Description
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna, combining all the classic flavors into a rich, cheesy soup. Featuring ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy tomato broth finished with a trio of cheeses and fresh basil, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base and Meat
- 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)
Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
Dairy and Cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Herbs
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics and Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and sauté, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste, stirring well to mix the flavors and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Stir in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles along with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust more to taste). Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently until the noodles become tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Soup Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream to add richness and a creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add 1-2 cups extra chicken broth at this stage. For extra cheesiness, you can also stir shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese directly into the hot soup until melted and combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, additional shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting creamy flavors reminiscent of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or pre-chopped onions.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
