It was a chilly autumn evening when the craving for a cozy, comforting meal hit me hard. I couldn’t stop thinking about that rich, tomatoey broth with tender pasta, melted cheese, and all the classic lasagna flavors. That’s when I knew I had to make a batch of my Easy Lasagna Soup. This dish is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights – it comes together so quickly, but it tastes like it simmered for hours. I love how the flavors meld together, creating a soup that’s just as satisfying as a classic lasagna, but with way less effort. Plus, my kids go crazy for it, and I don’t have to worry about them turning their noses up at a huge, layered lasagna. Easy Lasagna Soup is definitely one of our family’s go-to comfort food recipes.
Why This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this Easy Lasagna Soup is how seamlessly it combines the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the easy, hands-off convenience of a soup. I’ve perfected the balance of flavors and textures, so you get that rich, tomatoey broth, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in every bite. It’s truly the best of both worlds! And the best part? You can have this restaurant-worthy dish on the table in under an hour, with minimal prep work. Once you taste how amazing it is, I guarantee Easy Lasagna Soup will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup
The key to making this Easy Lasagna Soup truly special is in the layering of flavors. I start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ground beef to build a robust base. Then, I add a blend of Italian herbs, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity. The real game-changer, though, is the ricotta cheese that I stir in at the end. It creates this unbelievably creamy, cheesy texture that’s pure lasagna perfection. And of course, I can’t forget the gooey mozzarella that gets melted on top – it’s the cherry on top of this Easy Lasagna Soup sundae!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: For the rich, meaty flavor.
– Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that adds so much depth.
– Diced tomatoes: Fire-roasted for extra flavor.
– Tomato paste: Thickens the broth and concentrates the tomato taste.
– Beef broth: The savory liquid that brings it all together.
– Dried oregano, basil, and sugar: The classic Italian seasoning blend.
– Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
– Ricotta cheese: Stirred in at the end for that signature lasagna creaminess.
– Shredded mozzarella: Melted on top for the ultimate cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Easy Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup comes together in just about 45 minutes, start to finish. It’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep work and cleanup. All you’ll need is a large pot or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon, and a little bit of patience as the flavors meld together.
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 for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5- Finally, stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the soup has a creamy, cheesy texture.
6- Ladle the Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to making this Easy Lasagna Soup truly outstanding is to let the flavors have time to meld together. Don’t be tempted to rush the simmering process – those extra minutes allow the herbs, spices, and tomatoes to really come alive. Also, be sure to use a good-quality beef broth for the richest possible broth. And don’t skimp on the ricotta cheese – it’s what gives this soup its signature creamy, lasagna-like texture. Lastly, make sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the pot. This ensures that you get the perfect ratio of noodle to broth in every spoonful.
Serving and Storing Your Easy Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal, so it pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and some crusty garlic bread. A simple Caesar salad would also be a wonderful accompaniment. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a glass of red wine or a cold beer to round out the meal. For a heartier appetite, you could even serve the soup with a small side of roasted vegetables or a slice of Italian-style focaccia.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Easy Lasagna Soup is just as delicious the next day, so it makes for fantastic leftovers. Simply store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and bubbly. You can also make this soup in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The ricotta cheese may separate a bit during freezing, but just give it a good stir to reincorporate it.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Lasagna Soup
Creative Easy Lasagna Soup Variations
While this Easy Lasagna Soup is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper. You could also swap in Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an even heartier flavor. And for a vegetarian take, skip the meat and use a medley of sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You could even add in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Making Easy Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Easy Lasagna Soup a bit more figure-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can make. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Opt for low-fat ricotta cheese and reduced-fat mozzarella. And for a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace them with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. No matter how you customize it, this soup will still deliver all the comforting, cheesy flavors you crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted?
A: Absolutely! Fire-roasted tomatoes add a lovely smoky depth of flavor, but regular diced tomatoes will work just fine. Just be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Q: How long does this Easy Lasagna Soup take to make?
A: From start to finish, this soup comes together in about 45 minutes. The active prep time is just 15-20 minutes, with the rest of the time spent simmering the soup to allow the flavors to meld.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Easy Lasagna Soup is a great make-ahead meal! Simply prepare the soup according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, comforting soup, so I’d recommend starting with a 1-cup serving and adjusting from there.
Q: What should I do if the soup is too thick?
A: If your Easy Lasagna Soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start by adding 1/4 cup at a time and stir until you reach the perfect texture.
Foolproof Easy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Satisfy your craving for classic lasagna with this easy, one-pot soup version! Packed with ground beef, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and melty cheese, this comforting Easy Lasagna Soup is a quick and delicious meal the whole family will love.
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 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 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. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. – Add the broken lasagna noodles, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. – Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and incorporated.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese at the end.
– Swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if desired.
– Top with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dollop of pesto for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
This Easy Lasagna Soup is an absolute must-try recipe – it’s the perfect blend of classic lasagna flavors in a cozy, comforting soup form. With its rich, tomatoey broth, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. And the best part? It all comes together in under an hour, with minimal prep work. What could be better than that? So don’t wait – give this Easy Lasagna Soup a try tonight, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Bon appétit!
