Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

slow cooker lasagna soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker soup that captures the flavors of classic lasagna without the mess. It features a rich tomato-beef broth, tender pasta, and creamy ricotta swirls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni or rotini (uncooked)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if using regular beef. Transfer meat and onions to the slow cooker.
  3. To the slow cooker, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until tomato paste is dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. While pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the parmesan in a small bowl. Whisk in a splash of hot soup broth to create a smooth mixture.
  7. Once pasta is done, stir in heavy cream (if using) and the smooth ricotta mixture. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve hot with extra parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Do not add pasta at the beginning of cooking as it will turn to mush. Always add pasta in the last 30-45 minutes. Whisk ricotta with hot broth before adding to soup to prevent clumping. Store leftovers separately from pasta if meal prepping, as pasta absorbs liquid over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker lasagna soup, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, weeknight dinner, Italian soup, ground beef soup

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/cozy-slow-cooker-lasagna-soup-10-minute-easy-dinner/