This Crockpot Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights! It has all the flavors of classic lasagna but is served as a cozy soup.
With layers of meat, cheese, and delicious tomato sauce, it’s like a hug in a bowl. I love how simple it is—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both options add great flavor! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian take, try lentils or mushrooms to create a hearty base.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces, these noodles soak up the soup’s flavors nicely. If you can’t find gluten-free options, any small gluten-free pasta, like shells or penne, will do great.
Ricotta Cheese: This cheese gives a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using ricotta made from almond or coconut milk. Cottage cheese is also a nice substitute for a different take.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Meat for This Soup?
Cooking your meat properly is key! Here’s the best way:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat.
- Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This ensures even cooking.
- Cook until the meat is no longer pink, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
This method keeps the meat flavorful without overwhelming the soup!
How to Get the Perfect Noodle Texture in Soup?
To keep the noodles from becoming mushy, timing is essential. Here’s how:
- Add the broken noodles during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
- Stir them in gently and cover the crockpot again.
- Check for doneness at around 20 minutes; you want them tender but still slightly firm.
This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked noodles without any mushiness!
Crockpot Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups gluten-free chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 sheets gluten-free lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for prep and around 6-7 hours for cooking on low, or 3-4 hours on high. Most of the time is hands-off, so you can enjoy your day while the crockpot does its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Meat Ready:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat.
2. Adding Flavor:
Now, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat. Cook these together for about 2-3 minutes or until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. This adds a lovely flavor to your soup!
3. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Transfer the meat mixture into your crockpot. Then, pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir!
4. Let It Cook:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Noodle Time:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broken gluten-free lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir them in, cover, and let them cook until they are tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes.
6. Prepare Your Cheese Mixture:
While your noodles are cooking, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. This creamy mix will give a wonderful richness to your soup!
7. Serving the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful of your rich, cheesy, gluten-free lasagna soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will still be delicious in this soup. Just follow the same cooking method, and you’ll get a lighter version of the dish.
What Gluten-Free Pasta Can I Use?
You can use any gluten-free pasta that holds up well in soup, such as gluten-free penne or mini shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions for perfect results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it needs a little moisture.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this lasagna soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
