Oh, the beauty of a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering goodness! A few years ago, on a chilly winter evening, I was craving all the cozy feels and comfort of lasagna but didn’t want to be tied down to layers upon layers of noodles and sauce. So, armed with a pot and a little culinary creativity, I whipped up this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. From that moment on, it became a family favorite! With every spoonful, the rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, and melty cheeses wrap around you like a warm hug, making any cold evening feel just a tad bit brighter. And I’m thrilled to share this delightful creation with you—just wait until you take that first aromatic whiff!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners—this dish will be on your table in about 30 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a sure-fire hit for family dinners and gather-round-the-table moments.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means you get to savor more time with those you love.
- Comfort Food Elevated: The creamy broth and cheesy goodness scream comfort but are so easy to whip up.
- Customizable: You can make it your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting the spices.
- Hearty & Healthy: Packed with flavors without the fuss!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
For sautéing the onion; it adds a rich flavor and helps everything to cook nicely.1 medium onion (finely diced)
A must for that comforting base; it softens and sweetens as it cooks!1 pound ground beef (80/20)
This mix keeps your soup rich and flavorful, giving it that hearty feel we love.5 cloves garlic (minced)
Honestly, is there anything better than garlic wafting through your kitchen? It’s the secret weapon here!½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Adds a gentle kick—feel free to adjust if your taste buds prefer a milder flavor!1 teaspoon dried oregano
Classic Italian flavor that brings the lasagna vibe to your soup!2 tablespoons tomato paste
Concentrated flavor that thickens the broth and gives it depth.25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
Take a shortcut here and get that luscious tomato flavor in one go!28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
Adds texture and freshness!4 cups chicken broth
More or less if you desire a thicker or thinner soup—this is your canvas!2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided, or more to taste)
Adjust as needed to bring out all those gorgeous flavors!12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2″ pieces)
Breaking them up makes them easier to stir and quicker to cook!½ cup heavy cream (optional)
A luxurious touch that takes this soup to creamy heights!1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melted bliss—this is where the comfort starts!½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
The finishing touch for that cheesy, delicious layer on top!½ cup ricotta cheese
I mean, do we even need to discuss how heavenly this is?6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
A fresh pop of color and flavor that sings in this dish!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Heat Things Up
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat that lovely olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and let it soften for about 5 minutes. You’ll start to smell that cozy goodness as the onions become translucent.
Brown the Beef
Add in the pound of ground beef. As you sauté, listen to the comforting sizzle and beautiful aroma wafting through your kitchen! Cook until the beef is browned all over—drain excess fat if you feel it’s necessary.
Add Flavorful Friends
Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste. The aroma is about to get even better! Cook for another minute until fragrant (and trust me, it will be!).
Stir It All In
Now, let’s bring in the heavyweights: the tomato sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir, bring it to a rolling boil, and then add the broken lasagna noodles. This is the moment your kitchen transforms into a cozy Italian eatery!
Simmer Down
Sprinkle in the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt (or adjust to your liking). Lower the heat and let it bubble away for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfectly cooked—keep an eye on it!
Creamy Goodness
Once those noodles are just right, it’s time for the heavy cream! If you’d like a thinner soup, you can add an extra cup or two of chicken broth now. Pro tip: For extra creaminess, stir in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan right into the soup!
Plate and Dive In
Spoon that lovely, gooey soup into bowls, and add dollops of ricotta, more mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, topped with fresh basil. Take a moment to appreciate this culinary masterpiece, and then serve up the love!
Pro Tips for Success
- Noodle Texture: If you’re making this ahead, consider cooking the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming too soft in the broth.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to play around with different cheeses! Sharp cheddar or even a sprinkle of feta can add a unique twist.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste as you cook—seasoning is key to letting your wonderful ingredients shine!
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Delight: Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms!
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or toss in sliced jalapeños to amp up the heat.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, toss in some pumpkin puree for a rich flavor twist!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this comforting soup with warm, crusty bread or a simple Caesar salad for a balanced meal. For a cozy dining experience, set the table with colorful bowls and grab a bottle of red wine—Bon Appétit!
Make-Ahead & Storage
This soup is great for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to dive back in.
Leftovers
Reinvent leftovers by turning them into stuffed peppers or serving them over a baked potato! Your family won’t even realize they’re enjoying “leftovers”!
Freezing
Yes! This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. For best results, label and date it so you can enjoy it later.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your frozen masterpiece, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it feels too thick!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even Italian sausage are fantastic alternatives!
Can I skip the heavy cream?
Of course! The soup will still be delicious and hearty without it; maybe add a touch of extra broth for creaminess!
How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
Feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta and check labels for any cheese products if needed.
What can I use instead of canned tomatoes?
You can use fresh diced tomatoes, just ensure to add a bit more broth for the same liquid content!
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our cozy cooking adventure, I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of comforting goodness shared with loved ones. So grab your pot, cozy up, and relish every delectable spoonful. Remember, cooking is all about love—so sprinkle a little extra of that into every bowl. Happy cooking, friends! 🌿❤️
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the onion; it adds rich flavor.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced) Adds a comforting base.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) Keeps the soup rich and flavorful.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced) Enhances the aroma.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adds a gentle kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Classic Italian flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Thickens the broth.
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce Provides luscious tomato flavor.
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes Adds texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth Adjust for preferred soup thickness.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided) Adjust as needed.
For the Noodles and Cheese
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken into 2″ pieces) Makes cooking quicker.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional) For extra creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melted comfort.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated) For a delicious layer on top.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese Heavenly addition.
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped) Adds freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Cooking
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then add the broken lasagna noodles.
- Sprinkle in the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt. Lower the heat and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Once noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. For extra creaminess, stir in additional cheeses.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil.