I’m always searching for quick meals that are easy to make. That’s why I’m excited to share my creamy lasagna soup recipe. It’s a tasty alternative to traditional lasagna, ready in just 30 minutes. This Italian-inspired soup has all the flavors of lasagna but is easier to make.
This lasagna soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch. It has a rich, creamy broth, tender pasta, and melted cheese. It’s the ultimate Italian comfort food, great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why This Easy Lasagna Soup Will Become Your New Favorite
If you love lasagna but hate the long prep time, this lasagna stew is for you. It’s a tasty, one-pot meal that brings all the flavors of lasagna together in a soup. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners and will quickly become a family favorite.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Making traditional lasagna is hard work, but this soup makes it easy. You can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s great for those busy nights when you want a warm, comforting dinner without the hassle.
Better Than Traditional Lasagna
This lasagna stew is a tasty twist on the classic dish. It has a rich, tomatoey broth with savory spices and herbs. Plus, you can add ground beef or Italian sausage for extra flavor. You can also top it with your favorite ingredients, making each bowl special.
One-Pot Convenience
This lasagna soup is incredibly easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients into one pot and let it cook. You get a complete meal without the mess of traditional lasagna. It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy lasagna without the fuss.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Lasagna Soup
To make the ultimate lasagna soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Ground beef is a must for that classic lasagna taste. It adds a savory flavor and makes the soup hearty.
Diced tomatoes are also crucial, as they create the perfect tomato base. This is what gives the soup its rich taste.
For a true lasagna feel, use short, chunky pasta like penne or rigatoni. It absorbs all the flavors of the beef and tomato soup. Finally, a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, adds a creamy texture. This makes the soup feel like a traditional lasagna.
These ingredients together create a comforting beef, tomato, and pasta soup. They ensure your lasagna soup is as tasty as the original dish but easier to make in one pot.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Italian Soup
Making a tasty Italian soup, like my creamy lasagna soup, needs the right tools. You don’t need a lot, but a few key items make it easier and more fun.
Must-Have Equipment
A big Dutch oven or heavy pot is key for this one-pot meal. It lets you cook the soup and even bake the cheesy top. A sharp knife is also crucial for chopping the veggies that add flavor.
Optional but Helpful Tools
For an even better lasagna soup, think about using a top-notch food processor. It makes chopping onions, garlic, and veggies easy. A handheld immersion blender is also great. It helps make the soup super smooth.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s start making this tasty lasagna soup. First, brown the ground beef in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any extra fat.
Next, add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook these veggies until they’re soft, about 5 minutes. Then, add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the spices mix for a minute or two.
Slowly add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and lasagna noodles. Break the noodles into small pieces as you add them. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. This will make the noodles tender. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Finally, stir in the ricotta cheese and fresh basil just before serving. This creamy, cheesy touch makes the soup even better. Serve the hot soup in bowls and enjoy this comforting dish!
How to Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture
Getting the perfect creamy texture in your lasagna soup is key. It makes the dish both comforting and indulgent. The secret is in the cheese blend and how you thicken the broth. Here are some tips to help you achieve creaminess every time.
Cheese Blend Tips
For a cheesy soup, mix different cheeses. Mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta are great for that creamy lasagna taste. Grate or blend the cheeses finely to melt smoothly into the broth, making it velvety.
Broth Thickening Secrets
To make your lasagna soup creamier, thicken the broth. Cornstarch or flour works well. Just whisk a bit into the hot broth until it’s right. Or, let it simmer longer to thicken naturally.
By following these tips, you’ll get a lasagna soup as satisfying as the classic dish. But it’s all in one pot, making it super convenient. Get ready to enjoy bowls of this cheesy, creamy delight!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Your Soup
This comforting lasagna stew is great for making ahead. The flavors get even better with time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in the mood for something hearty.
To make it ahead, follow the recipe and let it cool. Then, put it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready.
It also freezes well. Cool it down, then put it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat until hot. It tastes just as good as the first day.
Customizing Your Lasagna Soup
This hearty italian soup recipe is perfect for making your own. You can change it to be vegetarian, adjust the spice, or use different pasta. The choices are endless.
Vegetarian Options
For a meatless version, skip the ground beef and add more veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based option. The creamy, cheesy flavor will still be amazing without meat.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want more heat in your lasagna soup? Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Start with a little and add more until it’s just right. If you prefer it milder, just skip the spicy stuff.
Pasta Alternatives
While lasagna noodles are great, you can try other pasta shapes too. Small shells, elbow macaroni, or broken lasagna sheets work well. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite way to enjoy this soup.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoying a bowl of lasagna soup is a treat! It goes well with many sides and drinks, making it a top comfort food choice.
Try it with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a full meal. The creamy broth and fresh greens or warm bread are a great match. For something more, roasted veggies like zucchini or eggplant add a nice texture and taste.
Make your bowl look good with Parmesan cheese, ricotta, or basil leaves. These touches make the Italian soup even more appealing.
For drinks, a red wine or cold beer is perfect with this soup. The wine’s bold flavors or the beer’s crispness balance the soup’s richness.
Time-Saving Tips and Tricks
As a busy home cook, I always look for ways to make cooking easier. This easy lasagna soup is a great example. I’ve found some tricks to make it quicker to prepare.
Using pre-cooked ground beef or turkey is a big time-saver. Brown it ahead of time and freeze it. Then, just add it to the pot when you’re ready. No-boil lasagna noodles are another great shortcut. They soften in the soup without needing to be pre-cooked.
For an even quicker option, grab a jarred marinara sauce. It’s a tasty base for your soup, saving you from making your own sauce. And, keep pre-shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on hand for a cheesy topping. These small tips can make a big difference in your cooking time.
FAQ
What is lasagna soup?
Lasagna soup is a tasty, comforting dish. It combines lasagna flavors in a single pot. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights or cozy Italian meals.
How is lasagna soup different from traditional lasagna?
Lasagna soup is simpler than traditional lasagna. It mixes noodles, cheese, and sauce in one pot. This makes it faster and easier to make.
What are the key ingredients in lasagna soup?
Key ingredients include ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta. These create a hearty, cheesy soup with lasagna flavor.
What kitchen tools do I need to make lasagna soup?
You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for lasagna soup. A sharp knife, wooden spoon, and ladle are also helpful. Optional tools include a food processor and cheese grater.
How do I make the perfect creamy lasagna soup?
Use ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for creaminess. Thicken the broth with a roux or simmer longer. Adjusting broth to dairy ratio also helps.
Can I make lasagna soup in advance?
Yes! Lasagna soup is great for making ahead. Store it in the fridge or freezer. Reheat and adjust consistency as needed.
How can I customize my lasagna soup?
Customize by omitting ground beef for a vegetarian version. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Try different pasta shapes for texture.
What should I serve with lasagna soup?
Serve with a salad, garlic bread, or breadsticks. Top with extra cheese, basil, or ricotta for more flavor.
How can I make lasagna soup even faster?
Use pre-cooked ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pre-shredded cheese. Prepare the base ahead and reheat for a quick meal.
Print
Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles (penne or rigatoni also work)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Crumble it as it cooks, and once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Cook the Veggies: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the spices cook for about 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and lasagna noodles. Break the noodles into smaller pieces as you add them. Bring the soup to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the ricotta cheese and let it melt into the soup. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired. Enjoy.
Notes
- Cheese for Creaminess: To achieve that classic lasagna flavor, use a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. If you want the soup extra creamy, feel free to add more ricotta or mozzarella.
- Pasta Options: While broken lasagna noodles are traditional, feel free to experiment with other short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian.
- Make-Ahead: This soup stores well. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stovetop and adjust consistency with a bit of broth if necessary.