Imagine all the rich, hearty, and cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna, but transformed into a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot soup. That’s exactly what our Creamy Lasagna Soup delivers! This recipe brings together savory ground beef, tender pasta, a robust tomato sauce, and a luscious blend of cheeses, all simmered to perfection in a single pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup
This Creamy Lasagna Soup isn't just delicious; it's a kitchen hero. Here’s why it’s about to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless One-Pot Meal: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- All the Flavor, Less Fuss: You get the iconic taste and texture of baked lasagna without the layering, long baking times, or extensive prep.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with meat, pasta, and rich broth, it’s a filling meal that truly warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a casual family dinner or a comforting dish for guests, this soup is always a hit.
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, you can have this incredible soup on your table in under an hour.
Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Lasagna Soup
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to the best Creamy Lasagna Soup. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Ground Beef: Forms the savory foundation of the soup.
- Aromatics: Fresh onion and garlic provide a fragrant depth of flavor. A Quality Chef's Knife makes quick work of mincing these!
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and rich tomato paste build the robust, classic Italian sauce.
- Broth: Beef or chicken broth adds savory liquid to the soup.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into small pieces, they cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Dairy Dream Team: Heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella create that irresistible creamy, cheesy texture.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a bright, finishing touch.
Step-by-Step to Soup Perfection
Crafting this soup is straightforward and rewarding. You'll begin by browning the beef and building a fragrant base with onion and garlic. Next, the tomato elements are introduced, followed by the broth and seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Finally, the lasagna noodles cook in the flavorful broth, and the creamy cheeses are stirred in to create a truly decadent soup. Consult the full recipe card below for precise measurements and detailed instructions.
Tips for the Best Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Noodle Nuance: Keep a close eye on your lasagna noodles as they cook directly in the soup. They can quickly go from perfectly al dente to overly soft.
- Seasoning Savvy: Always taste and adjust your seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) before stirring in the cheeses. This ensures the flavor profile is exactly to your liking.
- Ricotta Smoothness: To avoid clumping, whisk the ricotta cheese with a tablespoon or two of warm broth or heavy cream before incorporating it into the soup.
- Fresh Finish: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the very end brightens the dish and adds a pop of color and aroma.
Serving Your Hearty Lasagna Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few complementary sides:
- Crusty garlic bread or warm breadsticks for dipping into the rich broth.
- A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
For another comforting Italian-inspired dish, consider making The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes).
Creative Variations to Explore
Feel free to customize your Creamy Lasagna Soup to suit your taste:
- Add Some Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will give your soup a delightful kick.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or zucchini during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and texture.
- Meat Swaps: Substitute ground beef with mild or spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile, or use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheese Adventures: Experiment with different cheeses! A blend of Parmesan, Fontina, or even smoked provolone could add unique notes.
If you enjoy hearty, soulful meals that come together in one pot, you'll also love our Slow Cooker Beef Curry: An Easy, Flavorful & Comforting Recipe.
Storing and Reheating Made Easy
Leftover Creamy Lasagna Soup is a gift! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might notice the noodles have soaked up a lot of the broth, making the soup thicker. Simply add a splash of beef broth, chicken broth, or even water to achieve your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Embrace the Comfort of Lasagna Soup
This Creamy Lasagna Soup offers all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna with the simplicity of a one-pot meal. It’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to spoon into a bowl of pure bliss!
FAQs
Can I prepare Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The soup base (meat and tomato sauce) can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base and then add the broken lasagna noodles to cook fresh, preventing them from becoming mushy.
What are the best noodles to use for lasagna soup?
Traditional lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces, work perfectly to mimic the classic dish. Alternatively, you can use other sturdy pasta shapes like mafalda, campanelle, or even broken fettuccine for a similar effect.
How do I make my lasagna soup extra creamy?
To achieve a luxuriously creamy texture, ensure you use heavy cream and whole milk ricotta cheese. Whisking the ricotta with a little extra broth or milk before stirring it into the soup helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth, velvety finish.
Can I freeze leftover Creamy Lasagna Soup?
It's generally recommended to freeze the soup base without the noodles, as cooked pasta can become too soft and absorb excessive liquid when thawed and reheated. Freeze the cooled soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains meat and dairy
Description
A hearty and comforting one-pot soup that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna – savory meat, rich tomato, and creamy cheese – in an easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
6 cups beef or chicken broth
8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Add chopped onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella until the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture. Do not boil once dairy is added.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving immediately.
Notes
For a lighter soup, use ground turkey or chicken. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also stir in fresh spinach or other quick-cooking vegetables during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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