Easy Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
As the chilly winds of autumn start to blow, there’s something spellbinding about the aroma of simmering soup wafting through the house. It brings back delightful memories of family gatherings around the table, filled with laughter and the warmth of shared meals. One recipe that always feels like a warm hug is my Easy Lasagna Soup. It’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavors that remind you of cozy evenings spent by the fireplace. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without too much fuss. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Easy Lasagna Soup comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.
- One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to a mountain of pots and pans! Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Family-Friendly: The rich, cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, turning dinner into a delightful occasion.
- Comforting and Hearty: Packed with ground beef, melty cheese, and tender noodles, this soup is the ultimate comfort food on cold nights.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your family’s tastes – it’s versatile enough for everyone!
- Garnished Perfection: Fresh basil and gooey mozzarella cheese on top add a gorgeous burst of color and flavor, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
What You’ll Need
Gather up these simple ingredients for your Easy Lasagna Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
Let’s create this delicious soup together. You’ll love how easy and satisfying this process is:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let the savory aroma fill your kitchen as everything cooks to golden perfection!
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing everything to a boil. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes will make your heart sing!
- Add in the broken lasagna noodles and let them cook until tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. The noodles will soak up the rich flavors as they soften.
- Lower the heat and swirl in the creamy ricotta cheese until well combined. The soup will take on a wonderfully creamy texture that feels indulgent and comforting.
- Serve hot, topped with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Trust me, that melty cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch!
Fun Ways to Customize It
Feel free to get creative with your Easy Lasagna Soup! Here are some ideas to switch it up:
- Zesty Italian Sausage: Swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. The robust flavor will add a new dimension to your soup.
- Vegetarian Delight: For a meat-free version, use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of ground beef. It’ll be just as satisfying and packed with nutrients!
- Rich and Creamy Spinach: Add a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right before serving. It adds a pleasant color and a boost of healthy greens that everyone will appreciate.
- Crunchy Toppings: Croutons or garlic bread crumbs on top will bring a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Easy Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Make-Ahead Planning: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Brown the beef and chop veggies, then store them in the fridge for a quick weeknight meal.
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier!
- Freezing for Later: This soup freezes well. Just be sure to leave out the cheese when freezing, and add it fresh when reheating for the best experience.
Nutrition Information per Serving
Here’s what’s inside your delicious bowl of Easy Lasagna Soup:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and simply cook the soup when you’re ready to eat!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to customize it with different proteins or veggies according to your preferences.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- How long does it last? In the freezer, this soup can last up to 2-3 months. Just remember to leave out the cheese when you freeze it!
A Cozy Closing Note
This Easy Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter while savoring this creamy delight. Save this Easy Lasagna Soup to your “Comfort Food” board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every cozy spoonful, my friends!
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Easy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
A creamy, comforting lasagna-inspired soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing everything to a boil.
- Add in the broken lasagna noodles and let them cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Lower the heat and swirl in the creamy ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Serve hot, topped with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different proteins or vegetables. This soup also freezes well; just leave out cheese before freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: lasagna, soup, easy recipes, comfort food, weeknight dinner