Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that brings the rich and hearty flavors of classic lasagna into a quick and easy one-pot meal. This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or whenever you’re craving that delicious lasagna taste without the fuss. With ground beef simmered in a savory tomato broth and topped with creamy cheeses, this soup is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, beef, and tomatoes creates an incredibly flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cleanup with this one-pot meal that cooks everything together for optimal flavor.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta, gather your tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it distributes heat evenly and allows for generous portions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for preparing the creamy ricotta topping effortlessly.

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 the ground beef and brown thoroughly while breaking it apart. Drain excess fat. Then, add diced onion and cook for about 5–7 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Deglaze and Build Tomato Base

Pour in the 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 about 2–3 minutes before stirring in tomato paste. Cook this mixture for another 2–3 minutes before adding crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (undrained).

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Now pour in your beef or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, then bring to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover partially and let it simmer for around 30–60 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

While your soup simmers, break the lasagna noodles into irregular pieces measuring about 1–2 inches. Increase soup heat back to medium-high until it reaches a rolling boil. Add those broken noodles directly into the soup while stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Reduce heat once more to medium-low, cooking uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until al dente; stir occasionally.

Step 5: Finish Soup and Prepare Ricotta Topping

Once noodles are cooked through, stir in whole milk or heavy cream along with fresh chopped Italian parsley. Taste again to adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the pot from heat. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, optional egg, salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle generous portions of hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of creamy ricotta mixture at the center. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese before garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or warm baguette for dipping!

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

Serving your Easy Lasagna Soup is an important part of the experience. This hearty dish can be paired with various garnishes and sides to enhance its deliciousness and presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle extra chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.

Add Extra Cheese

• Mozzarella & Parmesan: Top each bowl with additional shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan for extra creaminess and flavor.

Include a Dollop of Ricotta

• Creamy Ricotta Mixture: Serve a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta topping in the center of each bowl for added richness.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread or Baguette: Pair the soup with warm, crusty garlic bread or a baguette for dipping, enhancing the comfort food experience.

Create a Salad Side

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.

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

Perfecting your Easy Lasagna Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh herbs instead of dried when possible. Fresh basil and parsley can enhance the taste significantly.

• Proper Noodle Cooking: Make sure to break lasagna noodles into irregular pieces for better texture. This helps them absorb flavors better while cooking.

• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste the soup while it simmers. Adjust salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity as needed.

• Simmer Time Matters: Allow enough time for the soup to simmer. The longer it simmers, the more developed the flavors will be.

• Creamy Texture: For a richer soup, consider adding more cream or whole milk just before serving for extra creaminess.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Lasagna Soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this comforting dish:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery, perfect for dipping into your soup.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender provide a healthy contrast.

4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze bring bright flavors.

5. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites filled with cheese and herbs are a great finger food option.

6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a refreshing starter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the Browning Step – Failing to brown the beef properly can lead to a bland flavor. Always ensure you brown the meat thoroughly for a rich taste.
• Overcooking the Noodles – Cooking lasagna noodles too long in the soup can make them mushy. Aim for al dente, as they will continue to cook while resting.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments – Not tasting your soup before serving may result in an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
• Using Cold Ingredients – Adding cold milk or cream directly from the fridge can cool down your soup. Let them sit at room temperature before adding for a smoother blend.
• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time – Rushing the simmering step may prevent flavors from melding. Give it time; a longer simmer develops deeper flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover; heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I customize my Easy Lasagna Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.

What type of cheese is best for serving?

For topping, mozzarella is traditional, but feel free to mix in provolone or even goat cheese for added creaminess.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors deepen when allowed to sit overnight. Just store it properly and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta is not only comforting but also versatile. Customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spices to suit your taste. It’s perfect for family dinners or chilly evenings. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is!