Name: Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe - Comfort Food Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons ground pepper; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 4 cups (32 ounces) beef broth; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 12 ounces Mafalda noodles; ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food dream come true, bringin extractg all the irresistible flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, soul-soothing bgin extract. Imagine tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta cheese, all swimming together in a flavorful broth. What’s not to love? This dish has captured hearts because it delivers that familiar, beloved taste of lasagna without all the layering, baking time, and fuss. It’s the perfect solution when you crave that deeply satisfying, cheesy goodness but are short on time or simply want a more casual, spoonable experience. What truly makes this Lasagna Soup special is its ability to capture the essence of a labor-intensive classic in a wonderfully accessible format. It’s a delightful way to enjoy all those beloved Italian-American flavors, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons ground pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
4 cups (32 ounces) beef broth (you can add up to 4 more cups if you prefer a thinner soup consistency)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
12 ounces Mafalda noodles (or lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces)
½ cup (119 g) heavy cream
1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup (113 g) cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Base

Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Beef

Let’s get started building the flavorful foundation for our Lasagna Soup. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced yellow onion. We want to sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and begin extracts to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This process draws out the natural sweetness of the onion. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, add the 2 pounds of ground beef to the pot. Break up the meat with your spoon and cook it until it’s thoroughly browned. We want to ensure there are no pink bits left. As the beef cooks, it will release its own fat. Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot. This is an important step for a cleaner-tasting soup.

Building the Flavor Profile

Now it’s time to season the meat and onions generously. Sprinkle in the tablespoon of Italian seasoning, which provides that classic lasagna aroma with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Add the 2 teaspoons of ground pepper and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Stir everything well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the browned beef and onion mixture. Let this cook for another minute or two, allowing the seasonings to toast slightly and release their full fragrance. This initial seasoning step is crucial for developing a deep, satisfying flavor for our soup.

Simmering the Soup

Incorporating Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the entire 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce. This will add a rich tomato base and a hint of sweetness and acidity. Next, add the 4 cups (32 ounces) of beef broth. Remember, if you like a runnier soup, you can certainly add up to 4 additional cups of beef broth at this stage. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as they hold a lot of flavor. Finally, add the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. The crushed tomatoes will contribute texture and a more intense tomato flavor to our Lasagna Soup. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Adding the Noodles

Once the soup base is simmering nicely, it’s time to add the noodles. Gently stir in the 12 ounces of Mafalda noodles. If you are using regular lasagna noodles, break them into roughly 2-inch pieces before adding them to the pot. Stir the noodles into the simmering soup to prevent them from clumping together. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. It’s important to check the noodles for doneness, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on the type of noodle you use. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Adding Creaminess and Cheese

In the last few minutes of cooking, when the noodles are almost tender, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream. This will add a luxurious creaminess to the soup, reminiscent of a creamy lasagna filling. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes until the cream is fully incorporated and the soup has thickened slightly. Now, for the best part! Turn off the heat. Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with a mixture of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend. The residual heat from the soup will melt the cheese into a delicious, gooey topping. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Lasagna Soup!

Conclusion:

You’ve now learned how to create a delicious and comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup! This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna without the lengthy layering process. The rich tomato broth, savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy ricotta combine for a truly satisfying meal. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this Lasagna Soup as much as I do! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even for feeding a crowd.

For serving, I love to garnish my Lasagna Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of extra ricotta cheese. A crusty bread for dipping is also an absolute must!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can easily swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even make it vegetarian by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

So go ahead, give this Lasagna Soup a try! It’s a simple yet incredibly rewarding dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lasagna Soup:

Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Lasagna Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.

What kind of pasta works best in Lasagna Soup?

You have a few excellent options for pasta in Lasagna Soup. Short, sturdy shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, or ditalini hold up well in the soup. Some people also enjoy breaking up lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and cooking them directly in the soup, mimicking the layers. Just be sure not to overcook them; they should be al dente.