Name: Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
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 (can add up to 4 more cups if you want a runnier soup); 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 12 ounces Mafalda noodles (can use lasagna noodles broken); 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 garnishing

Lasagna Soup is a culinary revelation, transforming the beloved comfort food into a soul-warming, easy-to-make soup that captures all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna without the layering fuss. Have you ever craved that rich, cheesy, tomatoey goodness of lasagna but wished for something quicker and perhaps a little less involved to prepare? This Lasagna Soup is your answer! It’s no wonder this dish has become a sensation; it delivers all the satisfying flavors and textures we adore – tender pasta, savory meat, creamy ricotta, and a vibrant marinara – all swimming in a luscious broth. What truly sets this Lasagna Soup apart is its incredible versatility and how it manages to pack such a powerful flavor punch in every spoonful, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering.

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)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
12 ounces Mafalda noodles (lasagna noodles broken into pieces also work wonderfully)
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 garnishing

Sautéing the Aromatics and Browning the Beef

Begin extract by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base for your Lasagna Soup.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot with the onions. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Immediately after, add the ground beef to the pot. Break up the beef with your spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until it’s thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease from the pot; this will help prevent the soup from becoming too oily.

Building the Soup Base

Once the beef is browned and drained, stir in the Italian seasoning, ground pepper, and kosher salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where a lot of the flavor hides!
Now it’s time to introduce the liquid to transform this mixture into a soup. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth. If you like your Lasagna Soup a bit more brothy and less thick, feel free to add the additional 4 cups of beef broth at this stage. Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Cooking the Noodles and Finishing Touches

After the soup has simmered for a good 15 minutes, it’s time to add the noodles. Add the Mafalda noodles (or your broken lasagna noodles) directly into the simmering soup. Stir them in, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cook according to the noodle package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick as the noodles cook, you can always add a little more beef broth or even some water to reach your desired consistency.
Once the noodles are cooked to perfection, stir in the heavy cream. This adds a lovely richness and creamy texture that mimics the classic lasagna experience. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated. Now, for the cheesy goodness! Ladle your Lasagna Soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend. The residual heat from the soupgin extractll begin to melt the cheese into delicious, gooey strands. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in a hearty soup form!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Your delicious and comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup is ready to be devoured. We’ve walked through the simple steps to transform your favorite layered pasta dish into a soul-warming soup, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and I encourage you to experiment with its flavors. Feel free to serve your Lasagna Soup as is, or elevate your meal by pairing it with a crusty garlic bread or a fresh, simple green salad. Don’t be afraid to customize; adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage can add exciting new dimensions. The beauty of this Lasagna Soup is its adaptability and the pure comfort it brings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this fantastic dish!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lasagna Soup:

Can I make this Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Lasagna Soup reheats beautifully. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. The flavors often meld even further overnight, making it even more delicious.

What are some other protein options for Lasagna Soup?

While ground beef is traditional, feel free to substitute! Ground turkey or a mixture of Italian sausage (mild or hot) and ground beef work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat entirely or use plant-based crum extractbles. Just ensure the protein is cooked through before adding it to the soup base.