This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It combines all the tasty ingredients of lasagna, like beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness, but in a comforting soup form.
Perfect for those chill nights, this soup is easy to make and even easier to enjoy! I love adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top because why not? It just makes it even better! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re going for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works too! You can even try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Broth: Beef broth adds rich flavor, but chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just know it might alter the final taste a bit.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These noodles are super convenient. You can cut regular lasagna noodles into pieces if you’re in a pinch! They will just need a little extra cooking time.
Cheeses: Ricotta is a classic in lasagna, but cottage cheese is a lower-fat option. If you skip the ricotta, you can just use mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy topping!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Lasagna Noodles in Soup?
Cooking lasagna noodles in soup is simple but does require attention to timing. Regular noodles need to soften up without becoming mushy. Here’s how to do it:
- Break the noodles into pieces for bite-sized bits. This helps them fit into the bowl better!
- Add them to the soup during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking, as they don’t take long to cook.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure they cook evenly.
Keep an eye on them – they should be tender but still have a little bite when you taste. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles or broken lasagna noodles
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Now, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out.
3. Stir in Flavorful Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some flavor. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (including the juice for extra flavor!), beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Taste it, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld together!
5. Add the Noodles:
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Stir well and continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, which usually takes around 10-12 minutes.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
While the soup is simmering, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. This will be your creamy topping!
7. Serve It Up:
When the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture for that delicious cheesy goodness. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you like.
8. Enjoy!
Enjoy your warm and delightful Ground Beef Lasagna Soup with some toasted garlic bread on the side for a complete meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be mindful that it may have a milder flavor, so you might want to season a bit extra.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the noodles during the reheating process to ensure they stay tender.
What if I Don’t Have No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can use regular lasagna noodles. Just break them into smaller pieces and add them to the soup about 5-10 minutes earlier to give them enough time to cook thoroughly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.