I remember chilly autumn evenings huddled around my grandmother’s table, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs filling the air. She always made the most incredible lasagna, a labor of love that took hours. While I cherish those memories, sometimes I crave that comforting flavor without the all-day commitment. That’s where this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe comes in – it’s a shortcut to lasagna heaven, ready in under an hour! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most soul-satisfying Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe you’ll ever make!
The Ultimate Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl
Okay, friends, gather ’round! We’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a warm embrace on a cold day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’re talking about lasagna soup – all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna, but in a quick and easy soup form. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this comes together and how unbelievably good it tastes.
Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe
- It’s FAST: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s EASY: Minimal chopping, simple steps, and no fussy layering. This is a recipe anyone can master.
- It’s DELICIOUS: All the classic lasagna flavors you crave – rich tomato sauce, savory meat, creamy cheese, and those irresistible noodles.
- It’s Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different kind of meat? No problem! This recipe is your canvas.
- It’s Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward list. I bet you have most of these items already!
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: I usually use a blend of both for maximum flavor!
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will do in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The foundation of our delicious sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: Low sodium is always a good idea, so you can control the salt level.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential for that authentic lasagna flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces: Don’t worry about being perfect – just break them into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese: For that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Optional toppings: More Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Soup!
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of lasagna soup in no time.
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma should be making your mouth water already!
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Season the soup: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Add the noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Success Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
Want to make sure your lasagna soup is absolutely perfect? Here are a few golden tips that will guarantee success!
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Nobody likes mushy noodles! Keep a close eye on them and test for doneness after about 10 minutes. They should be tender but still have a little bite.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. Taste the soup as it simmers and adjust accordingly.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup! Opt for good-quality crushed tomatoes and beef broth for the best flavor.
- Make it ahead of time: Lasagna soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Customize your toppings: Get creative with your toppings! In addition to ricotta, Parmesan, and parsley, you can also add mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations and Add-Ins: Make It Your Own!
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature lasagna soup.
- Add vegetables: Sauté chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic. This is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Use different meats: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage with fennel.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Add cream: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra creamy soup.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
Lasagna soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a few complementary dishes.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing for tomato-based soups.
Let’s Talk About Cheese: Ricotta vs. Mozzarella
You might be wondering why we use ricotta cheese in this recipe instead of the traditional mozzarella that’s layered in lasagna. The answer is simple: texture! Ricotta provides a creamy, slightly tangy counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce, while mozzarella can sometimes become stringy and clumpy in soup. However, feel free to add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top of each bowl for that classic lasagna flavor!
Making it a Crockpot Dream!
If you’re a fan of set-it-and-forget-it meals, you’ll be thrilled to know that this recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Just brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything to your Crockpot Lasagna Soup. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last hour of cooking. This is especially great on a busy weeknight where you know you won’t have time to cook when you get home!
Soup Alternatives: A Comfort Food Extravaganza
If you’re in the mood for soup but want to explore other comforting options, consider trying my Broccoli Cheese Soup – it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Or, for another easy and satisfying meal, check out my Crockpot Potato Soup. These are both guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!
Beyond Soup: Lasagna Inspired Delights
Love the flavors of lasagna but want something a little different? My Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna is a fantastic and easy alternative. It’s just as comforting and delicious, but with the added convenience of using ravioli instead of lasagna noodles. And for a fun and easy pasta dish, try my Stuffed Shells – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Let’s tackle some common questions about making lasagna soup.
- Can I use different types of noodles? Absolutely! Ditalini, penne, or even rotini would work well in this soup. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I freeze lasagna soup? Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot? Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics using the “Sauté” function. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except for the ricotta and parsley). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the noodles and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
- My soup is too thick! What do I do? Simply add more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- My soup is too thin! What do I do? Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken it up.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Bowl of Comfort!
There you have it – the easiest, most delicious lasagna soup recipe you’ll ever make! I hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish as much as I do. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving a taste of lasagna without all the fuss. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and dig in! You deserve it!
Can I use different noodles in the lasagna soup?
Yes, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with ditalini, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
How long can I freeze the lasagna soup?
You can freeze the lasagna soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Make sure the soup is completely cooled before freezing, and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make lasagna soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Use the ‘Sauté’ function to brown the meat and aromatics. Add the remaining ingredients (except ricotta and parsley), and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Then, stir in the noodles and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until tender.
What can I do if my lasagna soup is too thick?
If your lasagna soup is too thick, simply add more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Lasagna Soup: Get In My Belly
This easy lasagna soup recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a quick and convenient soup form. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy weekends when you crave a taste of lasagna without the fuss.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: More Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
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Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a simmer.
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Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
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Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, if desired.
For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. To prevent noodles from sticking, stir the soup frequently while they cook. Lasagna soup is even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients.