This yummy lasagna soup is packed with ground beef, pasta, and cheese, all cooked together in one pot! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Who doesn’t love the smell of Italian flavors wafting through the kitchen? I like to top mine with extra cheese—because you can never have too much cheese, right? 🧀
This soup is so easy to make! Just toss everything in the pot, let it simmer, and you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Some prefer a mix of beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor!
Onion: A small yellow onion works well, but if you have red onion or shallots on hand, they can add a slightly different taste.
Lasagna Noodles: Standard lasagna noodles are great, but you can substitute with any pasta shape like rotini or penne if you don’t have lasagna noodles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives that classic lasagna flavor, but you could swap it with cottage cheese. For a dairy-free version, try tofu blended with a little nutritional yeast.
How Do You Cook the Pasta to Perfection in Soup?
Cooking the pasta directly in the soup can be tricky. You want it tender but not mushy! Here’s my best advice:
- Wait to add the noodles until your base is simmering. This keeps the texture just right.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark; you can always add more time if needed.
Keep in mind, if you plan to store leftovers, it’s best to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from soaking up all the broth!
Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for about 1 minute until everything is fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together well. Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil.
4. Add the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
5. Season the Soup:
Give the soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper as needed. This is a great time to adjust any flavors to your liking!
6. Mix in the Cheese:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in half of the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. You can also save some cheese to dollop on top of each bowl when serving if you want extra cheese goodness!
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Finish off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color.
8. Enjoy!
Serve warm, and if you like, include some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious flavors. Enjoy your comforting bowl of lasagna soup!
This Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that captures everything you love about lasagna while being so easy to prepare!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lighter alternative. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if the meat is leaner.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you’re concerned about the noodles soaking up too much broth, consider storing the noodles separately if you plan to have leftovers.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you may want to add a little extra broth when warming it back up to maintain the right consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, or even blend tofu with a bit of lemon juice for a dairy-free option. Both will work well in the soup!