Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the browned meat, onion, and garlic mixture to your crockpot.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using).
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a thicker soup, use less broth. To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you're not a fan of ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or sour cream. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth or water to thin if needed. Browning the meat is crucial for the depth of flavor. Do not overcook the noodles, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.