Hearty Crock Pot Lasagna Soup: Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Make easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup for a comforting meal. Layers of flavor without the fuss! Perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 260 minutes
Servings: 7 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
Dietary: Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Soup Base Essentials
01 -
1 lb ground Italian sausage
02 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
03 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
04 -
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
05 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Flavor Builders
07 -
1 tsp dried basil
08 -
1 tsp dried oregano
09 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
11 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Pasta & Cheese Magic
12 -
6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
13 -
15 oz container ricotta cheese
14 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
15 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
→ Finishing Touches
16 -
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that ground Italian sausage into a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned. This is where your flavor journey begins, don't rush it! Once it's cooked through, drain any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy soup. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel like an Italian nonna's.
02 -
Now, for the easiest part! Transfer your browned sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into your trusty crock pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. This is where the magic starts to happen as all those flavors begin to meld. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes here for a little kick, just because I like things with a bit of a zing. Don't worry if it looks a bit thin now; it'll thicken beautifully for your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup.
03 -
Time for the seasonings! Stir in your dried basil, oregano, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Taste it – this is important! Adjust the seasonings to your liking. I always start with less salt and add more later if needed. Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more those flavors will deepen and develop. You'll start to smell the most incredible aroma wafting through your house, honestly!
04 -
About 30-45 minutes before you're ready to serve, stir in your broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they're submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly. I've had times where I just dumped them in and some stuck together, so give them a good stir! Continue cooking until the noodles are tender. This is where the soup starts to get its comforting, hearty texture. Don't overcook them, or they'll get mushy, and nobody wants mushy lasagna soup.
05 -
While the noodles are cooking, get your cheesy topping ready. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and some grated Parmesan. Mix it all up until it's well combined. I like to add a pinch of garlic powder and a little fresh parsley to this mixture for extra flavor. This topping is what gives the Crock Pot Lasagna Soup that authentic lasagna feel, so don't skimp on it!
06 -
Once the noodles are perfectly tender, ladle the warm Crock Pot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Spoon a generous dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of each serving. Then, sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella and a final flourish of grated Parmesan. If you have some fresh basil or parsley, a little garnish really makes it pop. The cheese will melt slightly into the hot soup, creating these gooey, delicious pockets. Pure comfort, I tell you!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't forget to brown your Italian sausage thoroughly; it truly builds the base flavor for your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup.
02 -
Taste and adjust your seasonings before adding the noodles – it's much harder to fix later, trust me, I've tried!
03 -
Break your lasagna noodles into smaller, more manageable pieces to ensure they cook evenly and fit on your spoon easily.
04 -
For an extra vibrant color and freshness, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end makes all the difference.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart or larger slow cooker (Crock Pot)
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Mixing bowls
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
Protein: 30 g