There’s something so warm and comforting about a hearty bowl of lasagna soup; it’s like the classic Italian dish wrapped up in a cozy blanket of flavors. This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup captures all the essence of traditional lasagna, but in a deliciously creamy, soupy form that’s perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With rich layers of herbs, juicy ground beef, and a medley of cheeses, this soup doesn’t just satisfy your hunger—it feeds the soul.
Why you’ll adore this recipe
One of the reasons you’ll fall in love with this creamy delight is its incredible simplicity. This dish is not only quick to whip up, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it accessible for everyone from college students to large families. Ideal for a cozy dinner after a long day or a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, this lasagna soup brings everyone together around the table.
Imagine a bowl brimming with comforting textures and flavors. It’s a perfect fit for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday dinner. And let’s not forget—it’s incredibly kid-approved, which often makes dinner time a much smoother experience!
“This soup is absolute perfection! It has all the flavors of lasagna but is so easy to make. My family requests it weekly!” – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Your Creamy Lasagna Soup
Crafting this luscious lasagna soup is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can master it in no time. First, you sauté some aromatic veggies and meat, then add in the rich sauces and broth to create a flavorful base. The final touch? Stirring in the creamy cheeses and fresh basil that elevate this dish to next-level indulgence.
To sum it all up, you will enjoy:
- Sautéing veggies for flavor depth.
- Simmering the base with tasty herbs and tomatoes.
- Adding noodles directly into the pot for that real lasagna experience.
- Finishing it off with creamy cheeses that melt beautifully.
What you’ll need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the ultimate lasagna soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for ideal richness)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (add more for a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken into 2" pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
Feel free to swap in ingredients based on your pantry or dietary preferences. For instance, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef, and you might even try gluten-free lasagna noodles for a lighter version.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat up that olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your fine-diced onion and sauté it until soft and translucent.
- Next, add in your ground beef. Brown it until no pink remains, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, and tomato paste. Let those fragrant flavors meld together for about a minute.
- Now comes the fun part: pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring that mixture to a hearty boil.
- Once boiling, throw in your broken lasagna noodles and the additional salt. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are al dente.
- For that creamy finish, stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add more chicken broth.
- A pro tip: throw in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan right into the soup for an even creamier texture!
- Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with dollops of ricotta, extra mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil. Enjoy every mouthful!
Best ways to enjoy it
For the perfect serving experience, consider garnishing each bowl with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for flair. Crusty bread or a side salad pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the soup.
You could even serve it alongside a light antipasto platter, filled with olives, cured meats, and some roasted vegetables for a complete Italian experience.
Storage and reheating tips
Storing your leftover lasagna soup is a great way to enjoy this dish on more than one occasion. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to renew its creaminess.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Helpful cooking tips
- Batch Cooking: This recipe is ideal for doubling or tripling, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just freeze the extras!
- Cheese Variation: Try experimenting with different cheeses like Gouda or adding Italian sausage for variation.
- Herb Boost: Fresh thyme or parsley can add an extra depth to the flavor if you want to mix it up herbs-wise.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Different ways to try it
Feel free to play around with the basic recipe! You can opt for vegetarian options by swapping beef with vegetables like zucchini, or use lentils for protein. You might also change the flavor profile by incorporating different herbs, like basil and thyme, or add in some spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time? About 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
Can I use whole wheat noodles? Yes! Whole wheat lasagna noodles will work just as well and offer a healthy twist.
How do I store leftovers safely? Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to keep them fresh, and consume within 4-5 days.
Is this soup gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free options available in most supermarkets.
Dive into the comforting embrace of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup—the perfect dish for any occasion that just begs to be shared around the dinner table. Enjoy every creamy bite!
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Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting bowl of lasagna soup capturing all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a creamy, soupy form.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for ideal richness)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (add more for a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken into 2″ pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground beef and brown it, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, oregano, and tomato paste; let meld for about a minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; bring to a hearty boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and additional salt; lower heat and simmer until noodles are al dente.
- Stir in heavy cream; add more chicken broth for a thinner soup if preferred.
- Serve topped with dollops of ricotta, extra mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat with a splash of broth to renew creaminess. Try with different cheeses or add some heat with jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian