Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: The Perfect Lasagna Soup
There’s something absolutely magical about bringing the beloved flavors of lasagna into a single pot of soup. This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is not only packed with layers of deliciousness, but it’s also quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. Imagine digging into a bowl full of hearty beef, noodles, and cheesy goodness, all enveloped in a rich and comforting broth. This is not just any soup—it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for cozy evenings.
Reasons to Try This Hearty Recipe
You might be wondering, what makes this lasagna soup stand out? For starters, it’s the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, combining all the beloved elements of lasagna without the fuss of layers. This recipe is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and a surefire way to satisfy hungry bellies. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave something filling yet easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies while delighting in the rich, comforting flavors.
“This soup is a game changer! It captures all the goodness of lasagna without the hassle. My kids went back for seconds!” — A happy home cook.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is simpler than you might think. In just a few steps, you’ll transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.
- Add your flavorful base ingredients and let them mingle.
- Stir in the uncooked lasagna noodles and let everything simmer together.
- Finish with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs for that indulgent touch.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter, vegetarian option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to prepare this comforting soup:
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Brown the beef: Stir in the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned all over.
Add flavor: Mix in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste; stir until fragrant.
Create the base: Pour in the tomato basil sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles along with the remaining kosher salt. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
Make it creamy: For a richer soup, stir in the heavy cream. Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan for an extra creamy texture.
Serve it up: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To truly enjoy this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for balance. A sprinkle of additional fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the flavors even further. You might even set up a little toppings bar with extra cheese and fresh herbs so everyone can customize their own bowls.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftovers? Great! This soup stays delicious in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for about three months—just make sure to leave out the heavy cream and cheeses until you’re ready to serve, as freezing can alter their textures.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Prep Ahead: Chop your onion and garlic in advance to save time. You can also prepare the soup base ahead of time and then just add the noodles and cream when you’re ready to eat.
Customize the heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasonings to fit your family’s taste preferences.
Add veggies: Throw in some spinach or zucchini to incorporate more nutrition into your dish without altering the flavors much.
Creative Twists on Flavor
Feeling adventurous? Consider trying one of these variations next time:
- Spinach & Ricotta: Add fresh spinach towards the end of cooking and more ricotta cheese for a richer texture.
- Italian Sausage: Swap out ground beef for Italian sausage to give a zesty twist.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add complexity to the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the preparation time for this soup?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes with cooking time around 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
Can I use other proteins?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully, and for vegetarian options, consider using lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Is it safe to freeze the soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the cream and cheese added. Only add them when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing all the comforting flavors of lasagna into a delightful, warm bowl. Enjoy the simplicity and the smiles it brings to your table!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned all over.
- Mix in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste; stir until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato basil sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles along with the remaining kosher salt. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
- For a richer soup, stir in the heavy cream. Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan for an extra creamy texture.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil.