Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Your Meat: Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally, breaking it into smaller pieces. Drain any excess fat.
- Build Your Base: Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the chopped bell pepper, onion, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Add Noodles: Break 5 lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Stir gently. Let the soup cook on low for an additional 45 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese (if using). Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Jake's Tips: Swap the ground beef with half beef and half Italian sausage for an extra flavor kick, or use turkey for a lighter option. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of tomato paste to the base for more depth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat with a splash of broth if thickened. For freezing, avoid adding noodles and cook fresh ones when reheating.
