Welcome, food lovers! Today, we’re diving into the heartwarming, soul-satisfying world of Ground Beef Lasagna Soup. If you’re looking for a dish that captures all the iconic flavors of classic lasagna but in a fraction of the time and with far less fuss, then look no further. This recipe is a delightful deconstruction of Italy’s beloved baked pasta, transformed into a comforting, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a taste of homemade goodness. It’s rich, meaty, cheesy, and utterly irresistible – a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients for Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
To create this incredible Ground Beef Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of authentic lasagna flavor in soup form!
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For sautéing.
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (80/20 or 90/10): The star of our meaty ragu.
- 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, robust tomato foundation.
- 1 (15 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor.
- 4 cups Beef Broth: The liquid base for our soup.
- 2 cups Water: To adjust consistency and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil: Classic Italian herb for warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Another essential herb for authentic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon Salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, or to taste: A necessary seasoning.
- 8 ounces Lasagna Noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces: Our “pasta” in the soup.
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: For topping and stirring in.
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese: For dolloping and adding creamy richness.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For melting on top, adding that gooey factor.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: For garnish and fresh flavor.
How to Make Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is an incredibly easy, delicious, and satisfying one-pot wonder that captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without the layering hassle. Its rich, savory broth, tender ground beef, broken lasagna noodles, and gooey cheese toppings make it a standout meal. With a total preparation and cook time of just around 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), beef broth, and water. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer and Cook Noodles: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and tender.
- Stir in Cheese: Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining Parmesan. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. For best results, allow the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the soup before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
You’ll absolutely adore this Ground Beef Lasagna Soup because it delivers all the comforting, hearty flavors of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time and effort. The main highlight is its incredible balance of savory ground beef, robust tomato broth, and the creamy, melty cheese medley that crowns each bowl, making every spoonful an experience. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but making this soup at home is also a fantastic money-saver compared to ordering takeout or buying pre-made meals, allowing you to control the quality of your ingredients.
The magical combination of dollops of creamy ricotta, generous sprinkles of gooey mozzarella, and salty Parmesan cheese truly elevates this dish, transforming a simple soup into a gourmet experience. It’s reminiscent of our classic Baked Ziti, but with a unique, soupy twist that’s perfect for cozy nights. We highly encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a wholesome, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Don’t just take our word for it—whip up a batch tonight and savor the incredible taste of homemade comfort!
What to Serve Ground Beef Lasagna Soup With
This hearty Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is quite a meal on its own, but a few complementary sides can elevate the experience even further:
- Crusty Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for dipping into the rich broth and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers, lightly seasoned and roasted, offer a healthy and colorful side.
- White Wine: A light-bodied Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry Rosé would pair beautifully with the tomato and beef flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Ground Beef Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Unlike traditional baked lasagna, the noodles in soup can become mushy if overcooked. Cook them just until al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the broth before adding the noodles. Different brands of broth vary in sodium content, so adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
- For a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup base, you can briefly blend a portion of the soup (before adding noodles) with an immersion blender.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Meat: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy: For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese toppings and use a plant-based alternative for the Parmesan stirred into the soup.
- Veggies: Feel free to add finely diced carrots or celery along with the onion for added depth of flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Combo: While mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other Italian cheeses like provolone or Romano for unique flavor twists.
- Spice Level: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit them entirely.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Ground Beef Lasagna Soup remains delicious for future meals.
- Storage: Once cooled completely, transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully.
- Freezing: If planning to freeze, consider cooking the lasagna noodles separately or undercooking them slightly by a minute or two. This prevents them from becoming too soft upon reheating. Store the soup (without noodles if cooked separately) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating (from Refrigerator): Reheat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until hot, stirring occasionally. For larger quantities, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
- Reheating (from Freezer): Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as described for refrigerated soup. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until thawed and heated through. Add a bit of extra liquid as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl. It brings together the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, comforting, and utterly delicious soup form that is perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or simply looking for a cozy meal for yourself, this soup ticks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. Happy cooking!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
- Medium
Ground Beef Lasagna Soup FAQs
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Yes! You can absolutely make this soup vegetarian. Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground crumble, lentils, or a mix of finely diced mushrooms and zucchini. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q2: Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dried?
A2: While dried lasagna noodles are recommended for structural integrity in the soup, you can experiment with fresh noodles. However, they will cook much faster, so add them towards the very end of the cooking process (about 2-3 minutes) to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Q3: My soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
A3: If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra body.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A4: Absolutely! Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even spinach (stirred in at the end) would be delicious additions and boost the nutritional content. Add hardier vegetables like carrots and celery along with the onion.
Q5: What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from getting mushy when reheating leftovers?
A5: To combat mushy noodles, cook them slightly under al dente when initially making the soup. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls of soup just before serving, storing the soup and noodles separately if you anticipate leftovers.