Crockpot Lasagna Soup

$- Crockpot - Large skillet - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board - Ladle for serving For this hearty soup, you need several key ingredients. Each adds flavor and texture. - Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): This is your main protein. Choose what you like best. - Onion (1 medium, diced): Onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup. - Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a nice kick and aroma. - Bell pepper (1, chopped): This adds crunch and a bit of sweetness. - Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): This is the base of your soup. It gives it a rich flavor. - Beef broth (4 cups): Broth adds depth and makes the soup hearty. - Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This mix of herbs ties all the flavors together. - Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a little heat, add these if you like spice. - Pasta (8 oz, like rigatoni or shells): Pasta makes the soup filling and comforting. - Fresh spinach (2 cups): Spinach adds color and nutrients. - Ricotta cheese (1 cup): This gives a creamy texture and a delicious taste. - Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Mozzarella adds gooey goodness on top. - Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): This adds a salty, nutty flavor. - Salt and pepper: Use these to taste for perfect seasoning. - Fresh basil (optional): Basil is a nice touch for garnish and fresh taste. You can add a few extras for more flavor. Consider these options: - Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy taste. - Zucchini: Chopped zucchini can add a great texture. - Carrots: Diced carrots bring sweetness and color to the mix. - Red wine: A splash can deepen the flavor of your soup. Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. You can follow the Full Recipe to see how to combine them for a wonderful meal. Start by browning your ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet. Cook it over medium heat until it is fully browned. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat. After that, transfer the meat to your crockpot. Next, add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the meat in the crockpot. Stir everything together well. This mix adds great flavor to your soup. Now, pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and four cups of beef broth. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir again. Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking lets all the flavors blend together beautifully. About 30 minutes before serving, add your pasta to the pot. I like using rigatoni or shells. If the soup feels too thick, feel free to add more broth or water. Stir gently to combine. When your pasta is tender, it’s time to add fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently. Let it cook for another 10 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and everything needs to heat through. Once your soup is ready, serve it hot. Top each bowl with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add fresh basil as a garnish if you want a pop of color and flavor. This soup is hearty and comforting. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy! To get the best flavor in your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs like basil add a bright taste. I also recommend using high-quality crushed tomatoes. They make a big difference! For more depth, cook the meat with the onion and garlic first. This step builds a strong base for flavor. Add the spices early so they infuse into the soup. Don't shy away from using a bit of salt; it brings out the flavors. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. If you add it too soon, it may turn mushy. Add the pasta about 30 minutes before serving to keep it firm. Another mistake is not tasting the soup. Always taste before you serve. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese. The ricotta and mozzarella add creaminess that makes this soup special. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Let the soup cool before sealing it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe bags. To reheat, add a splash of broth to prevent it from thickening too much. Heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating. Enjoy your Crockpot Lasagna Soup again with ease! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Start by swapping the meat for 1 pound of mushrooms or lentils. Both add great taste and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich base. Add more veggies like zucchini or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. This version stays hearty and satisfying without meat. To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Brands like brown rice or chickpea pasta work well. You can also use quinoa for a nutritious twist. Make sure to check the broth and canned tomatoes for hidden gluten. With these swaps, you can enjoy a warm bowl of lasagna soup without worry. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil and oregano enhance the Italian vibe. Try thyme or rosemary for a unique twist. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth, too. For heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also mix in a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky kick. These small tweaks can elevate your soup to a whole new level. Check out the Full Recipe to see how to combine these flavors perfectly. After you enjoy your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the soup is cool before sealing the container. This helps keep it fresh. Place it in the fridge. It should stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Label the container with the date. You can freeze the soup for up to three months. To use, just move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheating is easy! You can use the stove or the microwave. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. This helps it heat evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. Always check that it is hot throughout before serving. For extra creaminess, add a bit more ricotta cheese when you reheat. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use many kinds of meat. Ground turkey or chicken works great in this soup. You can also try a mix of meats for extra flavor. Each type adds a unique taste. Just ensure you cook it before adding it to the crockpot. This keeps the soup rich and tasty. To make this soup creamy, add more cheese. You can stir in extra ricotta or even cream cheese. Another option is to mix in sour cream at the end. This will give your soup a rich texture and flavor. You can adjust the creaminess based on what you like best. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Prepare it a day before and store it in the fridge. Just cook it as you usually would. When you’re ready to eat, heat it up on the stove or in the crockpot. The flavors will meld even more, making it taste great. For the full recipe, check the section above! In this blog post, we covered key ingredients, tools, and steps for a great recipe. I shared tips to boost flavor and avoid common mistakes. We explored variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, using the right tools and ingredients makes cooking easier. With practice, you’ll master this dish and offer tasty meals. Don't hesitate to try new flavors and make it your own. Cooking is fun and creative. Enjoy your culinary journey!$

Dive into the comforting flavors of Crockpot Lasagna Soup, a hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights! Packed with ground beef or sausage, fresh veggies, and cheesy goodness, this recipe is a must-try. Simply toss all ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work! Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy warm, cheesy satisfaction in every bowl!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups beef broth

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

8 oz pasta (like rigatoni or shells)

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and transfer meat to the crockpot.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then stir well.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta to the crockpot. If the soup is thickening too much, you can add more broth or water.

When the pasta is tender, gently stir in the fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella.

Allow it to cook for another 10 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.

Serve hot, topped with the remaining mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 6-8 hours (slow cook) | 6 servings