Introduction
Transforming simple ingredients into a hearty and delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated! This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is a family-friendly favorite that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Forget spending hours layering lasagna – this one-pot wonder delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness you crave in a fraction of the time. Get ready for a comforting dinner the whole family will love!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness. It uses pantry staples, requires minimal prep work, and tastes amazing! The combination of savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese delivers a satisfying lasagna experience without the fuss of assembling individual layers. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit everyone’s tastes.
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🥫 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 🥫 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 🍝 15 oz can tomato paste
- 🌿 1 tsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1 tsp dried basil
- 🧀 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🍜 9 oz package lasagna noodles, broken into thirds
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4️⃣ Reduce heat to low, stir in the ricotta cheese, and gently fold in the broken lasagna noodles.
5️⃣ Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6️⃣ Stir in the mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
7️⃣ Serve hot and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a little olive oil before adding the ground beef.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with Italian seasoning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer throughout the cooking process is key to ensuring the noodles cook evenly and the sauce thickens properly. High heat will cause the sauce to splatter and the noodles to burn. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is primarily known for its creamy, comforting texture, you can add a bit of crunch by topping it with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions right before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For even faster cooking, use no-boil lasagna noodles. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, checking frequently for doneness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- For a richer flavor, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or combine both!
Storage Tips
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored 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 wonderful homemade gift! Package it in a mason jar or a pretty thermal food container and add a handwritten tag with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein.
🌟 Meat Lovers Lasagna Soup: Add 1/2 cup of cooked Italian sausage along with the ground beef.
🌟 Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Soup: Add 1 (10 ounce) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, along with the ricotta cheese.
Troubleshooting
- Noodles too mushy: Reduce cooking time or use no-boil lasagna noodles.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer uncovered for longer to allow the sauce to reduce.
- Sauce too thick: Add a little water or broth to thin it out.
FAQ
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Can I use different types of noodles? While lasagna noodles work best, you can experiment with other pasta shapes such as penne or rotini. Keep in mind they may require a slightly different cook time.
- What kind of cheese can I use besides mozzarella? Provolone, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious additions.
Conclusion
This Easy Lasagna Soup is the perfect weeknight meal for busy families. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and we know you’ll love it! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on RateMyRecipes.com! Happy cooking!
Family-Friendly Lasagna Soup: One-Pot Comfort Food
A hearty and comforting soup that captures the flavors of lasagna in a convenient one-pot meal, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sautu00e9 until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
Tips
- For added flavor, you can sautu00e9 some chopped bell peppers along with the onion.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.