Description
All the classic flavors of lasagna transformed into a hearty, comforting soup made effortlessly in the crock pot. This easy-to-make recipe combines ground meat, tomatoes, pasta, and Italian seasonings into a warm, satisfying dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Pasta
- 8 broken lasagna noodles (to be added later)
Toppings
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onions until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat before adding the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients. To the slow cooker, add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, beef or chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well with the meat and onions.
- Slow Cook the Soup. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to become hearty.
- Add the Lasagna Noodles. About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender.
- Serve with Toppings. Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses for an authentic lasagna taste.
Notes
- For a variation, use cheese tortellini in place of broken lasagna noodles for a different texture and flavor.
- Add fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
