Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty soup form. This easy-to-make dish features rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and layers of gooey melted cheese, giving you all the indulgence of lasagna with minimal effort. Simply throw everything into the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection while you go about your day.

I first tried making this soup when I was craving lasagna but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The smell of the tomato and cheese as it cooked was enough to make anyone’s mouth water. What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add in extra veggies, swap out the meat for sausage, or even toss in some fresh herbs for added flavor. And of course, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end makes it even more delicious.

This Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is not only an easy dinner option, but it’s also perfect for meal prep. It makes a big batch, so you can have leftovers for the next day or freeze it for later. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or just need a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Comfort food cravings
• Meal prep
• Feeding a crowd

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Here’s why Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup will become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation:

• Rich and Hearty: Packed with savory tomato broth, flavorful seasonings, and tender pasta, this soup delivers all the classic lasagna flavors in a comforting bowl.
• Cheesy Goodness: The generous amount of cheese added at the end makes this soup extra creamy and indulgent, just like a cheesy lasagna.
• Easy to Make: With the help of your crockpot, this recipe requires little prep and virtually no hands-on time. Set it and forget it until dinner!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, like ground beef, sausage, or even vegetables, to make the soup your own.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/sausage, optional)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or broken lasagna noodles)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: Adds rich, savory flavor to the soup, creating a meaty base. You can also swap this for ground turkey or sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce form the base of the soup, creating a tangy and flavorful broth.
• Herbs and Spices: Dried basil, oregano, and other seasonings enhance the flavor profile and give the soup a true lasagna taste.
• Pasta: Uncooked pasta cooks directly in the soup, soaking up all the flavors while providing the perfect bite.
• Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combine to make the soup decadently cheesy and creamy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup:

Prepare the Soup Base:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage/turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Saute the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer to the crockpot.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: To the crockpot, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
4. Season the Soup: Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to incorporate the seasonings into the soup base.

Cook the Soup:

5. Set the Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and cook the soup on low for 5-6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.
6. Add the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta. Continue to cook on low, uncovered, until the pasta is tender.

Add the Cheese:

7. Stir in the Ricotta and Mozzarella: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt into the soup, making it rich and creamy.
8. Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring to incorporate, and let the soup heat through.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup can be served in many delicious ways:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the cheesy broth.
• As a Hearty Meal: This soup is filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• With Extra Cheese: Add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan on top for more cheesy goodness.
• As a Family Dinner: Set up a toppings station with fresh herbs, additional cheese, and hot sauce for everyone to customize their bowl.
• For a Comforting Lunch: This soup is perfect as leftovers and makes an easy, satisfying lunch for the next day.

Additional Tips for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Here are some tips to ensure your Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly:

• Use High-Quality Broth: For the best flavor, use a good-quality beef or chicken broth as the base of the soup.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stir the pasta in 30 minutes before serving to avoid it becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost the nutrition of the soup.
• Use a Mix of Meats: For a richer flavor, combine ground beef with sausage or turkey to mimic the meat layers of lasagna.
• Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy version of the soup.

Recipe Variations for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup:

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add more vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, for a hearty, vegetarian version.
• Chicken Lasagna Soup: Use cooked, shredded chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Sausage Lasagna Soup: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat and bold flavor.
• Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup: Replace the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup: Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Soup: Stir in fresh spinach along with the ricotta for added greens and a more traditional lasagna flavor.
• Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Lasagna Soup: Use a combination of ground beef and pork sausage for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Lasagna Soup with Pesto: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto at the end for an aromatic, herby flavor twist.
• Low-Carb Lasagna Soup: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to make a low-carb version of the soup.
• Beef and Mushroom Lasagna Soup: Add mushrooms along with the beef to add umami and a savory depth to the soup.

Freezing and Storage for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

• Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup easier:

• Crockpot or Slow Cooker: A 6-qt slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, allowing enough room for the ingredients to cook and meld together.
• Skillet: A skillet is essential for browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, especially when seasoning the soup.
• Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring and serving the soup.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing leftovers or freezing the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions for Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
2. Can I use different pasta?
   Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even broken lasagna noodles will work well in this soup.
3. How do I make this soup gluten-free?
   Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup is great for meal prep and can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or even add ricotta for a more lasagna-like flavor.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and cheesy goodness, all in a bowl. This comforting dish takes the best parts of lasagna and transforms them into a simple, slow-cooked soup that’s full of flavor and hassle-free. With the convenience of a crockpot, you can savor all the delicious layers of lasagna—meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles—without all the work.

Ideal for busy weeknights, casual family meals, or cozy get-togethers, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for those who want all the comfort of lasagna with none of the fuss.

Can’t wait to see how your Crock Pot Cheesy Lasagna Soup turns out! Take a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’d love to see your cozy creations! Enjoy cooking!