A Cozy, Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Are you craving the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but don’t want to spend hours assembling layers? Lasagna soup is the perfect solution! It brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a simple, cozy soup form. Whether you’re looking for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner or something to serve at your next family gathering, this slow cooker lasagna soup recipe is sure to satisfy you.
In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make the ultimate lasagna soup. We’ll explore different variations, give you customization tips, and even show you how to create a healthier version. If you’re a fan of one-pot meals or you simply love easy lasagna soup recipes, this article will become your go-to resource. Ready to indulge in a bowl of comfort? Let’s dive in!
What Is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is exactly what it sounds like: all the amazing flavors of lasagna, but served in a comforting, hearty soup form. The base of the soup typically includes a savory tomato broth, filled with crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef, along with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Broken lasagna noodles replace the traditional lasagna sheets, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
As the soup simmers, the flavors of lasagna meld together, creating a rich and satisfying dish. With the addition of ricotta cheese (or other creamy cheese options) at the end, this dish feels just like eating lasagna, only more convenient. It’s perfect for those days when you want something filling but don’t have the time or energy to assemble a pan of lasagna.
Why Should You Make Lasagna Soup?
There are countless reasons why you should give lasagna soup a try, especially when using the slow cooker or crockpot for convenience. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot meal. No need to dirty multiple pans. You can simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s ideal for busy days, allowing you to come home to a delicious meal without much effort.
Additionally, lasagna soup is versatile. You can make it with a variety of proteins like Italian sausage, ground beef, or even a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables for a heartier dish or adjust the seasoning to fit your family’s preferences. It’s also a great way to use up leftover lasagna noodles or to create a meal from pantry staples.
How Do You Make Lasagna Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Making lasagna soup in a slow cooker is incredibly easy. Start by adding your broth, tomatoes, and seasonings to the crockpot, and then stir in your proteins—whether you’re using ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both. Once the base ingredients are in the slow cooker, break up your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and toss them in. Let the soup cook on low for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.
The beauty of slow cooker lasagna soup is that it requires minimal hands-on time. You don’t have to worry about stirring constantly or keeping an eye on it. After a few hours, the noodles will become tender, and the soup will thicken as the ingredients meld together. To finish, add a dollop of ricotta cheese or your favorite creamy cheese for that signature lasagna flavor.
How to Make This Lasagna Soup Recipe Variations
One of the best things about lasagna soup is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are some variations to consider:
- Healthier Lasagna Soup: If you’re looking to make this recipe lighter, you can swap out the traditional ricotta cheese for low-fat cottage cheese or skip the cheese altogether. You can also use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: For a meatless version, simply omit the sausage or beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These vegetables will soak up the delicious flavors and provide a hearty texture.
- Cheese Lovers’ Lasagna Soup: If you love a cheesy soup, consider adding more cheese to the broth. Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for an extra cheesy bite, or top each serving with a generous handful of melted cheese before serving.
How Do You Serve Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is a hearty, filling meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The combination of the rich, savory soup with crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a match made in heaven.
You can also top each bowl with extra cheese—shredded mozzarella or Parmesan adds a melty, creamy touch that enhances the lasagna flavor. For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top, or add fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
Can You Make Lasagna Soup on the Stove?
While the slow cooker is a convenient option, you can also make lasagna soup on the stove. If you’re short on time or want to enjoy the dish immediately, simply cook the soup in a large pot over medium heat. Begin by sautéing your garlic and onions, then add your broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Once the soup is boiling, break your lasagna noodles and stir them in. Let everything simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Finish with ricotta cheese or any other creamy cheese for a delicious bowl of lasagna soup.
How Can You Customize Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is incredibly customizable based on your personal preferences. For instance, if you’re a fan of spicier dishes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup an extra kick. You can also swap the traditional lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, or try adding other types of ground meat like turkey or chicken. Adding fresh basil or oregano will enhance the Italian seasoning, making the soup more aromatic and flavorful.
What Are Some Other Delicious Soup Recipes to Try?
If you love the idea of lasagna soup, there are plenty of other comforting soup recipes to explore. Try making creamy tomato basil soup, hearty potato soup, or even a classic chicken noodle soup. These soups are just as cozy and satisfying, making them perfect for chilly days.
And if you love one-pot meals, don’t miss out on other slow-cooked favorites like beef stew, chicken and dumplings, or a rich and creamy potato leek soup. These soups are perfect for filling your home with warmth and delicious smells all day long.
Can You Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is a great make-ahead meal, and it freezes well too. If you want to prepare this soup in advance or have leftovers, simply let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the soup before adding the noodles, which will keep the noodles from becoming too mushy when reheated.
If you choose to freeze the soup, you can easily stretch the leftovers into multiple meals for the week. Just make sure to adjust the consistency if needed by adding extra broth or water, as the soup may thicken after freezing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
To store leftover lasagna soup, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to restore the soup’s original consistency. Avoid freezing the soup with the cheese, as it may separate when thawed. Instead, stir the cheese in just before serving to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
Bullet Point Summary of Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Lasagna soup is the perfect dish when you want all the rich, savory flavors of classic lasagna without the hassle of layers and baking. It’s a comforting, easy one-pot meal that combines all the best aspects of lasagna, but in a cozy, hearty soup form. Whether you prefer it made in the slow cooker or the stovetop, lasagna soup delivers a big flavor with minimal effort. For those who love traditional Italian flavors but need a time-saving alternative to the classic lasagna, this recipe is the solution. What’s even better? Lasagna soup is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins, such as ground beef, Italian sausage, or even turkey or chicken. If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use leaner meats or swap the cheese for healthier alternatives like low-fat cottage cheese. Vegetarians can enjoy it too—by simply adding more vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, you can create a wholesome and satisfying dish that everyone will love. When it comes to serving this delicious soup, the possibilities are endless. Pair it with a slice of crispy garlic bread or a fresh, vibrant salad to complete the meal. Not only does lasagna soup make for a perfect family dinner, but it’s also a great dish to serve during gatherings or on those chilly evenings when you crave something filling and comforting.
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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe for the Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
Enjoy a cozy lasagna soup made in your slow cooker. A one-pot meal with classic lasagna flavors in a comforting soup form. Perfect for busy days!
Ingredients
Lasagna Soup
- 1 lb Italian Sausage
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ crushed red pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can of fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces
Ricotta Topping
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian parsley or basil chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a Dutch Oven over medium heat brown the Italian Sausage. When it is halfway browned add the onion and cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft. Reduce the heat to low and add garlic, 1 teaspoon parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper; stirring and cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes.
- Whisk together the tomato paste and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Whisk it into the soup along with the remaining 5 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and add the lasagna noodles. Cook the soup until the noodles are tender; 20-22 minutes.
- In a medium bowl combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley. Top each bowl with 1/4 cup cheese mixture. If desired top with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
I like to whisk the tomato paste with some broth to blend into the soup well.
If you like everything with some heat and spice, add a little more crushed red pepper or a few pinches of ground cayenne pepper.
If you know you will reserve a portion of the soup for leftovers, remove that amount before adding the pasta or the cheese. Set aside a percentage of uncooked lasagna noodles in the pantry and mixed cheese in the refrigerator. Add the lasagna noodles when you reheat the leftover soup on the stovetop. Then, top with the cheese mixture warmed to room temperature for no more than two hours.
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 560kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: slow cooker lasagna soup, lasagna soup crockpot, one-pot lasagna soup, hearty lasagna soup