### Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup: A Hearty, Comforting Twist on Classic Lasagna
**Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup** offers a delightful spin on the traditional lasagna we all know and love. Combining the rich, savory flavors of lasagna with the comforting warmth of soup, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
#### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
1. **Comfort in a Bowl**: Lasagna Soup brings the classic comfort of lasagna into a hearty soup form. It’s ideal for those cold evenings when you crave something warm and filling.
2. **Easy to Prepare**: With a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can set it and forget it, making this an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
3. **Family-Friendly**: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike, offering all the beloved flavors of lasagna in a convenient and easy-to-eat format.
#### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
To make this delicious lasagna soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- **Ground Beef or Italian Sausage**: For a rich and hearty base.
- **Onion and Garlic**: Essential for flavor.
- **Diced Tomatoes**: For a tomato base with a touch of acidity.
- **Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste**: To deepen the tomato flavor.
- **Chicken or Beef Broth**: For the soup’s liquid.
- **Lasagna Noodles**: Broken into pieces to mimic the layers of lasagna.
- **Ricotta Cheese**: For that creamy, cheesy layer.
- **Shredded Mozzarella Cheese**: Melts into the soup for gooey goodness.
- **Italian Seasoning**: To bring all the flavors together.
- **Salt and Pepper**: For seasoning.
- **Fresh Basil**: For garnish and added freshness.
#### **How to Make Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup**
1. **Cook the Meat**: Begin by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
2. **Prepare the Base**: To the slow cooker, add diced onions and minced garlic. Then, stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken or beef broth. Mix well to combine.
3. **Add the Noodles and Seasoning**: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce.
4. **Slow Cook**: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The noodles should be tender and the flavors well-developed.
5. **Add the Cheese**: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. This will create a creamy, cheesy texture that’s reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional mozzarella cheese if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
#### **Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup**
- **Adjust the Thickness**: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or add extra tomato paste. For a thinner consistency, add more broth.
- **Customize the Ingredients**: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- **Make it Ahead**: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
#### **Conclusion**
**Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup** is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of classic lasagna in a new and convenient form. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you’ll have a comforting, hearty meal ready to enjoy whenever you need it. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
