If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is just what you need. I remember one chilly evening when my son, Jake, came home from school and declared he was freezing. A big bowl of this soup not only warmed him up but also put a smile on his face. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with flavor, this soup is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about a warm, hearty soup that just feels like a hug in a bowl. This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a cozy soup form, making it the ultimate comfort food.
What You Need
- 1 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed – You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – A sweet onion works well too.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 1 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – Diced tomatoes can also work.
- 4 4 cups chicken broth – Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute.
- 2 2 tsp Italian seasoning – Feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- 1 1 tsp salt – Add more or less depending on your preference.
- 1/2 1/2 tsp black pepper – Red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- 8 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – Whole wheat noodles can be a healthier choice.
- 1 1 cup ricotta cheese – Cottage cheese can be used for a lighter option.
- 1 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 hours | Total: 6 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate.
Steps to Make It
- Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to your soup.
- Once the sausage is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything together, letting the garlic become fragrant, which should take about 1 minute.
- Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients well.
- Now, it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles. Gently push them into the soup, ensuring they’re submerged. This will help them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious flavor.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the heavenly aroma of Italian spices and savory sausage.
- After 6 hours, check the noodles for doneness. They should be tender but not mushy. If they need a bit more time, let them cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s well blended. This gives the soup a creamy texture that feels indulgent. Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! You can garnish with fresh basil or more cheese if you like. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Make It Perfect
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth you add.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping; it complements the soup perfectly.
Mix It Up
- Try adding different proteins like ground beef or chicken.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables.
- You can spice it up with some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Perfect Partners
- Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this soup.
- A simple side salad can round out the meal nicely.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for an adult twist.
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FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, it freezes well! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
Is this soup spicy?
It’s not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings the flavors of lasagna right to your bowl. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and sure to please everyone at the table. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a warm, hearty meal!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- slow cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced A sweet onion works well too.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Diced tomatoes can also work.
- 4 cups chicken broth Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning Feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- 1 tsp salt Add more or less depending on your preference.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces Whole wheat noodles can be a healthier choice.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Cottage cheese can be used for a lighter option.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
Instructions
- Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the browned sausage to your slow cooker, add the diced onion and minced garlic, and stir everything together.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles, gently pushing them into the soup to ensure they’re submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the noodles for doneness; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese and blend well, then top each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy, garnished with fresh basil or more cheese if desired.