Ground Meat: A 50/50 mix of Italian sausage and lean ground beef provides the best flavor and texture.Cheese
Lasagna Noodles: Use traditional wavy lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces. Pro Tip: Add these toward the end so they don’t get mushy.
The Broth Base: A combination of high-quality beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste creates that vibrant red, thick consistency.
Aromatics: Plenty of minced garlic, diced onions, and a blend of Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme).
The Cheese Topping: A mixture of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan cheese is what truly makes it “lasagna.”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage with diced onions until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.Meat & Seafood
Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, garlic, and Italian seasonings.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Add the Pasta: About 30–45 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. (If you prefer your noodles very firm, you can boil them separately and add them at the very end).
The Cheese Blend: While the noodles cook, mix ricotta, parmesan, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Final Touch: Once the noodles are tender, stir in a splash of heavy cream (optional) for extra richness. Ladle the soup into bowls.Slow Cookers
The Garnish: Top each bowl with a large dollop of the ricotta mixture, a handful of mozzarella, and fresh parsley or basil as shown in the photo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use “No-Boil” lasagna noodles? A: Yes, but they absorb liquid much faster and can become soft quickly. Add them only 20 minutes before serving.
Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly? A: The soup base (meat and broth) freezes beautifully. However, it is best to add fresh noodles when you reheat it, as frozen cooked pasta can become grainy.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb broth, so you may need to add a splash of water when reheating.Fruits & Vegetables
Reheating: Heat on the stovetop over medium heat until simmering, or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Kick: Add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or use “Hot” Italian sausage.
Creamy White Lasagna Soup: Use chicken broth, shredded chicken, and a white alfredo-style base instead of tomato.Cheese
How to Serve
Serve this soup in deep bowls with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm breadsticks for dipping. The bread is essential for soaking up the cheesy tomato broth! A simple side Caesar salad provides a nice, crisp contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
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