Ah, Crockpot Lasagna Soup! If there’s a dish that warms my heart and soul as much as a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, it’s this one. Imagine all the delightful flavors of classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta—combined into a comforting soup that practically cooks itself. I’ll never forget the time I made this for a gathering, and it disappeared faster than I could say “seconds, please!”
This easy-to-make soup has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. It’s perfect not only for a family dinner but also for impressing guests with minimum effort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for the cool evenings ahead!
What’s in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can use either, but I lean towards Italian sausage for that extra burst of flavor! Just be sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks; we want every spoonful packed with goodness.
Onion and Garlic: These are the aromatic base of the soup. Freshly minced garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Crushed Tomatoes: This is where our rich, tangy flavor comes from. I recommend using San Marzano tomatoes if you want to take it up a notch—oh, so delicious!
Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the soup without overpowering it. You can always swap it for vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Zucchini and Spinach: These add nutrition and color! Plus, zucchini soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Lasagna Noodles: It’s all about those layers! I break them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.
Ricotta Cheese: A dollop right before serving brings a creamy texture that reminds you of traditional lasagna. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Flakes: The seasoning blend adds that Italian flair, while red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. Adjust to your preferred spice level!
Is Crockpot Lasagna Soup Good for You?
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup packs a delightful repertoire of nutrients!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Offers protein, iron, and B vitamins. If you go for lean ground beef or turkey, you can significantly lower the fat content.
Zucchini: It’s low in calories but packs fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Plus, it adds a satisfying texture.
Spinach: A powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and calcium! A great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing.
As with any dish, moderation is key. The cheeses add richness and some calories, but using low-fat versions can lighten things up. So, while it’s not a health food per se, it strikes a nice balance of hearty and nourishing.
Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
– Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 pound)
– 1 Onion, chopped
– 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz) Crushed Tomatoes
– 4 cups Chicken Broth
– 2 Zucchini, diced
– 2 cups Fresh Spinach
– 6-8 Lasagna Noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (for serving)
– 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
– 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
– Salt and Pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6-8 hungry souls.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and add it to your crockpot.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Dump this into the crockpot as well.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the diced zucchini and broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot, giving it a good stir.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, gently mix in the fresh spinach.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese. I promise you’ll be going back for seconds.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Bowl
If you’re looking to add a little something extra, I love serving this soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil and parmesan cheese on top for an elegant touch. Feeling adventurous? Swap the ricotta for a dollop of pesto – oh my yum!
Trust me, once you get this Crockpot Lasagna Soup simmering away, your home will smell like a cozy Italian bistro, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of your day. I can’t wait for you to try it! Let’s be honest; it might even become your new favorite dish. Happy cooking!
