Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Imagine the comforting aroma of simmering marinara sauce and melting cheese wafting through your kitchen as the slow cooker gently works its magic.

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a breeze to make, offering a cozy and indulgent twist on a classic favorite.

Watch as humble ingredients transform into a rich, hearty masterpiece, with tender noodles and savory beef creating a truly satisfying experience.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Slow cooker
• 1 Large skillet
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Ladle
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef’s knife

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Reading Time:
   • Allocate 5 minutes to thoroughly read through the recipe and instructions to familiarize yourself with the process and ingredients.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes total):
   • 0-5 minutes: Gather all necessary equipment (slow cooker, large skillet, wooden spoon, ladle, cutting board, chef’s knife).
   • 5-10 minutes: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
   • 10-15 minutes: Measure out all other ingredients (ground beef, olive oil, chicken broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil).
3. Cooking Activities:
   • 15-25 minutes: Brown the ground beef in the large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Once cooked, remove and set aside.
   • 25-35 minutes: Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until translucent.
   • 35-45 minutes: Transfer cooked beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Slow Cooking:
   • 45 minutes – 5 hours 45 minutes: Cover and cook on low in the slow cooker for 5 hours.
5. Final Cooking Step:
   • 5 hours 45 minutes – 6 hours: Add broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 1 hour or until noodles are tender.
6. Resting & Serving (5 minutes):
   • 6 hours – 6 hours 5 minutes: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes. Serve in bowls, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

With this timeline, you can efficiently manage your time and guarantee a smooth cooking process for your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

Adjust timings slightly if needed, based on your pace and familiarity with the recipe.

Recipe Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the ground beef until fully cooked.

Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent.

Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.

Add chicken broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.

Stir to combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.

After 5 hours, add broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker.

Cook for an additional 1 hour or until the noodles are tender.

Serve the soup in bowls topped with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.

Serving Tips

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth of the lasagna soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside for added flavor and nutritional value.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for those who love a crunchy texture to complement the soup’s creaminess.
• Antipasto Platter: Featuring olives, cured meats, and cheeses, it provides a delightful variety of tastes.

Storage

Allow the lasagna soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, cool completely.

Portion into airtight containers and freeze.

Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Then reheat gently on the stove or microwave until hot.

Reheating

To reheat Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain desired consistency and prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious meal that brings the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty soup.

It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of ground beef, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and savory base, while the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses add a creamy, cheesy finish.

By using a slow cooker, this dish allows for a hands-off cooking experience.

Remember to add the lasagna noodles towards the end of the cooking process to maintain their texture.

Feel free to personalize the soup by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

Overall, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite.

Enjoy the comforting taste of lasagna in a bowl, perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of beef. It’ll make the dish lighter and leaner. Just brown the turkey thoroughly in the skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker, maintaining the same flavorful base. Enjoy!

What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?

You can swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese to maintain creaminess. For a healthier twist, try using Greek yogurt. Each option adds a unique flavor, so pick based on your taste preference.

How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free versions. Double-check all other ingredients, like marinara sauce, for gluten. Enjoy the same delicious flavors with this simple substitution, keeping your meal both tasty and safe.

Can I Use Homemade Marinara Sauce?

Absolutely, you can use homemade marinara sauce! It’ll enhance the soup’s flavor with its fresh ingredients. Just guarantee it’s well-seasoned. Homemade sauces often bring a personal touch that store-bought can’t match. Enjoy your culinary creation!

What Wine Pairs Well With Lasagna Soup?

To pair wine with this dish, choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Barbera. They complement the rich flavors and enhance the savory notes. You’ll love how the wine’s acidity balances the creamy cheeses. Enjoy!