Weeknight Winner: Crockpot Lasagna Soup (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Introduction

Transforming weeknight dinners from stressful events into quick and delicious meals is easier than you think! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe takes all the comforting flavors of lasagna and simplifies them into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing soup, perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why This Works

This recipe shines because it’s ridiculously easy, uses pantry staples, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things while a delicious, hearty soup simmers away. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking!

Key Ingredients

🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🍅 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
🍝 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
🫘 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
🫘 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
🥓 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
🥩 1 pound ground beef (optional, for a heartier soup)
🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
🍃 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If using ground beef, brown it in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. If omitting ground beef, skip this step.

2️⃣ Combine Ingredients: Transfer the onion and garlic (or browned beef and onion/garlic) to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, cannellini beans, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

3️⃣ Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and the flavors have melded.

4️⃣ Stir in Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

5️⃣ Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crumbled bacon (if using) and fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

For even better flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried.
If you don’t have fresh basil for garnish, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese works well.
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Heat Control

The slow cooker’s gentle heat is perfect for this recipe, allowing the flavors to develop slowly and evenly without scorching or burning. Low setting ensures a tender, flavorful soup; High setting works for those short on time, just remember to monitor it towards the end to prevent boiling over.

Crunch Factor

The crumbled bacon adds a delightful salty crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy, tender soup. If omitting bacon, consider adding a crunchy crouton or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a textural element.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use pre-chopped onions and garlic to save time.
Roast your vegetables (onions, peppers etc.) before adding them to the slow cooker for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Add a bay leaf during cooking for an extra layer of complexity, and remove before serving.

Storage Tips

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing is also possible – allow to cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This soup makes a wonderful gift! Package it in a festive jar or thermos, adorned with a ribbon and a homemade label. Include a recipe card for the recipient to recreate the magic.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Sausage: Substitute Italian sausage for the ground beef for a spicy, flavorful twist.

🌟 Vegetarian Delight: Omit the ground beef and add a can of diced tomatoes and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

🌟 Spinach and Ricotta: Stir in a cup of fresh spinach and a half cup of ricotta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy, spinach lasagna soup.

🌟 Creamy Tomato Basil: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end of the cooking time for an extra-rich and creamy soup, and enhance the basil flavor.

Troubleshooting

Soup is too watery: Increase the simmer time to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) at the end of cooking.
Soup is too thick: Add a little extra crushed tomatoes or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Cheese isn’t melting: Ensure the cheese is finely shredded and stir it well into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking, ensuring the soup is at a temperature where the cheese can melt effectively.

FAQ

Can I use different beans? Yes, feel free to experiment with other beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, sauté the onions, garlic, and meat (if using) then transfer to your Instant Pot. Add remaining ingredients and cook on manual high for 15 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
Can I add vegetables other than those listed? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
What kind of bacon should I use? Any kind of bacon you prefer will work great; crispy, thick-cut, or even turkey bacon.
Is it possible to use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. However, it may increase the cooking time, and you may want to adjust the cooking time depending on how thick the pieces are frozen.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy families. Share this recipe with your friends and family – let’s make weeknight dinners a breeze!