This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! Packed with beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness, it’s a delightful mix of flavors.
Making this soup is super simple! I love tossing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do the work. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you could use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead!
Onion: A small onion adds essential flavor. If you’re out, try shallots or even a couple of green onions. For a milder flavor, use sweet onions.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that rich taste. In a pinch, use garlic powder, but remember that it won’t be as pungent.
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed and diced tomatoes create a nice base. Using fresh tomatoes works too! Just remember to peel and chop them first, or go with whole canned tomatoes and crush them by hand.
Pasta: Rotini is ideal for holding the broth and cheese, but any short pasta like fusilli or penne will work nicely. You can swap for gluten-free pasta if needed—just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Cheeses: Ricotta gives creaminess, while mozzarella adds stringy goodness. If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese is a good replacement. Always use fresh mozzarella for topping—it melts beautifully!
How Do You Ensure the Pasta Stays Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky; you want it soft but not mushy. Here’s the best approach:
- Add pasta towards the end of cooking. For the last 30 minutes on high, stir it in to ensure it cooks just right.
- Start checking for doneness after 20 minutes. This lets you catch it at al dente—firm yet tender!
- If you find you’re short on time, you can cook pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving.
This way, your soup stays hearty, and no one likes soggy pasta!
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sour cream or additional ricotta, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. After that, you’ll only need an additional 30 minutes to cook the pasta. It’s perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Be sure to drain any excess fat once it’s cooked, so your soup isn’t greasy!
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef and onion. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This really amps up the flavor!
3. Combine in Slow Cooker:
Transfer everything from the skillet to your slow cooker. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This makes sure all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully!
5. Add Pasta:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the rotini pasta into the slow cooker. Stir it in and cover again. Cook on high until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 20-30 minutes. Check on it at the 20-minute mark to make sure it’s cooked just right!
6. Stir in the Ricotta:
Once the pasta is cooked, gently stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s well combined with the soup. This adds a creamy texture that’s simply divine!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or extra ricotta for an added touch. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice finishing touch.
8. Pair with Bread:
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Enjoy dipping the bread into the rich, cheesy soup for a comforting meal!
This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is sure to become a family favorite. It captures all the fantastic flavors of lasagna in a cozy bowl that’s perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly milder flavor, so you might want to adjust the seasoning a bit to your taste.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option. Even water will work, though the flavor won’t be as rich. Just be sure to add some extra seasoning to enhance the taste!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the rest of the ingredients can stay the same for a delicious meat-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Enjoy it again for a quick and hearty meal!
