Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Lasagna Soup is an incredible dish that captures the rich flavors of classic lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal. This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual weeknight meals. With its hearty ingredients and comforting cheese topping, this soup is sure to become a favorite. It combines the simplicity of a soup with the beloved tastes of Italian cuisine, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just over an hour, allowing you to serve a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a win after a long day.
  • Rich Flavor: Combining savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs delivers a satisfying taste that rivals traditional lasagna.
  • Cheesy Goodness: The creamy ricotta topping along with melted mozzarella makes each bowl irresistibly delicious.
  • Versatile: You can easily adapt this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the meat for turkey or sausage.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

  • Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups and stews, providing even heat distribution.
  • Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while ensuring thorough mixing.
  • Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing toppings like ricotta without cluttering your workspace.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
  • 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (non-alcoholic alternative for red apple vinegar)
  • 10-12 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

For the Creamy Ricotta Topping

  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

For Serving and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley
  • Crusty garlic bread or warm baguette

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Meat and Aromatics

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Tomato Base

Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth (as a non-alcoholic substitute for red apple vinegar) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow liquid to reduce for 2–3 minutes. Stir in 6 oz tomato paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Then add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 15 oz diced tomatoes (undrained).

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Pour in 6 cups beef or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

While the soup simmers, break 10–12 lasagna noodles into irregular pieces measuring about 1–2 inches each. Increase soup heat to medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil. Add broken noodles into the soup immediately stirring to prevent sticking. Reduce heat back down to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until noodles are al dente.

Step 5: Finish Soup and Prepare Ricotta Topping

Once noodles are cooked through, stir in 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream along with 1/2 cup fresh chopped Italian parsley. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed before removing from heat. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, along with freshly chopped basil, optional egg (for richness), salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle generous portions of hot soup into individual bowls. Add a dollop (about 2–3 tbsp) of the creamy ricotta mixture right in the center of each bowl followed by sprinkling with shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley as desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or warm baguette for dipping.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta!

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Serving Easy Lasagna Soup is all about enhancing the cozy, cheesy experience this dish offers. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

Individual Bowls

  • Ladle the soup into individual bowls for a comforting presentation. This allows everyone to enjoy their own hearty portion.

Creamy Ricotta Dollop

  • Top each bowl with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta mix. It adds richness and complements the flavors beautifully.

Shredded Mozzarella Sprinkle

  • Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. It melts slightly from the heat of the soup, creating that perfect cheesy layer.

Fresh Herbs Garnish

  • Add extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This enhances both visual appeal and flavor.

Crusty Bread Pairing

  • Serve with crusty garlic bread or warm baguette on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up that delicious broth.
Easy

How to Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

To achieve the best version of this Easy Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips.

  • Quality Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes for better flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preferences. Balancing flavors is key to a delightful soup.
  • Simmer Time: Allow the soup to simmer longer if you have time. This helps deepen the flavors and melds the ingredients beautifully.
  • Noodle Variation: Experiment with different pasta shapes if you don’t have lasagna noodles. Other types can work well while still providing that comforting feel.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Lasagna Soup can enhance the meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

  1. Garlic Bread
    A classic choice, garlic bread pairs perfectly for dipping into the soup’s savory broth.

  2. Caesar Salad
    Crisp romaine topped with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch that complements the creamy soup nicely.

  3. Roasted Vegetables
    Seasonal roasted vegetables offer great flavor and texture contrast while being healthy additions to your meal.

  4. Stuffed Mushrooms
    These bite-sized treats are filled with cheese and herbs, making them an exciting side that echoes the soup’s flavors.

  5. Antipasto Platter
    Include olives, cheeses, and cured meats for a variety of tastes that guests can enjoy alongside their soup.

  6. Caprese Skewers
    Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy yet elegant side dish.

  7. Coleslaw
    A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the richness of the lasagna soup beautifully.

  8. Spinach Artichoke Dip
    Served warm with chips or bread, this creamy dip complements the hearty soup well while providing a satisfying appetizer option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture.

  • Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful broth. Always brown the meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
  • Overcooking noodles: Cooking the lasagna noodles too long can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of cooking to keep them al dente.
  • Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a bland soup. Always taste as you go and tweak with salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
  • Using low-quality canned tomatoes: Using subpar canned tomatoes can compromise the soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality brands for better results.
  • Not letting flavors meld: Rushing the simmering process will not allow flavors to develop fully. Simmering for at least 30 minutes is crucial for a rich taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this an Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe?

This recipe simplifies traditional lasagna by combining all ingredients into one pot without layering, making it quicker and easier to prepare.

Can I customize my Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini or swap ground beef for turkey or sausage for different flavors.

How do I store leftovers of Easy Lasagna Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment.

What toppings work best with Easy Lasagna Soup?

A dollop of creamy ricotta topping, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil are excellent choices that enhance flavor and presentation.

Can I use gluten-free noodles in this Easy Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free versions to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is a delightful twist on classic lasagna. It’s comforting, flavorful, and versatile enough for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta—a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. This one-pot meal combines savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, delivering all the classic taste in a quick and easy soup format. Perfect for cozy family dinners or busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just over an hour, ensuring you can enjoy a hearty dish without spending all day in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this soup is destined to become a beloved staple in your household.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion
  • 45 cloves garlic
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes
  • 1012 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil and parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef with diced onion, then add minced garlic and herbs.
  2. Deglaze with broth, add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
  3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30–60 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente.
  5. Stir in cream and parsley before serving.
  6. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta mixture and mozzarella.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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