Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Lasagna Soup is an incredible way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a simple and comforting one-pot meal. This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta combines rich tomatoes, savory beef, and creamy cheeses, making it perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or cozy evenings at home. With a fraction of the effort required for traditional lasagna, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and a single pot required, this recipe saves you from the hassle of multiple dishes.
• Rich Flavors: Enjoy the hearty taste of ground beef simmered in flavorful tomato broth with aromatic herbs that infuse every bite.
• Comforting Meal: Perfect for chilly nights, this soup offers the warmth and comfort you crave without extensive cooking.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap out ingredients easily to cater to your family’s preferences while keeping the core flavors intact.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love cheesy pasta! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for simmering all ingredients together while ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, allowing you to combine ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient portions for consistent results every time you make this soup.

Ingredients

• 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 the ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5–7 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Tomato Base

Pour in the beef broth as a non-alcoholic substitute for red apple vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow the liquid to reduce for about 2–3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes before adding crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (undrained).

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Add in your beef or vegetable broth—totaling six cups—and stir well. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for about 30–60 minutes. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

While your soup simmers away perfectly, break lasagna noodles into irregular pieces measuring about an inch or two long. Increase heat back to medium-high until boiling resumes. Add broken noodles directly into your soup while stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Reduce heat again to medium-low; cook uncovered for around ten to twelve minutes until al dente—stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish Soup and Prepare Ricotta Topping

Once noodles are cooked through, stir in whole milk or heavy cream along with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Taste again for seasoning adjustments before removing from heat. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, optional egg if using, salt, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle generous portions of hot soup into individual bowls. Add a dollop of creamy ricotta mixture right at the center of each serving. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese then garnish with extra fresh herbs like basil leaves or parsley as desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or warm baguette slices.

Enjoy preparing this delightful Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta!

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

Serving Easy Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that allows you to get creative with toppings and sides. This hearty dish pairs beautifully with various garnishes and accompaniments to enhance its flavors.

Garnish Options

• Fresh Basil – Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top for an aromatic touch.
• Parmesan Cheese – Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can spice things up.

Accompaniments

• Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Warm Baguette – A soft baguette serves as a great side to balance the soup’s flavors.
• Side Salad – A light garden salad adds freshness and crunch to your meal.

Serving Style

• Individual Bowls – Ladle soup into individual bowls for each guest, topped with creamy ricotta.
• Family Style – Serve the soup in a large pot, allowing everyone to help themselves.

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

Perfecting your Easy Lasagna Soup involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.

• Use Lean Meat – Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while keeping the flavor rich.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles – Break lasagna noodles into pieces and add them just in time; they should be tender but not mushy.
• Balance Acidity – If the tomatoes make the soup too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
• Experiment with Herbs – Fresh herbs can significantly enhance flavor; consider adding fresh oregano or thyme along with basil.
• Make it Ahead – This soup stores well; make it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight.
• Adjust Creaminess – For a creamier texture, feel free to increase the amount of milk or cream added at the end.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Lasagna Soup can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this hearty soup perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese provides a refreshing contrast.
2. Garlic Knots – Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
3. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add healthy color and texture.
4. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and tasty side.
5. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutritional value without overpowering the meal’s flavors.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushroom caps filled with cheese or breadcrumbs provide an elegant appetizer before the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make simple errors when cooking Easy Lasagna Soup. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not browning the beef properly: Always ensure the ground beef is well-browned for optimal flavor. This step adds depth to your soup.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season as you go! Adding salt, pepper, and herbs at different stages enhances the overall taste.
• Overcooking the noodles: Keep an eye on the lasagna noodles while they cook. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy and spoil the texture of your soup.
• Ignoring broth quality: Use high-quality broth for a richer flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought options work best.
• Not letting it simmer long enough: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld the flavors together. A shorter cooking time may result in a less flavorful dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot, approximately 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that can provide a lighter option while still being delicious.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with plant-based protein or lentils and use vegetable broth instead.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh ones. Use one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Can I add vegetables to my Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I store leftovers from this recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is appealing due to its rich flavors and comforting nature. It’s versatile enough for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for extra flair!