Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Lasagna Soup! It’s honestly one of my favorite cozy dinners. I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly fall evening when I was craving something warm, hearty, and comforting. You know those nights when you just want to curl up on the couch with a bowl of deliciousness? That’s exactly what this soup brings to the table!
Imagine rich, savory flavors of ground beef and aromatic herbs mingling with the comforting taste of melted cheese, all served in a warm and inviting broth. The noodles soak up all that flavor, making each spoonful a little slice of heaven. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which means you can get it on the table in no time – perfect for a busy weeknight, or even a relaxed weekend dinner with friends!
This Lasagna Soup is truly a family favorite at my place, and I promise it will warm your heart just like it does mine. And if you love this, you might also want to check out my Easy Garlic Bread recipe to go along with it. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup
- Rich, comforting flavors that capture all the essence of lasagna in a hearty soup
- A quick and straightforward meal that comes together in about 30 minutes
- Flexible recipe: easily swap the meat for turkey or keep it vegetarian!
- Customizable with your favorite pasta shapes for added fun
- One-pot dish means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal
- Garnish with fresh parsley and mozzarella for a beautiful presentation
This soup brings all the delicious components of traditional lasagna into a comforting bowl, perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week!
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Lasagna Soup is just what you need for a cozy dinner! It combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup that’s simple to whip up. Perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without too much fuss!
What You’ll Need:
- Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 pound. I love using Italian sausage for that extra flavor kick!
- Onion – 1 medium onion, diced. Sweet or yellow onions work great here.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic really enhances the dish, so don’t skimp on this!
- Ricotta cheese – 1 (15-ounce) can. This adds that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes lasagna special.
- Diced tomatoes – 2 (15-ounce) cans, undrained. I prefer San Marzano tomatoes for their rich flavor.
- Chicken or beef broth – 4 cups. Use homemade if you have it, but low-sodium boxed broth works perfectly too.
- Pasta – 2 cups uncooked (bowtie, rotini, or pasta of your choice). Choose your favorite shape!
- Italian seasoning – 2 teaspoons. This blend brings all the classic Italian flavors to the soup.
- Salt and black pepper – 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Adjust to taste for the best flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup for topping. Always go for whole milk mozzarella for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish. Adds a beautiful touch and freshness!
- Olive oil – Just a splash for cooking. My go-to is a nice extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
The Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a delightful boil.
- Once boiling, add uncooked pasta and follow the package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the ricotta cheese until creamy and combined. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to warm everything through.
- Serve your delicious soup hot! Top it generously with shredded mozzarella and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Dig in and enjoy this warm, comforting bowl of lasagna goodness!
And if you want a lighter version, feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or a meat alternative. This soup is truly versatile!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey may cook a bit quicker than beef!
What Other Pasta Can I Use in This Recipe?
You can use any small pasta shape you like, such as elbows, mini shells, or even whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; check the package instructions to ensure your pasta is cooked al dente.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens up too much in the fridge, just add a little extra broth when reheating!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup up to the point where you add the ricotta cheese. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to add the ricotta and mozzarella right before serving to keep it creamy!
