This lasagna soup is all about cheesy goodness! Layers of ricotta, pasta, and rich tomato sauce come together in a warm bowl of comfort. Plus, it’s made in a crockpot!
I love how I can toss everything in the pot and let it do the magic while I kick back. It’s perfect for chilly nights when you want something cozy and delicious with less fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but if you prefer leaner meat, turkey or chicken are great alternatives. For a meatless version, try chickpeas or lentils instead.
Lasagna Noodles: Standard lasagna noodles are perfect, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed. Just adjust cooking time as required for different types.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is key for that creamy texture! If needed, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. For a dairy-free version, look for cashew or almond ricotta options.
Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred marinara works, but homemade sauce can add a personal touch. If you want a twist, you could use pesto for a different flavor!
Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan are great here, but you can mix in other cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar for unique flavors. Just use what you have on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Noodles in Soup Without Getting Mushy?
The noodles can easily become mushy if overcooked in the crockpot. To avoid this, wait until the last 30 minutes to add them. Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces also helps them cook evenly while keeping some bite.
- Set a timer 30 minutes before you plan to serve.
- Carefully stir in the broken noodles into the soup and mix well.
- Keep the crockpot on high to encourage quicker cooking for the noodles while the soup continues simmering.
This approach will help you get a delightful texture, balancing between soft and al dente noodles for the perfect lasagna soup experience!
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Ricotta Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato sauce)
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheesy Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and can cook in the crockpot for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. Including the noodle cooking time, you should have a delicious meal ready in roughly 5 to 7 hours total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Veggies:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage), chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned, and the onion is soft, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the soup from getting greasy.
2. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your crockpot. Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
3. Crockpot Cooking:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and let it cook. Choose low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking time allows all the rich flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (1-2 inches) and gently stir them into the crockpot. This is when the magic happens—the noodles will cook and soak up all that delicious broth! Leave the lid on and let it cook for the remaining time.
5. Prepare the Cheesy Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, take a small bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy mixture will be the star topping on your soup.
6. Serve It Up:
Once the noodles are tender and fully cooked, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheesy mixture. This adds that creamy, rich texture that we all love!
7. Garnish & Enjoy:
Finish things off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy lasagna soup hot, and let it warm your soul!
This recipe combines the flavors of lasagna into a cozy soup, perfect for chilly days. It’s quick to prepare and gives you all the comforting goodness of traditional lasagna in a simpler form. Enjoy!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free noodles can work well in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary from regular lasagna noodles.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could also use lentils or a meat substitute for added protein!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, this lasagna soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This cheesy lasagna soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but you could also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy dipping the bread in the soup for an extra treat!
