Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• •0.5 lb Mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
• •0.5 lb Ground beef (85% lean)
• •1 piece Yellow onion (finely diced)
• •4 piece Garlic (cloves, minced)
• •2 tbsp Tomato paste
• •28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• •4 cup Beef broth (low-sodium)
• •1.5 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• •0.5 tsp Dried basil
• •1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• •0.5 tsp Black pepper (freshly ground)
• •6 piece Lasagna noodles (broken into 1-2 inch pieces)
• •0.8 cup Whole milk ricotta cheese
• •0.3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• •1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• •2 tbsp Fresh basil (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, ground beef, and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain off excess grease.

2. 2

   Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

3. 3

   Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours (or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours) to allow the rich tomato and herb flavors to meld.

4. 4

   Stir the broken lasagna noodles into the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked al dente.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese with a pinch of black pepper.

6. 6

   Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella, a generous dollop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture, and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot.

Chef's Tips

• 💡If you anticipate having leftovers, boil the lasagna noodles separately on the stovetop and add them to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them; this prevents the noodles from absorbing all the broth and becoming mushy in the fridge.
• 💡For extra richness, stir a splash of heavy cream into the slow cooker right before serving.