It was a chilly fall evening when I first decided to try my hand at making Easy Lasagna Soup. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma that filled my kitchen as the flavors of juicy ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and warm spices simmered together. Growing up, lasagna was always one of my family’s favorite comfort foods, but let’s be honest – it can be a bit of a project to put together. That’s why I was so excited to discover this easy, one-pot version that captures all the classic lasagna flavors in a cozy, soup-y form.
As I ladled the first steaming bowlful, I knew this Easy Lasagna Soup was going to be an instant hit. The creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tender noodles made every spoonful feel like a warm hug. And the best part? It came together in just about an hour, with minimal prep work. This Easy Lasagna Soup has become a go-to in my household, both for quick weeknight dinners and cozy weekend lunches. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a chilly day, and I just know your family is going to love it too.
Table of Contents
Why This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup
What sets this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe apart is the way it masterfully captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a simple, soup-based format. By simmering the ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices together, you end up with a rich, meaty broth that’s bursting with that beloved lasagna taste. And the addition of lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella takes the whole thing to the next level of comfort food bliss.
But the real secret is in the technique. Rather than trying to layer a traditional lasagna, which can be time-consuming and messy, this Easy Lasagna Soup lets you enjoy all the same flavors with just a few easy steps. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving lasagna but don’t want to put in all the work. Trust me, your family is going to be asking for this Easy Lasagna Soup on repeat!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: The foundation of this Easy Lasagna Soup, providing heartiness and that classic lasagna flavor.
- Onion and garlic: For aromatic depth and savoriness.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: The backbone of the soup’s rich, tomatoey broth.
- Beef broth: Adds body and moisture to the soup.
- Dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes: A simple spice blend that captures the essence of lasagna.
- Lasagna noodles: Break these up into bite-sized pieces to create the perfect lasagna-inspired texture.
- Ricotta and mozzarella cheeses: The creamy, melty cheeses that make this Easy Lasagna Soup so indulgent.
Step-by-Step Easy Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup comes together in just about an hour, making it the perfect weeknight meal. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring all the flavors together, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a wooden spoon and a ladle. Once you have your ingredients prepped and ready to go, the actual cooking process is a breeze.
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s fully incorporated.
6- Ladle the Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Easy Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
– Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your personal taste. If you like things a little spicier, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
– For a thicker, heartier soup, use a little less beef broth. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner consistency, add a bit more.
– Letting the soup simmer for the full 15-20 minutes before adding the noodles is key to developing the rich, lasagna-like flavor.
– Be sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces – this helps them cook evenly and creates the perfect texture.
– Don’t skip the ricotta cheese! It adds such a creamy, indulgent element to the Easy Lasagna Soup.
Serving and Storing Your Easy Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with all sorts of sides and accompaniments. A fresh green salad or garlic bread would make a fantastic addition to round out the meal. And don’t forget the wine – a bold, full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot would be the perfect pairing.
For a heartier dinner, you could serve the Easy Lasagna Soup with a crisp Italian-style chicken or sausage. And let’s not forget about the endless possibilities for toppings – a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a dollop of pesto, or even some crispy bacon would all be delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Easy Lasagna Soup is that it reheats and stores beautifully. Simply let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
This soup also makes a great meal-prep option. You can make a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors will actually intensify as it sits, so it’s a great option for making ahead.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Lasagna Soup
Creative Easy Lasagna Soup Variations
While this Easy Lasagna Soup is absolutely delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage or a blend of meats for a heartier flavor. You could also add in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
For a seasonal twist, you could make a “fall” version with pumpkin or butternut squash purée in the broth. Or a “summer” version with fresh basil, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The possibilities are endless!
Making Easy Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Easy Lasagna Soup a little more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini noodles instead. For a low-carb take, you can skip the noodles altogether and serve it over roasted spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice.
And for a vegan or dairy-free Easy Lasagna Soup, use plant-based ground “meat,” non-dairy ricotta and mozzarella alternatives, and vegetable broth instead of beef. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can easily adapt it to fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
A: Absolutely! While lasagna noodles do give it that authentic lasagna vibe, you can absolutely substitute regular pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How long does the Easy Lasagna Soup take to make?
A: This Easy Lasagna Soup comes together in about an hour from start to finish. The active prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with the rest of the time spent simmering the soup on the stovetop.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Easy Lasagna Soup?
A: Yes, you can definitely freeze any leftover Easy Lasagna Soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How many servings does this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings of Easy Lasagna Soup, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a serving size is usually around 1-1.5 cups.
Q: What if the noodles get too soft in the soup?
A: If you find that the lasagna noodles get a little too soft and mushy after simmering in the soup, try adding them a bit later in the cooking process, around 10 minutes before the end. This will help them retain a bit more bite and texture.
Easy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna in a quick and easy soup! This Easy Lasagna Soup is packed with ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and authentic Italian seasonings for a cozy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. – Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. – Reduce heat to medium-low and add the lasagna noodle pieces. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. – Remove the pot from heat and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
6. – Season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. – Ladle the Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, use less broth.
– Customize the cheese blend to your liking – try adding Provolone or Fontina.
– Garnish with fresh herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dollop of pesto.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to try this absolutely delicious Easy Lasagna Soup! It’s the perfect cozy, comforting meal for a chilly day, and I know your family is going to love it. The rich, meaty broth, tender noodles, and melty cheese create the ultimate flavor experience. Plus, it’s so much easier to make than traditional lasagna, which means you can enjoy all the same great taste with a fraction of the effort.
So what are you waiting for? Gather up your ingredients and get ready to dive into a big, steaming bowl of Easy Lasagna Soup. I’m sure it’ll become a new household favorite in no time. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
