This easy lasagna soup recipe is everything you love about classic lasagna in a warm, comforting bowl. With tender pasta, rich tomato broth, ground beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a hearty family dinner that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for chilly nights, it delivers all the flavor of traditional lasagna without the time-consuming layers.
I’m a big fan of cozy soups that feel indulgent yet practical. If you’ve tried my fall harvest vegetable soup, you’ll love how this one-pot lasagna soup fills your home with irresistible aromas and keeps cleanup simple. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- It’s a one-pot lasagna soup, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, cheesy flavors that satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
Lasagna Soup Recipe for a Cozy Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make lasagna soup that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the ground thyme, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper.
- Serve the soup in bowls, adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Lasagna Soup a hit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef: This is the heart of the soup, providing rich flavor. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth. Yellow or white onions work best, but feel free to use shallots for a milder taste.
- Green bell pepper: This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color. You can swap it for red or yellow bell peppers if you prefer.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and flavor. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
- Ground thyme: This herb enhances the savory notes of the soup. Oregano or Italian seasoning can be used as alternatives.
- Crushed tomatoes: They form the base of the soup, giving it that classic lasagna taste. Canned tomatoes are convenient, but fresh tomatoes can be used if you have them on hand.
- Beef broth: This adds richness and depth. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or homemade broth for extra flavor.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they soak up the flavors beautifully. Gluten-free noodles can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a delightful texture. You can substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that makes this soup irresistible. Feel free to mix in some provolone or fontina for a twist.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works too.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your taste, and don’t be shy with the pepper for a little kick!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything available for printing.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delightful Lasagna Soup. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal in no time!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat. This step is crucial for a rich flavor base!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Italian bistro!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Now, stir in the ground thyme, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. This is where the magic happens, as all those flavors meld together beautifully. You can almost taste the traditional lasagna coming to life!
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook them for about 10 minutes, or until they’re al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This one-pot lasagna soup is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the noodles are cooking, grab a separate bowl and mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture will add a delightful touch to your soup. It’s like the cherry on top of a sundae, but for your lasagna soup!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. The melted cheese will create a beautiful, gooey layer that’s simply irresistible. Enjoy your warm, cheesy lasagna soup with a side of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to save precious minutes during cooking.
- Don’t skip draining the fat from the beef; it keeps the soup from being greasy.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for a nutritional boost.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it tastes even better the next day!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: A sturdy pot is essential for this recipe. A Dutch oven works great too!
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and breaking up the meat. A spatula can work in a pinch.
- Measuring cups: Handy for measuring out your ingredients accurately.
- Mixing bowl: Use this for combining the ricotta cheese and seasonings.
Variations To Try
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that will warm you up!
- Instant Pot Lasagna Soup: Use your Instant Pot for a quick version; just sauté the beef and veggies, then add the rest and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Healthy Lasagna Soup: Use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles and lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Mix in extra cheeses like ricotta or provolone for an even creamier texture and richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Lasagna Soup with a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or warm baguette to soak up every delicious drop.
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully.
- For a fun presentation, top with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Lasagna Soup
As you dive into making this Lasagna Soup, you might have a few questions. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers!
Can I make this a one-pot lasagna soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be a one-pot lasagna soup, which means less cleanup for you. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
How can I make this a healthy lasagna soup?
For a healthier twist, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use the Instant Pot for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily adapt this to an Instant Pot lasagna soup. Just sauté the beef and veggies using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes.
What can I serve with lasagna soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or some crusty garlic bread. A glass of red wine also complements the flavors beautifully!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesy lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Conclusion
This lasagna soup recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both easy and comforting. The rich, cheesy flavors paired with pasta and hearty broth make every spoonful feel like a hug. It’s flexible enough to adapt with your favorite ingredients and special enough to serve on cozy nights in.
For more warming bowls, try my creamy kielbasa potato soup or my classic baked potato soup. Both recipes are family favorites that bring comfort straight to the dinner table.
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