Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup brings all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup is rich, comforting, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With options for stovetop, Instant Pot, and slow cooker, you can prepare this dish in whatever way suits your schedule best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Comfort: A warm blend of ground beef, herbs, and creamy goodness that satisfies.
• Customizable: Adjust the thickness of the soup or swap out ingredients based on your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that kids love and adults enjoy just as much!
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose from stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker to fit your cooking style.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without spilling.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware’s surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient amounts for balanced flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely diced)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Sauce

• 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
• 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)

For the Noodles and Creaminess

• 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2 pieces)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

For Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)

How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Base

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the finely diced onion. Cook until soft.
3. Stir in the ground beef; sauté until browned throughout.
4. Mix in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt (1 teaspoon), oregano, and tomato paste.

Step 2: Create the Soup Base

1. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil; once boiling, add broken lasagna noodles.
3. Add remaining kosher salt (1 teaspoon) or adjust according to taste.
4. Reduce heat; let simmer until noodles are tender.

Step 3: Add Creaminess

1. Stir in heavy cream if desired.
2. For a thinner soup consistency, add 1-2 cups more chicken broth.
3. Pro tip: Mix shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the soup for extra creaminess!

Step 4: Serve with Toppings

1. Spoon soup into bowls.
2. Top with ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped basil.
3. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Serving Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance the meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or parsley on top of each bowl for a burst of color and flavor.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread alongside the soup for a classic combination that complements the creamy flavors.

Add Extra Cheese

• Cheese Topping: Offer extra shredded mozzarella and parmesan at the table so everyone can add their preferred amount of cheese.

Include a Side Salad

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

How to Perfect Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

To ensure your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is perfect every time, consider these tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef for better flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• Monitor Noodle Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the noodles; overcooking can make them mushy.
• Customize Thickness: Add more chicken broth for a thinner soup or reduce it for a heartier version.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for unique flavors.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance; just reheat gently before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: This classic choice is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds crunch and tanginess that contrasts well with the soup’s richness.
3. Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies with hummus provide a healthy option that complements the meal.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These can be filled with cheese and herbs for an extra treat that pairs nicely.
5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus seasoned with olive oil makes for a deliciously light side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make minor errors when preparing Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip the sautéing: Not cooking the onions and beef properly can lead to a bland soup. Take the time to sauté until they are soft and fragrant for maximum flavor.
• Boldly ignore the salt: Under-seasoning can leave your soup flat. Taste as you cook and adjust the salt levels to bring out all the flavors.
• Boldly break the noodles too large: If you don’t break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, they may not cook evenly. Aim for 2-inch sections for a better texture in each spoonful.
• Boldly forgo fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness that dried herbs can’t match. Always opt for fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.
• Boldly disregard cream adjustments: Adding too much cream can overpower other flavors. Start with half, then adjust based on your taste preference.
• Boldly skip tasting before serving: Failing to taste your soup before serving can lead to disappointment. Always take a moment to check if it needs extra seasonings or adjustments.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until hot.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.

Can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.

How long does Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup take to prepare?

This recipe is designed as a quick meal and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Can I use gluten-free noodles in this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free versions, adjusting cooking times as needed.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Consider adding chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor without altering the recipe significantly.

Final Thoughts

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that offers comfort in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of creaminess. Give it a try; your family will surely love it!