PERFECT LASAGNA SOUP RECIPE

Craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but short on time (and patience)? Imagine a bowl brimming with rich tomato broth, savory beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and melty cheese – all the best parts of lasagna, but in spoonable soup form! This Lasagna Soup recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams, promising all the flavor without all the fuss. Let’s dive in and make some magic!

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef (I prefer lean, but use what you like!)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces (about 1-2 inch pieces)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Optional Toppings:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

Let’s Make Lasagna Soup! (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Getting Started: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This is a key step for building flavor, so don’t skip it!
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Building the Soup Base:

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!

Adding the Noodles:

1. Increase the heat back to medium and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
2. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir well to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to check them frequently and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

The Ricotta Cheese Mixture:

1. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well. This adds that classic lasagna creaminess.

Serving Your Lasagna Soup:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture and any desired toppings, such as extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lasagna Soup

Choosing Your Beef:

I usually go for lean ground beef (90/10) to avoid too much grease. But honestly, whatever ground beef you have on hand will work just fine. If you’re using a higher fat content, just be sure to drain off the excess grease after browning. You could even use ground Italian sausage for a spicier kick!

Noodle Know-How:

Breaking the lasagna noodles is important for easy eating. Aim for pieces around 1-2 inches long. You can use other pasta shapes too! Penne, rotini, or even ditalini would work well in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The No-Bake Advantage:

One of the best things about this recipe is that it is a super easy No Bake Lasagna Soup! No need to fuss with layering and baking, you get all the delicious lasagna flavor in a fraction of the time.

Making it Creamy:

Want an extra creamy texture? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving. This will add richness and depth to the soup.

Adding Vegetables:

Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite veggies! Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini would be great additions. Just add them to the pot along with the onions and bell peppers.

Variations on a Theme: Lasagna Soup Recipes Easy

Lasagna Soup With Beef – Level Up:

Want a richer flavor? Brown the beef with a tablespoon of tomato paste for a more intense, umami-rich flavor profile. Also, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the vegetables – let it reduce for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes.

Spice it Up:

If you like a little heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could even use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground beef.

Slow Cooker Option:

This recipe is also fantastic in the slow cooker! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Freezing and Storing:

Lasagna Soup is perfect for meal prepping! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Lasagna Soup

I love this recipe because it gives me all the comfort of lasagna without the fuss. It’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. My family absolutely devours this soup, and I know yours will too!

And if you are looking for other great recipes, check out this recipe for Creamy Lasagna Soup or this Lasagna Soup Recipe. This Lasagna Soup will also be a big hit! And for another family favorite, try these Stuffed Shells. Don’t forget about this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Heaven, and finally this Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna.

Whether you call it Easy Homemade Lasagna Soup or just plain delicious, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try! It’s the perfect cozy meal for a chilly evening, a quick weeknight dinner, or any time you’re craving that classic lasagna flavor without all the work. Enjoy!