Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Every fall and winter, our staff has a soup rotation. I have modified this recipe so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. My colleagues love it!
Every fall and winter, our staff has a soup rotation. I have modified this recipe so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. My colleagues love it!
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 carton (32 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 6 pieces
- 1-1/2 pounds johnsonvilleâ® ground mild italia
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) italian stewed tomatoes
- 2 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup cubed or shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- thinly sliced fresh basil optional
- Carbohydrate 4.33691928616074 g
- Cholesterol 3.6 mg
- Fat 1.48833477356544 g
- Fiber 0.94690374637676 g
- Protein 2.86118882446241 g
- Saturated Fat 0.890652486068571 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings (2-1/2 quarts). (58g)
- Sodium 97.1513937289036 mg
- Sugar 3.39001553978398 g
- Trans Fat 0.0747282918333526 g
- Calories 40 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 8-10 minutes or until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles; drain.
- Transfer to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker.
- Add onion and carrots to same skillet; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until softened.
- Stir in mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir 2-4 minutes or until mushrooms are softened.
- Transfer to slow cooker.
- Stir in broth, tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Cook, covered, on low 4-6 hours or until vegetables are tender.
- Skim fat from soup.
- Add lasagna; cook 1 hour longer or until tender.
- Stir in spinach.
- Remove insert; let stand 10 minutes.
- Divide mozzarella cheese among serving bowls; ladle soup over cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and, if desired, basil.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, kids' activities, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life leaves little room for elaborate meal prep. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes. They're incredibly convenient, requiring minimal hands-on time, and usually result in delicious, comforting meals. This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup has become a staple in my kitchen, a true lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even when my schedule is packed to the brim. I often prepare the ingredients the night before, making the morning routine a breeze. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker before heading off to work, and come home to a warm, inviting aroma and a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Love spinach? Add more! Prefer a spicier kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless. It's also a great way to use up leftover vegetables or cooked meats. I often add leftover cooked chicken or ground turkey to make it even more substantial. I've found that using part-skim mozzarella helps to lighten the dish slightly, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
This soup isn’t just a weeknight wonder; it's also perfect for entertaining. It's easily scaled up to feed a crowd, and the rich, comforting flavors are always a hit with guests. Imagine a cozy autumn evening, the aroma of simmering lasagna soup filling your home. This is the kind of meal that brings people together, a warm hug in a bowl. Seriously, try it. You won't be disappointed. The combination of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this soup offers a nutritional boost. It's packed with vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. The protein from the sausage and cheese helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the slow cooking process helps to tenderize the vegetables and deepen the flavors, creating a truly exceptional culinary experience. And the cleanup? Minimal! Just a quick wipe of the slow cooker and you're done.
So, next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal, give this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup a try. You'll quickly understand why it's become a beloved recipe in my household. It's a perfect example of how a simple recipe can be incredibly satisfying and convenient, even during the busiest of times. It's the kind of meal that tastes like home, warm and inviting, no matter how hectic the day has been.
Pro Tip: For an even richer flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of mozzarella and provolone would be delicious.
This recipe truly embodies the spirit of effortless elegance. It's a dish that speaks volumes about the art of making the most of your time without sacrificing taste or quality. This isn't just a soup; it's a testament to efficient cooking and deliciousness.
