Imagine a comforting bowl of lasagna soup that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this crockpot recipe fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day long.
Some ingredients in this crockpot lasagna soup might not be staples in your pantry. Parmesan rinds add a rich, savory depth and can be found in the cheese section. Using low sodium beef broth helps control the salt content. Fresh spinach and a mix of bell peppers contribute to the vibrant flavors and should be picked up fresh from the produce aisle.
Ingredients For Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, protein-rich base to the soup.
Onion: Provides a savory depth and natural sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds a thick, tangy tomato base.
Tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness.
Petit diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of tomato flavor.
Low sodium beef broth: Provides a savory, controlled-sodium base.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
Green bell pepper: Brings a slightly bitter, fresh flavor.
Mushrooms: Adds earthiness and umami richness.
Dried basil leaves: Infuses the soup with a classic herb flavor.
Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note.
Seasoning salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth.
Parmesan rinds: Imparts a rich, cheesy depth to the broth.
Pasta: Provides the hearty, comforting texture of lasagna.
Fresh spinach: Adds nutrients and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
One reader, Forrest Maldonado says:
This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and it's so easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s hearty, comforting, and absolutely delicious. My family loves it!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup
How to cook beef, onion, and garlic: Brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat before transferring to the slow cooker.
How to cook pasta al dente: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until it is firm to the bite, usually a few minutes less than the full cooking time indicated on the package.
How to stir in cooked pasta and spinach: After cooking the pasta, add it along with fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and allow it to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the pasta is fully incorporated.
How To Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Have a hearty, filling meal with this slow-cooked lasagna soup cooked in beef broth with peppers, mushrooms, and fresh spinach, topped with cheeses.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lblean ground beef
- 1large onion,diced
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 28ozcrushed tomatoes,1 can, undrained
- 15oztomato sauce
- 14½ozpetit diced tomatoes
- 32ozlow sodium beef broth
- 1red bell pepper,diced
- 1green bell pepper,diced
- 2cupsmushrooms,sliced
- 2tspdried basil leaves
- 2tspdried parsley
- ½tspseasoning salt
- ½tspblack pepper
- 2slicesparmesan rinds,optional
- 6ozpasta,dried, any shape
- 2cupsfresh spinach,chopped
Instructions
-
Cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain, then place in the slow cooker.
-
Add all remaining soup ingredients except pasta and spinach. Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours.
-
Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Stir in cooked pasta and spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
-
Spoon into bowls and top as desired.
Recipe Notes
For Toppings:
- mozzarella cheese
- ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil
- parsley
Nutrition
- Calories: 341.49kcal
- Fat: 14.33g
- Saturated Fat: 5.66g
- Trans Fat: 0.67g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.72g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.76g
- Carbohydrates: 34.15g
- Fiber: 5.67g
- Sugar: 10.98g
- Protein: 21.30g
- Cholesterol: 45.02mg
- Sodium: 1009.93mg
- Calcium: 184.77mg
- Potassium: 1157.34mg
- Iron: 4.35mg
- Vitamin A: 111.29µg
- Vitamin C: 54.52mg
A Handy Technique Tip for Elevating Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup
To enhance the flavor of your crockpot lasagna soup, consider browning the ground beef in batches. This allows the meat to caramelize more evenly, adding a deeper, richer taste to the soup. Additionally, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth after cooking the beef, onion, and garlic, scraping up any browned bits before transferring everything to the slow cooker. This step ensures that all those flavorful bits make it into your final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and onion the night before and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy pre-chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions to cut down on prep time.
Opt for no-boil pasta: Use no-boil pasta to skip the step of cooking it separately.
Prep ingredients in advance: Measure out and prepare all your spices and broth the night before to streamline the process.
Utilize frozen spinach: Swap fresh spinach for frozen to save washing and chopping time.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
large onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the soup well.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato puree: Tomato puree has a similar consistency and can provide the same rich tomato flavor.
tomato sauce - Substitute with passata: Passata is a smooth, sieved tomato sauce that can be used interchangeably with tomato sauce.
petit diced tomatoes - Substitute with fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth of flavor to the soup.
low sodium beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a good alternative for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and can add a vibrant color to the soup.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers provide a mild heat and a slightly different flavor profile.
mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can add a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the soup well.
dried basil leaves - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a more intense and aromatic flavor.
dried parsley - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley offers a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
seasoning salt - Substitute with herb salt: Herb salt can add a complex flavor with a blend of different herbs.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the soup's color.
parmesan rinds - Substitute with grated parmesan: Grated parmesan can add a similar depth of flavor and richness to the soup.
pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: Gluten-free pasta is a good alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
fresh spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits, though it has a slightly stronger flavor.
Presenting Your Delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Serve in elegant bowls: Use pristine white porcelain bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of the lasagna soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Top each bowl with a sprig of fresh basil or parsley to add a touch of freshness and a pop of green.
Add a dollop of ricotta: Place a small dollop of creamy ricotta cheese in the center of the soup for a luxurious texture contrast.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish with a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors and add a glossy finish.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of toasted artisan bread brushed with garlic butter for an added layer of indulgence.
Use microgreens: Sprinkle a few microgreens on top for a sophisticated touch and a hint of earthiness.
Present with a parmesan crisp: Add a parmesan crisp on the side for a crunchy element that complements the soup’s creamy texture.
Highlight the layers: Ensure the pasta and spinach are visible in the bowl, showcasing the layered nature of the dish.
Serve hot: Ensure the lasagna soup is served piping hot to maintain its comforting essence and to keep the flavors vibrant.
Use a deep spoon: Provide a deep, elegant spoon that allows diners to scoop up all the elements in one bite, ensuring a balanced taste experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Lasagna Soup in a Crockpot
Skillet: Used to cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the beef, onion, and garlic in the skillet.
Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the soup ingredients slowly over several hours to develop rich flavors.
Cutting board: Needed for chopping the onion, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Chef's knife: Ideal for finely chopping the vegetables and mincing the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the dried basil leaves, dried parsley, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the beef broth and other liquid ingredients.
Can opener: Required to open the cans of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Colander: Useful for draining the cooked pasta.
Large pot: Needed to cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
Ladle: Perfect for spooning the finished lasagna soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the lasagna soup once it's ready.
Grater: Optional, but useful if you want to grate additional Parmesan cheese for topping.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Allow the lasagna soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup into an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Cook the pasta separately and do not add it to the portion of the soup you plan to freeze. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when reheated.
- Freeze the soup without the pasta and spinach. You can add these fresh when reheating the soup.
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
- The frozen lasagna soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the refrigerated or frozen soup:
- If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the soup to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If you didn't include the pasta and spinach before freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it to the reheated soup along with the fresh spinach.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve the reheated lasagna soup hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Lasagna Soup
Reheat the crockpot lasagna soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure even reheating without overcooking the pasta or making the soup too thick.
If you have a microwave-safe container, you can reheat individual portions of the lasagna soup in the microwave. Place the desired amount of soup in the container, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use a slow cooker or crockpot. Transfer the leftover soup into the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it warm up for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect if you want to reheat a large batch of soup without having to monitor it constantly.
If the lasagna soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to thin it out and restore its original consistency. This will help prevent the soup from becoming too dense or dry.
To maintain the texture of the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy, you can reheat the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta to each serving. This way, you'll have perfectly al dente pasta in every bowl of reheated lasagna soup.
A Surprising Fact About Crockpot Lasagna Soup
A fun fact about this crockpot lasagna soup recipe is that the inclusion of parmesan rinds adds a rich, umami flavor to the soup. This is a great way to use up leftover cheese rinds that might otherwise be discarded.
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Making Crockpot Lasagna Soup at Home
This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using lean ground beef and vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms keeps the cost manageable. The use of pantry staples such as crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth further enhances its affordability. The pasta and spinach add bulk without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is Crockpot Lasagna Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, as it incorporates lean ground beef, vegetables, and a tomato-based broth. The inclusion of bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the dish. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of beef and increase the proportion of vegetables to lower the overall fat and calorie content
- Opt for low-fat cheese or use it sparingly as a topping to decrease the saturated fat content
- Consider adding more leafy greens, such as kale or Swiss chard, to boost the nutrient profile of the soup
To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, you could:
- Incorporate additional protein sources, such as legumes or tofu, to create a more balanced meal
- Experiment with different spice combinations to add depth of flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole grain bread to round out the meal and provide additional nutrients
- Prepare a large batch and portion it out for easy, healthy meals throughout the week
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering the same comforting flavors in a convenient, slow-cooked format. The combination of lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich tomato base creates a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of parmesan rinds adds depth, while the spinach and al dente pasta provide texture and freshness. It's a perfect dish for busy days, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Top with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
Enhance Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Why trust this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe:
This crockpot lasagna soup recipe is a must-try for busy cooks. With lean ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it offers a hearty and nutritious meal. The slow-cooking method ensures deep, rich flavors, while the addition of parmesan rinds adds a unique, savory depth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
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