Introduction
Transforming weeknight dinners from stressful to effortless is a skill every busy cook needs! This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese—but in a fraction of the time. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy families.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly simple, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal cleanup. No complicated layering or pre-baking—just one pot of deliciousness! The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty and satisfying soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 🍝 15 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
- 🍖 1 pound ground beef
- 🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 🧀 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🌿 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2️⃣ Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in crushed tomatoes, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4️⃣ Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
5️⃣ Stir in mozzarella cheese and let it melt into the soup.
6️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For even faster cooking, use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer is crucial for this recipe. A high heat will cause the noodles to stick together and the sauce to become too thick. A low simmer ensures the noodles cook evenly and the flavors fully develop.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe isn’t focused on crunch, the slightly al dente texture of the lasagna noodles provides a pleasing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ground beef is cooked through.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef for a different flavor profile.
Storage Tips
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a fantastic homemade gift! Package it in a beautiful jar or container, adorned with a festive ribbon. Include a recipe card for the recipient to easily recreate the dish.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for some extra kick.
🌟 Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
🌟 Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Soup: Add a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic.
🌟 Creamy Tomato Lasagna Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
Troubleshooting
- Noodles too mushy: Reduce cooking time or use a sturdier pasta.
- Soup too watery: Simmer uncovered for longer to reduce the liquid.
- Soup too thick: Add a little water or broth to thin it out.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of noodles? While lasagna noodles work best, you could experiment with other short pasta shapes.
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the soup ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What kind of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella? Provolone or Parmesan would also be delicious.
Conclusion
This Easy Lasagna Soup is a true weeknight winner! It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely delicious. We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal, and don’t forget to share your experience and photos on Ratemyrecipes.com!
30-Minute Lasagna Soup: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and hearty lasagna soup that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.