Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Experience the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup with this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup recipe. Perfect for those following a Weight Watchers (WW) plan, this low-point version combines savory ground turkey, rich tomato sauce, and tender noodles in a flavorful broth. The result is a satisfying meal that’s both filling and adheres to your WW goals. This recipe is designed to be easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 large celery stalk, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 can (15 oz) no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with Italian herbs
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup whole-wheat lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:

  • Begin by setting up your slow cooker. For easy cleanup, consider lining the slow cooker insert with a slow cooker liner or lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Brown the Ground Turkey:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Transfer the cooked turkey to the slow cooker.

3. Sauté Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add a small amount of oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery until they are tender and aromatic, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker with the turkey.

4. Add Tomatoes and Broth:

  • Pour in the no-salt-added tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with Italian herbs into the slow cooker. Add the low-sodium chicken broth and water. Stir to combine all ingredients.

5. Season the Soup:

  • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the soup.

6. Cook the Soup:

  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

7. Add Noodles:

  • About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the broth. Continue to cook on low for the remaining time, or until the noodles are tender.

8. Incorporate Spinach:

  • In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the chopped spinach to the slow cooker. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained before adding. Stir to combine and allow the spinach to wilt.

9. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will be used as a topping.

10. Serve the Soup:

  • Ladle the lasagna soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of the cheese mixture. For added flavor, you may also sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil on top.

11. Optional Garnish:

  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. This adds a burst of freshness and a vibrant color contrast.

12. Enjoy and Store:

  • Serve the soup hot and enjoy the hearty flavors. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 cup, excluding garnishes):

  • Calories: 200
  • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 4g
    • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 16g

Weight Watchers (WW) Points

Freestyle Points: 5 per serving (1 cup, without garnishes)

SmartPoints: 5 per serving (1 cup, without garnishes)

PointsPlus: 6 per serving (1 cup, without garnishes)

Useful Information

1. Choosing Ingredients:

  • Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the fat content low. Using no-salt-added tomato products and low-sodium chicken broth helps manage the sodium levels, making the soup WW-friendly.

2. Noodle Alternatives:

  • Whole-wheat lasagna noodles are used here for added fiber and nutrition. For a lower-carb option, consider using spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles instead.

3. Vegetable Variations:

  • Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or other vegetables can enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.

4. Cooking Time Adjustments:

  • Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model. If your slow cooker tends to cook faster, check the noodles and vegetables a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.

5. Freezing Tips:

  • To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy when frozen, consider adding them fresh to individual servings rather than freezing them in the entire batch of soup. This way, you can enjoy the soup with perfectly cooked noodles.

6. Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve this lasagna soup with a side of a fresh green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables can also complement the soup nicely.

7. Dietary Considerations:

  • This recipe is naturally low in points and provides a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vegetables. For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese topping.

8. Meal Prep:

  • This soup is ideal for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch and portion it into individual containers for quick, convenient meals throughout the week.

By following these detailed instructions, you can create a delicious and WW-friendly Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup that adheres to your weight management goals while delivering satisfying and hearty flavors. Enjoy this flavorful soup as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.