This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a warm, cozy dish that combines the best flavors of lasagna in a yummy soup form! It’s packed with hearty ground beef, noodles, and rich tomato sauce.
With everything cooking together in the slow cooker, your home will smell amazing! Plus, it’s super easy to make, just add the ingredients and let it work its magic. 🍽️
I love serving this soup with a sprinkle of cheese on top and some crusty bread on the side. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal here. If you’re looking for something lighter, ground turkey or chicken works just as well, giving you a leaner option.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead! It still gives great flavor—just check for one that’s low-sodium.
Canned Tomatoes: You can mix things up with different tomato products. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes provide added depth, while fresh tomatoes can also be used in season—just peel and chop them!
Noodles: While traditional lasagna noodles are great, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Broken spaghetti, rotini, or macaroni are all tasty alternatives.
Cheese: For a creamier texture, use cottage cheese or cream cheese instead of ricotta. You can also switch up the cheeses based on your taste—mozzarella blends well with cheddar for a different flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Noodles in Soup?
Getting the noodles just right in soup can be tricky! Adding them too early can make them mushy, while waiting too long can leave them undercooked. Here’s my method:
- Cook the soup base for 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high) first.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add broken noodles. Stir them in so they’re evenly covered.
- Check them after 10-15 minutes; they should be tender but not mushy—taste test!
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked noodles every time, bringing the dish together beautifully.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 (28 oz/796g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 oz (about 170g) broken lasagna noodles or lasagna-style pasta
- 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes for preparation, with a cooking time of 6 to 8 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. So, set it and forget it, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you’re back!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef Mixture:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onion becomes soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat before moving to the next step.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer your savory beef mixture into the slow cooker. Then, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or choose HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Let all those flavors mingle and create a deliciously rich broth.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time for the noodles! Toss in the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir gently to separate the noodles and let them cook until they are tender. This will take about 30 minutes.
5. Final Adjustments:
Once the noodles are cooked, take a moment to taste your soup. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed to get that perfect flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Finish with a touch of fresh parsley or basil for that lovely burst of color and flavor. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy your soothing slow cooker ground beef lasagna soup! 🍲
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. It may give a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious and lighter on calories. Just make sure to cook it until it’s no longer pink!
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth or vegetable broth works perfectly as a substitute. It will still provide ample flavor; just choose one that’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein, like lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. You can still include all the delicious tomatoes and herbs to maintain great flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
