Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill or simply bring a warm hug to your evening. And when that soup takes all the glorious flavors of a classic lasagna and transforms them into an crockpot lasagna soup? Pure magic! This isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary, with layers of rich Italian sausage, tender noodles, and a creamy, cheesy topping that sings with every spoonful.
I still remember those bustling weeknights in my own kitchen, trying to whip up something satisfying after a long day. It’s in those moments that I often thought back to my grandmother’s ability to turn the simplest ingredients into a feast, and how a simmering pot on the stove always meant warmth and welcome. This recipe reminds me of that same loving feeling, but with the added ease of my trusty crockpot doing most of the work!
This delightful dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect candidate for [easy slow cooker recipes](/easy-slow-cooker-recipes) weeknight dinners, but it’s also wonderfully family-friendly, guaranteed to get smiles all around the table. My top tip for any busy cook? A little bit of prep in the morning means a ready-to-enjoy meal when dinner time rolls around, leaving you more time for what truly matters – enjoying those precious moments with loved ones.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting this delightful soup begins with a few pantry staples and fresh additions that sing with Italian flair. We’re talking about rich ground Italian sausage for that savory depth, bright crushed tomatoes and beef broth for a hearty base, and of course, those unmistakable lasagna noodles. For the creamy finish that makes this crockpot lasagna soup so special, we’ll lean on the luxurious ricotta and sharp Parmesan. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready to guide your culinary adventure.
How to Make crockpot lasagna soup
Preparing this luscious crockpot lasagna soup is a journey in three delightful steps, designed for ease and maximum flavor. First, you’ll brown your Italian sausage with onion and garlic, building a foundational richness that defines the soup. Next, everything, including the crushed tomatoes and fragrant herbs, goes into your crockpot to simmer to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, you’ll whip up a creamy ricotta mixture, creating a dreamy topping that transforms this hearty soup into an unforgettable meal.
Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground Italian sausage (or beef), breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked meat and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor.
- Transfer the meat and onion mixture to a 6-quart or larger crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 6-8 hours. The goal is for the flavors to meld and the sauce to be heated through.
- During the last 30-45 minutes of cooking (or when the sauce is simmering well), add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir gently to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. If adding spinach, stir it in now until wilted.
- Continue cooking until the lasagna noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
- While the soup finishes cooking, prepare the ricotta topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped parsley, egg (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh chopped basil.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This crockpot lasagna soup
Creating the perfect crockpot lasagna soup is all about those little touches that elevate a good meal to a truly memorable one. Here are some of my favorite insights to ensure your soup is nothing short of spectacular.
When it comes to those wonderful [lasagna noodles info](/about-lasagna-noodles), remember that different brands can vary in thickness. I always recommend breaking them into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot; this makes for easier serving and ensures every spoonful has that satisfying noodle chew. Keep an eye on them during the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
My Secret Trick: I always like to give the soup a good stir halfway through the cooking process, especially after adding the noodles. This helps distribute the flavors evenly and prevents the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot, ensuring every part of your crockpot lasagna soup is perfectly cooked.
Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs at the end! A sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley truly brightens the flavors and adds a professional touch to your crockpot lasagna soup. It’s amazing what a little freshness can do to awaken the palate.
When preparing the ricotta topping, I’ve found that using a good quality [ricotta cheese tips](/ricotta-cheese-tips) makes all the difference. Combining it with a lightly beaten egg ensures it becomes wonderfully creamy and holds its shape beautifully when dolloped over the hot soup. A generous pinch of salt and pepper here also helps to bring out its best flavor.
Fun Variations for crockpot lasagna soup
One of the joys of cooking at home is the freedom to play with flavors and make a recipe truly your own! This crockpot lasagna soup is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting.
For a little extra veggie power, my sister always asks me to stir in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini along with the crushed tomatoes. They soften beautifully in the crockpot and add a lovely freshness and texture. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra goodness without compromising the comforting flavors of this crockpot lasagna soup.
If you’re looking for a smoky kick, consider swapping out half of the Italian sausage for smoked sausage or even adding a pinch more red pepper flakes than the recipe calls for. A friend loves when I make it with a touch of smoked paprika too; it adds a wonderful depth that’s truly unique.
For a vegetarian version, you can easily omit the sausage and instead add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or some diced mushrooms and extra spinach. The robust tomato base still shines, and you’ll have a wonderfully hearty meatless crockpot lasagna soup that’s just as satisfying.
What to Serve With crockpot lasagna soup
This crockpot lasagna soup is a meal in itself, brimming with flavor and comforting textures. But, like any good [hearty comfort food](/hearty-comfort-food) spread, a few simple additions can make the experience even more delightful.
My absolute favorite pairing is a slice of crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, rich broth. There’s just something about dipping warm, buttery bread into the soup that feels like pure indulgence!
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a wonderful accompaniment. The crispness and tanginess of the salad offer a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing the meal beautifully.
And for a quick serving idea, I often sprinkle some extra fresh Parmesan cheese and a swirl of good quality olive oil over each bowl just before serving. It enhances the flavors and adds a gourmet touch with minimal effort.
How to Store crockpot lasagna soup
One of the best things about making a big pot of crockpot lasagna soup is having delicious leftovers to enjoy! Properly storing your soup ensures that every spoonful remains as delightful as the first.
To store the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping a few lunches or dinners for the week ahead!
For longer storage, this crockpot lasagna soup freezes wonderfully. Simply pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
My Personal Tip: If you’re planning to freeze portions, I sometimes store the ricotta topping separately and add it fresh when reheating. This helps maintain its creamy texture and keeps it from becoming grainy. A light sprinkle of fresh basil after reheating truly brings it back to life!
Nutritional Benefits
While we always focus on the joy of flavor, this crockpot lasagna soup also offers some wonderful nutritional aspects. With hearty ground Italian sausage and nutrient-rich spinach, it provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, showing how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together in a crockpot lasagna soup that truly feeds the soul and body.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This crockpot lasagna soup is fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the meat base a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or cook the entire soup and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Faq 2
What kind of lasagna noodles should I use?
Use regular lasagna noodles, not the no-boil or oven-ready variety. Break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and makes the crockpot lasagna soup easier to eat.
Faq 3
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the Italian sausage and instead add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or a can of drained cannellini beans for a hearty vegetarian crockpot lasagna soup. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Faq 4
Why is my ricotta topping grainy?
Sometimes ricotta can become grainy if overcooked or if the quality isn’t ideal. Ensure you’re using fresh ricotta and only dollop it onto the hot crockpot lasagna soup just before serving, allowing the warmth of the soup to gently heat it.
Conclusion
And there you have it, sweet friends—a recipe that truly embodies the warmth and comfort we all crave in our kitchens. This Creamy Weeknight Crockpot Lasagna Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to gather, to share, and to create beautiful new memories around your table. It’s a testament that with a little love and patience, even the simplest ingredients can transform into magical treats. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the joyful aroma fill your home. Happy baking (and slow cooking!) from my kitchen to yours!