Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Warm up with a bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup! This comforting dish delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup is an easy way to satisfy your cravings. With rich layers of flavor and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work. No need for complicated layering like traditional lasagna.
• Rich Flavors: The combination of herbs, cheese, and meat creates a deliciously hearty soup that tastes just like classic lasagna.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option, or customize the veggies to suit your taste.
• Comfort Food Delight: Ideal for chilly days, this soup is a warm hug in a bowl that brings everyone together around the table.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers! Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over hours without constant supervision.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat evenly before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient ratios for balanced taste.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for ground turkey)
• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Assembly

• 8 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings

• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• ½ cup ricotta
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, fully cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the cooked meat to the slow cooker insert. Then add:
– Diced onion
– Minced garlic
– Broth (chicken or vegetable)
– Marinara sauce
– Diced tomatoes

Mix in all the dried herbs: basil, parsley, onion powder, oregano, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.

Step 4: Add Noodles

When there are about 30 minutes left in cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover again and continue cooking until noodles are tender—about 30-45 minutes on High works perfectly.

Step 5: Final Touches

At the end of cooking time, stir in balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve immediately topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Here are some creative ways to enhance your soup presentation.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Basil Leaves: Use whole basil leaves as a garnish to add a classic Italian touch.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the soup.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty baguette can complement the rich flavors of the lasagna soup beautifully.

Cheese Toppings

• Extra Mozzarella: Top each bowl with additional mozzarella cheese before serving for an extra cheesy delight.
• Parmesan Crisp: Create parmesan crisps by baking grated parmesan until golden, then use as a crunchy topping.

Incorporate Vegetables

• Sautéed Spinach: Add sautéed spinach on top for more nutrients and vibrant color.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Chopped roasted red peppers can provide a sweet flavor contrast in each bowl.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

To ensure your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use Quality Broth: Choose a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth for richer flavor in your soup.
• Break Noodles Properly: Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
• Add Cheese at the Right Time: Stir in cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta just before serving for maximum creaminess.
• Season Gradually: Taste and adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking to find the perfect balance.
• Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing offer a classic pairing that complements the soup well.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and beans make a hearty side dish that aligns well with Italian flavors.
4. Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil on skewers create a colorful appetizer.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring added nutrition and flavor alongside the soup.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a delicious crunchy contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using wrong pasta: Using regular lasagna noodles may lead to mushy soup. Opt for breakable, oven-ready lasagna noodles that hold their shape.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat can result in less flavor. Always brown the ground beef or turkey first for a richer taste.
• Overloading with cheese: Adding too much cheese at once can make the soup overly thick. Instead, reserve some cheese for garnishing after cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each broth and sauce varies in saltiness. Taste the soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Not allowing enough cook time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to undercooked flavors. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• Frozen soup can last for about 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that combines traditional lasagna flavors in a hearty soup format, made easily in a slow cooker.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a lighter option and works great in this recipe while maintaining flavor.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or spice it up with more red pepper flakes.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with meat alternatives and use vegetable broth along with your favorite vegetables.

How long does it take to prepare?

Prep time is just 10 minutes, while cooking takes between 3-8 hours depending on your slow cooker setting.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s an effortless way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in one delicious bowl!