Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Comfort Food Made Easy
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Lasagna Without the Fuss?
Fancy lasagna, but can't be arsed with all those layers? You know, I get it. Honestly, the best slow cooker lasagna soup is where it's at.
It's all the flavours you love, proper comforting, but chucked in a slow cooker . Simples!
Brief Overview: Italian Grandma Approved (Kind Of)
This isn't exactly nonna's traditional recipe. But lasagna soup recipe is a clever twist on a classic, originating from home cooks looking for an easier weeknight meal.
It's dead easy to make, suitable for the whole family, takes about 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high and yields 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits: Comfort Food Hero
This one-pot lasagna soup is a winner because it's proper comforting after a long day. Think of it as a warm hug, full of cheesy goodness.
Plus, using a slow cooker means minimal effort for maximum flavor. It's a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a reasonably healthy comfort food .
Ingredients: What You'll Need
Right, let's get down to the ingredients for this amazing crockpot lasagna soup recipe . Here’s what we need to do.
Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. It's basically a dump and go recipes , and I love them for this! For the base, you'll need minced beef, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
And don't forget the lasagna noodles! For the cheesy bit, it's ricotta, parmesan, parsley, and an egg. Simple, innit? We can use alternative ingredients to replace the conventional ones.
Why This Recipe Rocks: My Story
I made this easy lasagna soup after a particularly grim day at work, you know, one of those days where everything goes wrong? The thought of layering a lasagna from scratch was just too much.
That’s when this cheesy lasagna soup recipe saved my sanity. Honestly, I could smell the herbs wafting through the house, and it was a proper treat.
It turned the whole day around.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this utterly scrumptious slow cooker lasagna soup . Honestly, it's all pretty basic stuff. No need to go breaking the bank, you know?
Get Your Bits & Bobs Ready: Ingredients
Right, first things first, let's gather all the ingredients. I can almost taste that cheesy goodness already!. We're aiming for a one-pot lasagna soup , so minimal washing up is a must.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ( 450g ) ground beef. Aim for 80/20. It’s got just the right amount of fat for flavour. Don’t go too lean.
- 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ). Go for a yellow onion. It's a kitchen staple.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best. Don’t be shy!
- 1 (28 ounce/800g) can crushed tomatoes. Quality tomatoes make all the difference. Trust me.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can tomato sauce. Smooth and rich. Perfect base.
- 1 (15 ounce/425g) can diced tomatoes, undrained. Adds texture.
- 4 cups ( 950ml ) beef broth. Low sodium if you're watching the salt.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Essential for that Italian vibe.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil. Another must have.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a bit of earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste. Seasoning is key.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste. Freshly ground is best.
- 8 ounces ( 225g ) lasagna noodles, broken into bite sized pieces. Don’t add these until later!
Cheesy Topping
- 15 ounces ( 425g ) ricotta cheese. Full fat or part skim works. It’s your call.
- ½ cup ( 50g ) grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always tastier.
- ¼ cup (about 50g ) chopped fresh parsley. Adds a pop of freshness.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten. Helps bind it all together.
Seasoning Notes
Honestly, herbs are everything in Italian soup recipes . Oregano and basil are a must. Thyme adds depth. For a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders!.
If you're missing oregano, use Italian seasoning. Boom! Done.
What You’ll Need: Equipment
- A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker . Crucial for this slow cooker lasagna soup .
- A large skillet (optional, for browning the beef). Honestly, browning adds flavor, but it’s fine to skip.
- A cutting board, knife, measuring cups and spoons. Kitchen basics!.
There's the plan. Now for the magic.
Let's Get This Show On the Road: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup!
Honestly, who doesn't love lasagna? But sometimes, you just can't be arsed with all those layers. That's where slow cooker lasagna soup comes in! All the flavours of lasagna, but in a ridiculously easy, one-pot wonder.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss. Think of it as a hug in a bowl.
You know?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, the mise en place is crucial. Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and break those lasagna noodles into bite sized pieces.
Honestly, this step will save you so much time later. You can even do this the night before. If you're browning the beef (totally optional, but recommended for extra flavour), get your skillet ready.
Oh, and remember kids, wash your hands before you start!
Slow Cooker Magic: The step-by-step
Ready for the easiest lasagna ever? Here’s how it goes down:
- Brown the beef in a skillet over medium high heat. Drain any excess fat. Or skip this step for a truly "dump and go" experience!
- In your slow cooker , chuck in the beef (browned or raw), onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir.
- Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . It's that simple!
- During the last 30 minutes , stir in the broken lasagna noodles. They should be tender.
- While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, and egg for the cheesy topping.
- Ladle the cheesy lasagna soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game
Want to take your easy lasagna soup to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years of making comfort food recipes :
- Don't overcook the noodles! Honestly, no one likes mushy pasta. Adding them in the last 30 minutes is key.
- For a richer flavour, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. Or, why not both?
- This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is even better the next day! Make it ahead and reheat for an even more flavourful meal. It's one of my favorite slow cooker recipes .
And that's it! This lasagna soup recipe is a total winner. Whether you’re after something simple, hearty, or just plain delicious, this is a must try. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes to Elevate Your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This slow cooker lasagna soup recipe is pretty foolproof, honestly. But, a few little tweaks and tips can make it even better .
And, hey, who doesn't want better, right? After a long day, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen.
This easy lasagna soup recipe nails it on simplicity.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look and Taste Amazing
Presentation matters, you know? After all, we eat with our eyes first! Ladle the cheesy lasagna soup into bowls. Then, dollop a generous spoonful of that ricotta mixture on top.
A sprinkle of extra parmesan and some fresh basil leaves will really make it pop. Trust me. For sides, think crusty bread.
Perfect for dipping into that tomatoey goodness. A simple green salad balances the richness, too. I think a simple italian salad is perfect
Storage Tips: Keeping the Lasagna Love Alive
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This lasagna soup recipe tastes even better the next day. Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It’ll keep for 3-4 days . For longer storage, freezing is an option. Just portion it into freezer safe containers, leaving a little space at the top.
This is a great comfort food recipes option. It'll be ready for a rainy day. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Variations: Your Lasagna Soup, Your Way
Fancy mixing things up? Go vegetarian! Swap the ground beef for lentils or veggie mince. Boom! Veggie lasagna soup recipe .
You can also switch the beef for Italian sausage. A little spicy kick never hurt anyone. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For a seasonal twist, use fresh, in-season tomatoes when available.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl
Let’s face it, we all like to know what we are putting into our bodies. One serving of this one-pot lasagna soup clocks in around 400-450 calories.
It’s packed with protein (30-35g) from the beef and cheese. A good source of carbs (30-35g) for energy. Plus, you get a decent dose of fiber (3-5g) from the veggies.
This italian soup recipes option is packed with nutrients!
So there you have it! A few simple tweaks to make your slow cooker lasagna soup even more amazing. Don't be afraid to experiment.
This is truly a winner. A dump and go recipes champion! Now go get your crockpot lasagna soup recipe on! You’ve got this.
These slow cooker recipes are a game changer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make slow cooker lasagna soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prepping. You can prepare the soup (without the noodles) 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking when you're ready to serve. Just like a good cuppa, it's even better when you let it sit.
My slow cooker lasagna soup turned out watery, what did I do wrong?
A watery soup usually means there was too much liquid. Next time, try reducing the amount of beef broth by half a cup or browning the beef beforehand to release some of the fat and moisture. Also, ensure your slow cooker is not overfilled; it shouldn't be more than ¾ full.
A dash of tomato paste can also help thicken it up, much like adding cornflour to a gravy.
How long does slow cooker lasagna soup last in the fridge and can I freeze it?
Leftover slow cooker lasagna soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, the noodles might become a bit softer after thawing, so consider adding fresh cooked noodles when reheating if that bothers you, much like serving fresh pasta with a sauce.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this slow cooker lasagna soup recipe?
Loads of options! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavour profile. If you don't have lasagna noodles, rotini or penne pasta work well. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or crumbled vegetarian "meat" instead of beef and use vegetable broth.
It's all about making it your own, like adding your personal touch to a Victoria sponge!
I'm trying to eat healthier. Any tips for making this slow cooker lasagna soup lighter?
Definitely! Use lean ground beef (90/10 blend) or ground turkey and skim the fat off the top after cooking. Opt for part skim ricotta cheese and reduce the amount of Parmesan. Load up on extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
It's like swapping the cream for yogurt - healthier, but still delicious!
Can I add vegetables to my slow cooker lasagna soup?
Absolutely, adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your slow cooker lasagna soup. Bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or carrots would all be excellent additions.
For best results, add hardier vegetables like carrots and peppers at the beginning of the cooking process, and add leafy greens like spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Comfort Food Made Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 425 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22.5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
