Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
6 cups beef or vegetable broth
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)
Ricotta cheese, for serving
Shredded mozzarella cheese, for serving
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Transfer the browned meat, onion, and garlic to the crockpot.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
5. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir again.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender.
8. If desired, stir in heavy cream or milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
10. Serve hot, topped with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: crockpot, lasagna, soup, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner
