Growing up, my mom’s homemade lasagna was always the star of the show at family gatherings. It was a labor of love, with layers of bubbly cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. But as much as I loved that classic dish, sometimes I just didn’t have the time or energy to assemble a full lasagna. That’s when I discovered the magic of Easy Lasagna Soup.
This dish takes all the beloved flavors of lasagna and transforms them into a comforting, one-pot meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time. The first time I made Easy Lasagna Soup, I was blown away by how quickly it came together and how much it satisfied my craving for that familiar lasagna taste. It’s become a go-to recipe in my household, and I know it’ll become a favorite of yours too.
Why This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The secret behind this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is in the way it captures the essence of classic lasagna without all the fuss. Instead of layering noodles, cheese, and sauce, you simply let all those flavors meld together in a rich, tomato-based broth. And the best part? It’s ready in under an hour, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families or those nights when you just want something hearty and delicious without a lot of effort.
The Secret Behind Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup
The key to nailing this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is in the perfect balance of ingredients. By simmering the ground beef, tomatoes, and spices together, you create a flavorful base that’s the foundation for the rest of the dish. But the real magic happens when you add the lasagna noodles. As they cook in the soup, they release their starch, thickening the broth and creating that classic lasagna texture. Top it all off with a generous sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: This provides the hearty, meaty backbone of the soup.
– Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
– Garlic: Enhances the overall savory notes.
– Crushed tomatoes: The base of the soup’s rich, tomato-y broth.
– Tomato paste: Helps to thicken the soup and intensify the tomato flavor.
– Beef broth: Provides the liquid for the soup.
– Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian seasoning flavor.
– Lasagna noodles: These break down and thicken the soup as they cook.
– Shredded mozzarella: The perfect melty, cheesy topping.
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 a quick and easy weeknight meal. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to bring all the ingredients together, as well as a few basic kitchen tools like a spoon, ladle, and cheese grater.
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 crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5- Season the Easy Lasagna Soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
When making this Easy Lasagna Soup, a few key tips will help ensure your success:
– Be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. This helps to develop the savory, meaty flavor.
– Resist the urge to add the lasagna noodles too soon. If they cook for too long, they can become mushy and fall apart.
– Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. The amount of salt and pepper you’ll need can vary depending on the saltiness of your broth.
– For an extra cheesy touch, top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Serving and Storing Your Easy Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also delicious when served with a few simple sides. A crisp, fresh salad or some garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment, helping to balance out the richness of the soup. And don’t forget a glass of red wine – the bold, Italian flavors of this dish pair beautifully with a full-bodied vintage.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Easy Lasagna Soup will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers. To store, simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop.
If you want to get a head start on this recipe, you can even make the entire soup in advance. Just follow the recipe up until the point where you add the lasagna noodles, then let the soup cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup, add the noodles, and let them simmer until tender.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Easy Lasagna Soup
Creative Easy Lasagna Soup Variations
While this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding in sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, or swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick. You could also experiment with different types of noodles, like whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna sheets.
Making Easy Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
For those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, this Easy Lasagna Soup can easily be adapted. Simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. To make it vegan, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use a dairy-free shredded cheese on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle in this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! While traditional lasagna noodles work great, you can experiment with other types of pasta, like penne, rigatoni, or even broken pieces of fettuccine or linguine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How long does this Easy Lasagna Soup take to prepare?
A: From start to finish, this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe takes about 1 hour to make. The active prep time is around 15-20 minutes, with the remaining 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. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it 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 how large you’d like the portions to be. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a single bowl is usually enough for a satisfying meal.
Q: What should I do if the lasagna noodles start to break down too much?
A: If you find that the lasagna noodles are getting too soft and falling apart in the soup, you can try adding them a bit later in the cooking process. This will help them retain their shape and texture better. Alternatively, you can use a different type of pasta that holds up better in soups, like penne or rigatoni.
Easy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
This easy lasagna soup recipe is a comforting and delicious twist on classic lasagna, made quick and simple for busy weeknights. Enjoy the rich, cheese-infused flavors of lasagna in a hearty, warming soup.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth
– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, 5-7 minutes, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks.
2. – Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
3. – Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or chicken broth, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. – Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the broken lasagna noodles. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. – Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. – Serve the Easy Lasagna Soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
– Swap ground turkey or Italian turkey sausage for a leaner version.
– Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies to boost the nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
Easy Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, tomato-based broth, tender chunks of beef, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for classic lasagna. And the best part? It all comes together in just about an hour, making it a hassle-free and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe a try and see for yourself why it’s become a new go-to in my household. I’m confident it’ll soon be a staple in your recipe rotation too. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family. Buon appetito!
