This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup packs all the yummy flavors of lasagna into a warm and cozy bowl! Ground beef mixes with pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce for a delightfully hearty meal.
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just throw everything in one pot, and you’re set! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy slurping up cheesy goodness in soup form? It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This ingredient adds richness to the soup. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or plant-based meat for a similar texture.
Lasagna Noodles: I use traditional lasagna noodles, but you can break up whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if needed. You could even substitute with smaller pasta shapes like shells or bowties!
Cheeses: Ricotta is essential for that creamy feel. If you’re out of ricotta, cream cheese works well too. For mozzarella, feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand—provolone or a mix are also tasty alternatives.
Broth: Beef broth gives the soup a robust flavor. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if that’s what you have. Homemade stock adds extra depth, but store-bought works in a pinch!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
Building flavor is key in any soup. Start with browning the meat well—it adds a nice depth. Don’t skip the onions and garlic; they bring a wonderful aroma and enhance the taste. Add spices, like basil and oregano, early on to let them bloom.
- Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and slightly golden—this brings out sweetness.
- Let the soup simmer for at least 10 minutes; the flavors mingle nicely during this time.
- Adjust seasoning at the end; taste and add salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
For the Cheesy Finish:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat. Keep cooking until the beef is fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the pot. This keeps your soup nice and smooth!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step is great for infusing flavor into your soup!
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
Next, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta:
After the soup has simmered, add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and just cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in the Cheeses:
Once the pasta is ready, turn off the heat. Gently stir in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until it’s melted and creamy, creating that delicious cheesy goodness!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Use a ladle to serve the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. Pair your Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy, and comforting lasagna soup! 😊
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as it may cook a bit faster. Season well to enhance the flavors!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time! Cook the soup and let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. The pasta may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can substitute it with cream cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add that creamy texture to your soup!
