This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is perfect for cozy family dinners and impressing guests alike. With all the classic flavors of lasagna packed into a warm, inviting bowl, this soup is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. In just 40 minutes, you can treat your loved ones to a comforting meal that can easily accommodate busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup cooks in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to option for weeknight meals.
- Flavorful Comfort: The rich blend of ground beef, Italian herbs, and creamy goodness provides all the taste of traditional lasagna.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for leftovers!
- Picky-Eater Friendly: The familiar flavors make it appealing even to the fussiest eaters.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means less hassle with dishes after your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for evenly cooking all ingredients while allowing ample space for simmering.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
Ingredients
To make this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For the Sauce
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
For the Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2 pieces)
For Creaminess
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft—about 5 minutes. Then add the ground beef, stirring until browned completely. Once browned, incorporate minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Combine with Sauces and Broth
Stir in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil before adding the broken lasagna noodles. Season with an additional teaspoon of kosher salt if desired. Lower the heat to let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
Step 3: Add Creaminess
Once noodles are cooked through, stir in the heavy cream for added richness. If you prefer a thinner soup texture, feel free to add more chicken broth at this stage. A pro tip is to mix in shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the soup for an extra creamy finish!
Step 4: Serve Your Soup
Spoon generous portions of lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with dollops of ricotta cheese, additional mozzarella, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and sprinkle chopped basil on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Serving Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit your taste. With its rich flavors and creamy textures, this soup can be enjoyed in various ways.
Classic Comfort
- With a dollop of ricotta – Add a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle of fresh herbs – Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh touch.
Bread Pairings
- Garlic breadsticks – Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside for dipping and to soak up the delicious broth.
- Crusty Italian bread – Offer slices of crusty bread to accompany each bowl, perfect for sopping up the soup.
Salad Options
- Caesar salad – A light Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Mixed greens salad – Tossed with a simple vinaigrette, this adds freshness and balance to your meal.
How to Perfect Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To elevate your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use high-quality ingredients – Fresh ingredients can significantly improve the taste of your soup.
- Adjust broth levels – For a thicker soup, use less broth; for a lighter version, add more chicken broth.
- Add extra cheese – Stir in additional mozzarella or parmesan while cooking for an even creamier consistency.
- Experiment with spices – Adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs can deepen the flavor profile.
- Thicken with plant-based agents – If you prefer a thicker soup without heavy cream, consider using pectin or agar-agar.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread makes for an irresistible pairing with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, roasted peppers, and marinated artichokes adds variety to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers – Baked bell peppers filled with rice and cheese provide hearty satisfaction alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to complement your dish.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad tossed in olive oil and herbs balances the warm soup nicely.
- Bruschetta – Crisp toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs offers a flavorful bite before enjoying the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup even better.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Adding too much broth can lead to a soupy consistency. Measure carefully and adjust as needed for your preferred thickness.
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Take the time to sauté until golden before adding other ingredients.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Omitting fresh basil will reduce the flavor profile. Always add fresh herbs right before serving for the best taste.
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking lasagna noodles too long can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Neglecting to Taste: Not tasting your soup while cooking can lead to bland flavors. Adjust seasonings based on your personal preference throughout the process.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing for best preservation.
Freezing Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until hot, typically 2-4 minutes depending on your microwave.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or lamb for ground beef. Each option brings its unique flavor!
How do I thicken Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
To achieve a thicker consistency, add more lasagna noodles or simmer longer without a lid. You can also stir in some grated cheese.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings go well with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Consider adding fresh parsley, additional cheese, or a dollop of pesto for more flavor and texture.
How long does it take to prepare?
This recipe takes only about 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, making it quick and easy!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is not only quick but also customizable! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Feel free to experiment with different meats or add extra veggies based on your preferences!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that’s perfect for any occasion. This one-pot wonder combines all the classic flavors of lasagna into a creamy, hearty soup that comes together in just 40 minutes. With tender pieces of ground beef, flavorful herbs, and creamy cheeses, it’s an inviting dish that your family and friends will love. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this soup is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare and clean up. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone can enjoy!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2" pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, and tomato paste; cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in tomato basil sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil before adding broken lasagna noodles. Adjust seasoning and let simmer until noodles are tender.
- If desired, mix in heavy cream for added richness. Stir in mozzarella or parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
- Serve hot topped with dollops of ricotta cheese and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg