Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that combines all the classic flavors into a comforting, easy dish. This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you simply want a heartwarming bowl of goodness. With its savory broth and cheesy topping, this soup brings the warmth of home cooking to your table without the fuss of layering pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe brings you all the comfort of lasagna in just one pot, making it simple to prepare and clean up.
• Rich Flavor: Using ground beef and a blend of tomatoes creates a rich, hearty broth that is both satisfying and delicious.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and melty mozzarella, each bowl is indulgent and full of flavor.
• Comfort Food Delight: Ideal for chilly evenings or cozy nights in, this soup wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently, saving time during prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup beef broth (non-alcoholic alternative for red apple vinegar)
• 10-12 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar (optional)

For the Creamy Ricotta Topping

• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 large egg (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pinch of black pepper

For Serving and Garnish

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley
• Crusty garlic bread or warm baguette

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sauté Meat and Aromatics

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and brown thoroughly while breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Tomato Base

Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth as a non-alcoholic substitute for red apple vinegar; scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow liquid to reduce for 2-3 minutes. Stir in 6 oz tomato paste; cook for another 2-3 minutes. Finally, add 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 15 oz diced tomatoes (undrained).

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Pour in 6 cups beef or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 30-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste periodically; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional sugar if needed.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

While soup simmers, break 10-12 lasagna noodles into irregular pieces about 1-2 inches long. Increase soup heat back to medium-high; bring it to a rolling boil. Add broken noodles immediately after stirring to prevent them from sticking together. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes until al dente while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Finish Soup and Prepare Ricotta Topping

Once noodles are cooked through, stir in 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream along with the freshly chopped Italian parsley. Adjust seasoning again if needed before removing the pot from heat. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese (15 oz), grated Parmesan (1/2 cup), fresh basil (1/4 cup), optional egg if using (large), salt (1/4 tsp), and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle generous portions of hot soup into individual bowls. Add a dollop (about 2-3 tbsp) of the creamy ricotta mixture right at the center of each bowl before sprinkling with shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup). Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley as desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or warm baguette slices for dipping!

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Serving Easy Lasagna Soup is all about enhancing the cozy, comforting experience. This delicious soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of the soup. The crunch complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

With a Side Salad

• A light garden salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can balance out the hearty soup.

Accompanied by Grated Cheese

• Offer a small bowl of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese so everyone can add their desired amount to their bowl.

Served in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls creates a lovely dining experience and allows guests to customize their toppings.

How to Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

To ensure your Easy Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips for a delicious result.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality tomatoes will significantly enhance the flavor of your soup.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your preference for a more personalized flavor.

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add lasagna noodles towards the end of cooking to keep them al dente; they’ll absorb flavor without becoming mushy.

• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses in the ricotta topping. Adding mozzarella or fontina can create an even creamier texture.

• Make it Ahead: This soup freezes well. Make extra and store in airtight containers for a quick meal later on.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Lasagna Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors well.

1. Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing salad with assorted greens, cucumbers, and a light dressing adds freshness.
2. Garlic Knots – Soft knots brushed with garlic butter make for delightful dipping companions.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers provide a healthy contrast.
4. Cheesy Breadsticks – Warm, cheesy breadsticks are perfect for savoring every drop of soup.
5. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are easy-to-eat appetizers.
6. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a flavorful bite before diving into the soup.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs work as an elegant starter.
8. Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables creates an inviting spread alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make a few missteps when preparing the Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta. Here are common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure to check the noodles for doneness frequently. They should be al dente, not mushy, as they will continue to absorb liquid after cooking.
• Neglecting Flavor Adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavors.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality broth can elevate your soup. Invest in good-quality tomatoes and fresh parsley for the best results.
• Skipping the Creamy Topping: Don’t skip on the ricotta mixture. It adds richness and creaminess that complements the soup perfectly.
• Not Letting It Simmer: Allow your soup to simmer long enough for flavors to meld. A longer simmer gives a deeper taste and a richer texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lasagna soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that works well in this recipe. It will give you a leaner soup while still being flavorful.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a cream cheese mixture for a similar creamy texture.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace ground beef with lentils or diced vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth as well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I adjust the spice level?

You can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes used. Omit them entirely for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Its rich flavors and creamy topping make it a delightful comfort food option. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins to suit your tastes!