Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Lasagna Soup is an incredible way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal. This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. With savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheese topping, it’s a delightful dish that satisfies cravings without the fuss of traditional lasagna.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just over an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this one-pot meal that combines all ingredients seamlessly.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Enjoy rich flavors from Italian herbs and creamy cheese that warm the soul.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth. Having everything ready will enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching pots and helps in breaking up meat while cooking.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Easy Lasagna Soup, gather the following 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 with a wooden spoon.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add 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) and 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 few minutes before adding crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (undrained).

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

• Pour in the beef or vegetable broth.
• Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover partially and simmer for approximately 30–60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional sugar if needed.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

• While soup simmers, break lasagna noodles into irregular pieces about 1–2 inches long.
• Increase soup heat to medium-high until boiling.
• Add broken noodles to the soup while stirring immediately to prevent sticking.
• Reduce heat back down to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until al dente.

Step 5: Finish Soup and Prepare Ricotta Topping

• Once noodles are cooked through, stir in whole milk or heavy cream along with fresh chopped parsley.
• Taste again to adjust seasoning if necessary.
• In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, optional egg, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle generous portions of hot soup into individual bowls.
• Add a dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture into each bowl’s center.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top generously.
• Garnish with extra basil leaves or parsley before serving immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or warm baguette.

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

Serving Easy Lasagna Soup is a delight that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish and enhance the dining experience for your family or guests.

Classic Presentation

• Serve in deep bowls for a hearty meal. Top each bowl with a dollop of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color.

Family-Style Serving

• Ladle the soup into a large serving pot on the table. Let everyone help themselves, allowing for a communal and cozy atmosphere.

Garnished Bowls

• Add extra toppings such as sliced olives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate your soup’s flavor profile and visual appeal.

Accompanied with Bread

• Pair your soup with crusty garlic bread or warm baguette slices. This not only complements the meal but also allows diners to dip their bread into the rich broth.

Salad Side

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette. The crispness will balance out the soup’s richness.

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

To create the best version of Easy Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips that can enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley add vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. Sprinkle them right before serving for maximum impact.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more tomato paste to intensify flavors.
• Customize Noodles: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand; just ensure they cook well in broth.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporating extra veggies like spinach or zucchini can boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
• Mind Your Seasoning: Always taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs based on preference for a perfectly balanced soup.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Lasagna Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and infused with garlic; perfect for dipping in your rich soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
3. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, drizzled with olive oil make for a refreshing side.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide added nutrition and contrast in texture.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs offer a savory bite that pairs well with the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of cheeses, olives, artichokes, and cured meats creates an inviting appetizer spread before the main course.
7. Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta sticks serve as an alternative to traditional fries while adding a unique twist.
8. Sweet Potato Wedges: Roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with spices provide sweetness that balances the savory soup flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Lasagna Soup, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final taste and texture of your dish.

• Not browning the meat properly – Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a bland flavor. Make sure to cook it until it is nicely browned before adding other ingredients.
• Overcooking the noodles – If you cook the lasagna noodles for too long, they can become mushy. Add them at the right time and keep an eye on their cooking to achieve a perfect al dente texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Each brand of tomatoes and broth has different salt levels. Always taste your soup and adjust seasoning accordingly for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the creamy topping – The ricotta topping adds creaminess and richness that balances the soup’s acidity. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for a well-rounded dish.
• Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge – Cold ingredients can lower the temperature of your soup. Ensure your dairy products are at room temperature for better incorporation into the soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta.

Can I make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be used as alternatives if ricotta is unavailable. They will still provide a creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers of Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Is it possible to add extra vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. It captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna while being simple and quick to prepare. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Try making it today for a warm and satisfying meal that your family will love!