There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially as autumn rolls in, and the days grow shorter. It’s a time when cozy evenings are best spent in the kitchen, and this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup embodies that warmth in every spoonful. I first stumbled upon this recipe during one of those hectic weeknights. After a long day, the last thing I wanted was to fuss over multiple pots and pans. This dish, packed with all the flavors of classic lasagna but in a simple-to-make soup format, felt like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes this lasagna soup truly special is its combination of creamy texture and robust flavor — it’s the best of both worlds. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly, comforting for families, and a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables if you’re looking to enhance its nutritional profile. Plus, kids adore it! The chunks of pasta, gooey cheese, and the familiar flavors of lasagna make it a surefire hit at the dinner table.
“This was a delightful surprise! Quick to prepare, and it filled us all up. My kids didn’t even realize they were eating soup instead of lasagna!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a breezy process, perfect for that busy weekday or even a cozy Sunday dinner. You start by sautéing your aromatics — that means the onion, garlic, and beef come together in your pot, filling your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. Once they mingle, the rest of the ingredients join the party, simmering together until your lasagna noodles are perfectly tender. You’ll end with a drizzle of heavy cream for richness, melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil to finish things off — no need to feel guilty about indulgence here!
Gather These Items
Before you dive into cooking, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or more for a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken into 2" pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, but oh-so-lovely!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
Feel free to give substitutions a shot! Ground turkey or chicken can work just as well as beef, and you can tailor the cheeses based on what you have in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef. Sauté until it’s nicely browned, then stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste. This is where the magic begins!
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and add the remaining salt. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are al dente.
- If you’re feeling indulgent, now’s the time to stir in the heavy cream and maybe even a splash more chicken broth if you prefer a thinner consistency. For an extra creamy texture, add some shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the pot!
- Spoon the soup into bowls and top with generous dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, and a handful of chopped basil. Enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Once your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is bubbling away, consider how you might serve it. It’s divine on its own, but a slice of crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad can elevate your meal even further. For a fun twist, try serving the soup in bread bowls — they look impressive and taste fantastic, soaking up all those rich flavors!
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers? They can’t be beat! Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheating it over low heat will bring back that cozy warmth. If you want to freeze portions for later, make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember that dairy can change texture upon freezing, so if you’re planning to freeze it, consider adding the cream and cheese later when reheating.
Practical Cooking Tips
- Keep it creamy! If you’re aiming for an extra indulgent experience, stir in more cheese as it simmers.
- Add veggies — diced bell peppers or spinach can be a delicious addition!
- Don’t shy away from adjusting the spices! Tweak the oregano or red pepper flakes to your liking. A little dried basil can enhance the tomato flavor, too.
Creative Twists
If you’re adventurous or cooking for a crowd with varying tastes, consider these variations:
- Swap the ground beef for a plant-based crumble for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or using a spicy marinara sauce.
- For a gourmet touch, top with goat cheese or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for added depth.
Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the prep time for this recipe?
A: The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and cooking takes roughly 30-40 minutes. A total win for a weeknight meal!
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to add ingredients like cream and cheese after reheating for the best texture.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half works well, or even coconut milk if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option! Just keep in mind that cream elevates the richness.
Dive into this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup and let it become a beloved feature of your family’s dinner rotations!
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 it’s soft and fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef and sauté until it’s nicely browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and add the remaining salt.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are al dente.
- If you’re feeling indulgent, stir in the heavy cream and possibly more chicken broth for a thinner consistency.
- Spoon the soup into bowls and top with generous dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan, and chopped basil.
- Enjoy!