Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker version of lasagna served as a soup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 21/2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (can use ground turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 11/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 11/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/21/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/41/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/41/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 11/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown & Drain Meat: Start by cooking your ground meat until it is browned, giving off a savory aroma. Make sure to drain any excess grease; otherwise, it might make your lasagna soup greasy and unappealing.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Next, toss in the cooked meat along with all the other ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for about six hours. If you cook it too long, the noodles could get mushy.
- Stir & Add Cheese: Once the cooking time is up, give your soup a good stir and sprinkle in some cheese for that hearty finish. The cheese will melt right in, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve Warm & Enjoy: Dish it up while it is warm and sprinkle more cheese or herbs on top if desired. If it thickens too much after sitting, add a splash of broth to loosen it up!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days.
- Expert Tips: Cook the ground meat fully and drain grease before adding it to the slow cooker for best flavor. If using ground turkey, ensure it is cooked through and fat is drained well. To avoid mushy noodles, consider adding them closer to the end of the cooking time. If the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in extra broth while reheating to reach desired consistency. Increase seasoning or add freshly grated cheese if the soup’s flavor is too bland. Drizzle balsamic vinegar into the soup just before serving for a flavorful finish.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: Use spinach or zucchini for extra veggies. Opt for gluten-free noodles if desired. Try adding beans for additional protein and fiber.
- Ingredient Notes: Use a good quality broth for a richer flavor. Fresh garlic enhances the soup’s aroma and taste. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or use ground turkey. If you need a substitute for ricotta, cottage cheese works in a pinch. You can replace marinara sauce with your favorite variety of pasta sauce. If you do not have dried herbs, you can substitute with Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 424
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1405mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 83mg