01 -
In a large skillet, heat **1 tbsp olive oil** over medium-high heat. Add **1 lb lean ground beef** and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Stir in **1 large yellow onion, diced**, and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add **4 cloves garlic, minced**, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
02 -
Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add **1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes**, **1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained**, **2 tbsp tomato paste**, and **4 cups beef broth**. Stir well to combine all the hearty foundation ingredients for your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup for Cozy Nights.
03 -
Stir in **2 tsp dried Italian seasoning**, **1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)**, **1/2 tsp dried oregano**, and **1/2 tsp dried basil**. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (240 minutes) or on HIGH for 2 hours.
04 -
After the initial cooking time, stir **6 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces**, into the soup. Ensure noodles are submerged. Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender. This completes the main cooking for your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup for Cozy Nights.
05 -
While the noodles cook, in a small bowl, combine **1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese**, **1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese**, and **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**. Mix until well combined. This creamy cloud topping is essential for the authentic lasagna experience.
06 -
Ladle the hot Crock Pot Lasagna Soup for Cozy Nights into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture. Garnish with **1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped**, for a fresh flourish before serving immediately.