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#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain any excess fat from the meat and add it to the Crock Pot.
**Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients**
1. To the Crock Pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Step 3: Let it Cook**
1. Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld together, and the soup will become rich and flavorful.
**Step 4: Add the Noodles**
1. About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the Crock Pot. Stir them into the soup to ensure they’re submerged in the liquid.
2. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
**Step 5: Add the Creamy Cheese**
1. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese and ricotta (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
**Step 6: Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan**
1. Just before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Allow them to melt into the soup, making it extra creamy and cheesy.
**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**
1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
**Step 8: Enjoy!**
1. Serve the Crock Pot Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty bread or a light salad, and enjoy!
### Tips for the Best Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
– **Noodle Options**: While traditional lasagna noodles are perfect for this soup, you can use other types of pasta if you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni. Just break them into smaller pieces to mimic the lasagna noodle shape.
– **Lean Protein**: For a lighter version of this soup, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It will still be delicious, but with less fat.
– **Make it Vegetarian**: To make this soup vegetarian, you can skip the meat and use plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just add them when you add the onions and garlic to the Crock Pot.
– **Creamy Soup**: If you prefer an extra creamy texture, you can add more cream cheese, ricotta, or even a splash of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking process.
– **Freezer-Friendly**: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
– **Add More Veggies**: You can boost the nutritional value of the soup by adding extra vegetables such as spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just add them when you add the noodles for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
### Conclusion
**Crock Pot Lasagna Soup** is a game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of lasagna but wants an easier, more hands-off version. With its rich, savory broth, tender noodles, creamy cheeses, and hearty meat, this soup offers all the comforting goodness of traditional lasagna in a bowl. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, giving you plenty of time to relax while the flavors develop and the soup cooks to perfection.
Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a cozy dinner party, or just looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare, this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup will quickly become a favorite. So grab your Crock Pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a bowl of warm, cheesy, lasagna-inspired soup that’s perfect for any occasion!
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