This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup has all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy bowl! With ground beef, pasta, and lots of cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in one pot, and then just sit back and let it simmer. Plus, you get the fun of slurping up your “lasagna” with a spoon! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef to keep the soup rich but not overly greasy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist!
Onion and Garlic: These two add a ton of flavor. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can replace them with leeks. For garlic, feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch.
Beef Broth: You could use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. Homemade is always best, but store-bought works just fine!
Lasagna Noodles: Broken lasagna noodles work great, but you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a lovely creamy texture. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well.
How Do You Cook Lasagna Noodles in Soup?
This step can be tricky since you want them to be perfectly tender without getting mushy. Here’s the trick:
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the boiling soup. This helps them cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on the noodles while simmering. They usually take about 10 minutes to cook.
- Once the noodles are al dente (a little firm), they’re ready to go! Remember, they’ll continue to soften as the soup sits, so it’s best to serve immediately.
Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious, warming meal ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s fully browned, drain the excess fat, being careful not to lose all those deliciously savory bits stuck to the bottom of the pot!
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil—your kitchen is about to smell fantastic!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but still have a little bite to them.
5. Add the Cheese:
Stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing gently until it melts and blends into the soup, making it creamy and delicious.
6. Serve and Top:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Garnish:
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It makes your dish look even more inviting!
8. Enjoy Your Comforting Soup:
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this comforting, cheesy lasagna soup with family or friends. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure to season it well since it’s a bit less flavorful than beef. You might want to add a bit more salt and some herbs to enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it all vegetarian-friendly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find the soup thickens too much in the fridge, simply add a little water or broth to loosen it up when reheating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last for about 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or microwave.
