Ingredients
For the Meat Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Broth and Tomato Elements:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For Italian Seasoning and Flavor:
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- ¼ cup fresh basil (for garnish)
For Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Meat: Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes until completely browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Build Crock Pot Base: Transfer meat mixture to 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chicken broth, tomato paste, and balsamic vinegar.
- Season: Stir in dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop and meld.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta, egg yolk, ¾ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and optional cream cheese in a bowl. Mix gently.
- Add Pasta: Increase heat to high. Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add to pot. Stir to submerge. Cook uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gently dollop and fold ricotta mixture into soup. Cook 10-15 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove Bay Leaves: Remove bay leaves and taste. Adjust seasonings as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each serving with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for superior flavor
- Don’t skip browning the meat—this develops essential savory depth
- Fresh pasta becomes too soft; use dried noodles
- Add pasta only in the final 30 minutes to prevent mushiness
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months
- This recipe easily doubles for large crowds
- Toasting dried pasta before adding prevents mushiness
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian