Description
A comforting and hearty slow‑cooker soup that layers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a creamy, cheesy broth — easy to prep and perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 8–10 no‑boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with the diced onion until meat is cooked through and onions are translucent. Add minced garlic; cook 1 minute more. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer meat mixture into the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add broken lasagna noodle pieces. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until noodles are tender.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until cheeses are melted and soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with additional mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use lean ground turkey and low‑sodium broth.
- Vegetarian option: omit meat and add diced zucchini or bell peppers.
- Short on time? Prep the browned meat and aromatics ahead, then combine everything in the crock pot when ready.
- Lasagna noodles can thicken the soup; add extra broth if it becomes too thick while cooking.
- Garnish ideas: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.