Let me tell you about my absolute favorite cozy dish: easy lasagna soup! It’s like all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna, but in a bowl, and oh boy, it’s so simple to whip up! I love how it fills the kitchen with that amazing aroma of garlic and spices, making everyone wander into the room, asking, “What’s cooking?” Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze! Whether it’s a chilly night or you just need a big hug in a bowl, this soup hits the spot every time. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with it just like I did!
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Prepare Easy Lasagna Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking!
- Next, toss in 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Oh, the smell already makes me happy!
- Now, add in 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick.
- Once the beef is ready, stir in a can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces), 4 cups of beef broth, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil.
- After it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully!
- Now, here comes the fun part: add 8 ounces of broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook them until they’re tender, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Finally, stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup). Mix it all together until it’s creamy and delicious!
- Serve your soup hot, garnished with the remaining mozzarella and fresh basil. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to make—on the table in just 45 minutes!
- One pot means less cleanup, allowing you to relax after dinner.
- All the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy soup form.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite veggies or swap the protein!
- Perfectly hearty and filling, making it an ideal meal for chilly nights.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and loved by everyone, so it’s a win for family dinners!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any left!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your easy lasagna soup turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to elevate your cooking game:
- Ingredient Swaps: If you want a lighter option, feel free to use ground turkey instead of beef. It’s just as tasty and a bit healthier!
- Veggie Boost: Add in extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers. Just toss them in with the onions for a nutritious twist!
- Cheese Choices: Don’t have ricotta? No problem! Cream cheese or cottage cheese can work in a pinch, giving you that creamy texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on those lasagna noodles! They can get mushy if you cook them too long. Aim for al dente, as they’ll continue to soften in the soup.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste as you go! You might want to add a pinch of salt or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Flavor is everything!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember, the noodles will soak up more broth, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating!
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for that full 15 minutes really helps the flavors meld beautifully. Patience is a virtue in the kitchen!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious pot of easy lasagna soup that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about easy lasagna soup is how adaptable it is! You can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect bowl. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Protein Swaps: Switch things up by using ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor experience. You could also try using lentils for a vegetarian twist!
- Veggie-Loaded: Boost the nutrition by adding in your favorite vegetables. Spinach, kale, zucchini, and bell peppers all work beautifully. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for the best results.
- Cheesy Goodness: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Try swapping ricotta for cottage cheese or cream cheese, and mix in some parmesan for an extra cheesy kick!
- Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. It’ll add a nice warmth that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Switch up the herbs! While Italian seasoning is classic, you could also add fresh thyme, oregano, or even a touch of basil during cooking for a fresh flavor boost.
- Broth Variations: For a deeper flavor, try using homemade beef or chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly soup.
These variations can help you create a new family favorite every time you make easy lasagna soup. Have fun experimenting and enjoy your delicious creations!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one bowl of easy lasagna soup. Keep in mind these are typical values and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 25g
This soup is not only hearty and filling but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied! It’s a great option for a comforting meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy every delicious spoonful while knowing you’re nourishing your body too!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made a big pot of easy lasagna soup, you might be wondering how to store those delicious leftovers. No worries, I’ve got you covered! First things first, let the soup cool down a bit before transferring it to storage containers. I usually like to use airtight containers to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
You can store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in a container that seals tightly to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. If you think you won’t finish it in that timeframe, you can freeze it for up to 2 months! Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or even zip-top bags. It’s a great way to have a cozy meal ready to go whenever you want!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing so gently to keep that creamy texture intact. If you’re reheating on the stove, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up since the noodles can soak up some liquid as it sits.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just place your soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to prevent splatters, of course!), and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot throughout. Remember, you want it steaming, but not boiling! With these tips, your easy lasagna soup will taste just as amazing the second time around. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
I know you might have a few burning questions about making this easy lasagna soup, so let’s clear things up! Here are some common questions I get, along with my answers:
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian option. Each will give you a different flavor profile, but they all work beautifully.
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes. It’s pretty quick for a meal that feels so comforting!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months, as mentioned earlier.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem! You can use cream cheese or cottage cheese instead. They’ll still give you that creamy texture, just a bit different in flavor!
How do I know when the noodles are done?
Keep an eye on them! They usually take about 10 minutes, but taste testing a piece is the best way to know if they’re perfectly tender and not mushy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you like, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic for the best results.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free lasagna noodles. They’re a perfect alternative and will still give you that delicious comfort!
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. The microwave works too—just stir every so often to heat evenly!
I hope this clears up any questions you might have. If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate to ask! Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup: 7 Comforting Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious lasagna soup that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining mozzarella and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy lasagna soup, lasagna soup recipe, Italian soup
