Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup! Tasting just like your favorite lasagna, this dish is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The unique blend of flavors and the convenience of a slow cooker make this soup a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient Cooking: With the use of a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while enjoying your day.
• Comforting Flavor: This soup offers all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm and soothing bowl.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, savory dish that brings everyone together.
• Easy Cleanup: One pot means less mess, making it simple to enjoy delicious food without the hassle of multiple dishes.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential kitchen tools. Each tool plays a vital role in creating your delicious soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker
• Large Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, melding flavors beautifully over hours.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables before combining them in the slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for ground turkey)
• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground chicken
• 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
• 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)
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 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 to keep your soup light and healthy.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker insert. Then, add diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, oregano, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Soup

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on Low for about 6–8 hours or on High for about 3–4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Add Lasagna Noodles

When there are about 30 minutes left in cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover again and continue cooking until the noodles reach your desired tenderness—about an additional 30–45 minutes should do.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

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

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately topped with mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every comforting spoonful! Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consume within four days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is as delightful as preparing it. This hearty soup can be enjoyed in various ways, making it versatile for any meal occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side for a perfect dipper.
• Crusty Baguette: Slice a fresh baguette, toast it lightly, and serve alongside the soup for a satisfying crunch.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley on top for added freshness and flavor.
• Extra Cheese: Offer additional grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese for those who love a cheesy finish.

Salad Pairings

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons complements the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Lighten up the meal with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette.

Family Style

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls and let everyone add their desired toppings at the table for a fun family-style meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

To achieve the best version of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavors and ensure perfect texture every time.

• Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs or spice blends to elevate the flavor profile of your soup.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté garlic and onion before adding them to the slow cooker for deeper flavor development.
• Noodle Choice: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed; they cook nicely in soups without breaking apart too much.
• Cheese Quality: Choose high-quality cheeses for richer taste; freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce broth by half or add more noodles early on in cooking.
• Leftover Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers properly to enjoy later.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup can enhance your meal. Each dish brings its own unique flavor and texture that complements this comforting soup.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic make a delightful addition that pairs well with soup.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated vegetables, and cheeses offers variety and visual appeal.
4. Vegetable Crudité: Fresh veggies served with hummus or ranch dip create a crunchy side that’s healthy and tasty.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs are great finger foods that complement the meal.
6. Cheesy Garlic Rice: Creamy rice flavored with garlic and cheese rounds out your meal while keeping it comforting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef or chicken can lead to a lack of flavor. Always cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Overloading with noodles: Adding too many lasagna noodles can make the soup too thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect texture.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Ignoring cook times: Cooking on high for too long can overcook the noodles. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Forgetting garnishes: Skipping fresh parsley, mozzarella, or ricotta at serving time misses out on added flavor and presentation. Always finish your soup with these garnishes for an appealing dish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup form, made easily in a slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

It typically takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Make sure to add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I customize Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute different proteins like ground turkey or chicken, use various cheeses, or even add vegetables for extra nutrition.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is not only easy to prepare but also delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy bowl. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal veggies for added variety!