Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup

There’s nothing like a bowl of slow-cooker lasagna soup on a cold winter day. Melding all the flavors of classic lasagna, the rich tomato sauce, savory sausage and melty, bubbly cheese into the soup. This dish is meaty, hearty and soul-nourishing. Like most slow-cooker meals, it’s also very easy to make.  it just takes several hours to cook. Simply sauté your sausage, carrots, onion and garlic, then transfer all your ingredients to a slow cooker and let the soup simmer for hours (bonus: your house will smell amazing). Et voila, dinner is served. 

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup

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• Italian turkey sausage links: Sub for ground beef if you want more of a classic beefy flavor.
• Onion: Onion is a key aromatic in this soup (and most other soups).
• Carrots: Carrots add a dash of sweetness and texture to slow-cooker lasagna soup.
• Mushrooms: There’s nothing quite like the deep, earthy flavor of mushrooms, especially when paired with noodles and tomato sauce.
• Garlic: Make sure to mince your garlic to add the most concentrated garlic flavor possible.
• Chicken broth: Reduced-sodium vegetable broth works, too, as long as it’s low- or reduced-sodium so you can reduce the amount of salt (this is already a salty soup).
• Stewed tomatoes: Again, this is a salty soup so make sure your stewed tomatoes don’t contain any salt.
• Tomato sauce: Adding (no salt!) tomato sauce to this soup will give it richness and depth.
• Italian seasoning: Add some crushed red pepper flakes with your Italian seasoning if you like a bit of spice.
• Lasagna noodles: Break the noodles into pieces so they’ll cook more evenly.
• Spinach: Add some greenery and nutrients in the form of spinach, kale or another chopped green.
• Mozzarella cheese: Don’t use the mozzarella until the end, as it’ll melt quickly.
• (Optional) Shredded Parmesan cheese and minced fresh basil: Parmesan and fresh basil make for excellent toppings for this soup, but feel free to use other cheeses and herbs if that’s what you have on hand.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the meat

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In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink and break it into crumbles (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain and transfer to a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the veggies

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Add onion and carrots to the same skillet. Cook and stir until softened, for two to four minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and garlic and cook and stir until the mushrooms are softened, for another two to four minutes. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Stir in broth and tomatoes

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Stir in the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Cook, covered, on low, for four to six hours or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add the noodles

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Add noodles and cook for one hour longer or until tender. Stir in the spinach. Remove the insert and let stand for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare to serve

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When you’re ready to serve, divide the mozzarella cheese among serving bowls and ladle the soup over the cheese. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and basil.

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Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup Variations

• Add/substitute other vegetables: Use your favorite veggies like zucchini, squash, peas or sweet corn.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup

Store your slow-cooker lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if you want to store this soup for longer, stick it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. If you do this, be sure to omit the noodles and cook them separately. They are to be added when you’re ready to eat (they’ll become mushy otherwise).

How long does slow-cooker lasagna soup last?

This soup will last four to five days in the fridge and two to three months in the freezer.

Slow-Cooker Lasagna Tips

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What should I serve with slow-cooker lasagna soup?

A leafy greens salad and crusty bread pair well with this soup.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use plant-based sausage to make your slow-cooker lasagna soup vegetarian.

Can I make slow-cooker lasagna soup in an instant pot?

Yes, although note that making this soup in a slow cooker will create a depth of flavor that won’t be the same if you make it in an instant pot.