This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with hearty ground beef, pasta, and yummy tomato sauce, all the flavors of lasagna but in a cozy soup form.
You can top it with cheese for extra goodness – because who doesn’t love melted cheese? I love making this on chilly evenings; it warms me right up while filling my tummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star of this dish, giving it a hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey, or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Pasta: Traditional lasagna uses wide noodles, but in this soup, break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. If you’re out of lasagna noodles, any small pasta like rotini or penne will work just fine!
Cheese: Ricotta is creamy and delicious as a topping, but you can also use cottage cheese if you prefer something lighter. Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for a more melty topping.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness, but you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth based on what you have on hand. Just remember, the broth influences the overall flavor, so choose one that complements the other ingredients!
How Do You Make Sure the Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
One of the big challenges with this recipe is keeping the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy. Here’s how to handle it:
- Cook the soup base without the noodles for about 10 minutes so the flavors can come together first.
- When you add the broken noodles, keep the pot at a gentle simmer instead of a rolling boil.
- Check the noodles for doneness a minute or two before the recommended cooking time; they should be tender but still intact.
- If you’re making leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls. This way, the noodles won’t absorb too much broth!
Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ground Beef Lasagna Soup takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but tasty enough to impress family and friends. Just enough time for the flavors to meld together, and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This helps develop a nice base flavor for your soup.
2. Add Garlic:
Throw in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You want to release the lovely aroma of garlic!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it through while breaking it apart with your spoon. When it’s nice and browned, drain off any excess fat if needed. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
4. Mix in the Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. This is where your soup starts to take shape! Give it a good mix.
5. Spice It Up:
Add in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Let It Simmer:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Cook the Noodles:
Now, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
8. Cheese It Up:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well combined. This adds a lovely richness to your soup!
9. Taste Test:
Give your soup a taste! Adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Make sure it’s just right!
10. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Each serving gets a generous dollop of ricotta cheese on top, followed by a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. If you love cheese, feel free to add more grated Parmesan!
11. Enjoy!
Serve hot and savor every comforting spoonful of this Ground Beef Lasagna Soup. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef in this soup. It will have a slightly different flavor, but it remains delicious and reduces the fat content.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, you can add a splash of broth to loosen it up again!
Can This Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the noodles. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat and cook the noodles fresh for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be tasty!
