Description
A comforting, easy ‘set-and-forget’ Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, blending rich tomato-meat sauce, tender lasagna noodles, and creamy ricotta and mozzarella into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12–16 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, water, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low for 6-8 hours** or on **high for 3-4 hours**.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: About 30-45 minutes before serving (or when the soup has completed its cooking time), stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. *Note: Cooking time for noodles may vary based on your slow cooker and noodle brand.*
- Prepare Ricotta Topping: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an even creamier ricotta topping, whisk it with a tablespoon or two of milk before serving. Fresh herbs add a vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg