If using, add the chopped bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Noodles:
- About 30 minutes before the soup is done, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue cooking until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Dollop a spoonful of the cheese mixture into each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
🍽 Serve:
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on classic lasagna, offering all the flavors you love with minimal effort. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
⏱ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
🍽 Servings: 6 servings
💡 Notes:
- You can add other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage, and part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, perfect for warming up on a cold day or when you need a cozy meal with minimal fuss! 🍲✨