Description
This hearty Crock Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a medley of tomato products simmer slowly with herbs and beef broth. Uncooked rotini pasta cooks directly in the crock pot, making mealtime simple and hands-off. Topped with a creamy ricotta and parsley mixture, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this soup delivers rich, layered Italian flavors perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Move the cooked beef, onions, and garlic mixture into your crock pot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth until well combined, creating a rich, hearty soup base.
- Season the Soup: Add dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours to develop deep flavors.
- Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Continue cooking until the pasta becomes tender but still holds its shape.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the chopped parsley, blending the creamy texture with fresh herb flavor.
- Serve with Ricotta: Spoon a dollop of the ricotta and parsley mixture into each serving bowl for a creamy counterpoint to the tomato base.
- Ladle Soup and Add Cheeses: Ladle the hot lasagna soup over the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot, savoring the comforting and robust flavors of this crock pot lasagna soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
- You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the beef broth to 3 cups.
- Ensure pasta is added carefully in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
