Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a quick, one-pot soup! This hearty Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup features a rich tomato broth with lean ground beef, onions, garlic, and Italian herbs. Lasagna noodles cook right in the soup, topped with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for an indulgent finish. Perfect for family dinners and satisfying those lasagna cravings without the lengthy assembly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup is ready in just over an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot.
• Comforting Flavors: You get all the delicious tastes of traditional lasagna without the fuss.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful dish, ensure you have the right tools on hand. They will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Dutch oven or pot: Ideal for cooking soups evenly while allowing ample room for ingredients to combine.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and helps prevent sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key when cooking; these tools ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Noodles & Cheese Topping

• 4-6 lasagna noodles (4-6 oz total), broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
• 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 10 oz frozen, thawed & squeezed dry)
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving

For Garnish

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
• ½ tsp salt (for ricotta topping)
• ¼ tsp black pepper (for ricotta topping)

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown Beef & Sauté Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain excess fat. Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Bloom Tomato Paste & Build Broth

Add tomato paste and cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes until it darkens. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaf, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Bring to a gentle simmer. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and deepen.

Step 4: Prepare Noodles & Ricotta Topping

While the soup simmers, break lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces. In a separate medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper; mix well until smooth.

Step 5: Cook Noodles & Finish Soup

Remove bay leaf from soup. Increase heat to bring soup back to a gentle boil. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and fresh spinach; cook until spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture along with an extra sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Servings: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Serving the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup can elevate your dining experience. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked crusty bread complements the soup perfectly. Use it for dipping, soaking up the rich broth, and adding texture to each bite.

Add a Side Salad

• A light, refreshing side salad balances the heartiness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty touch.

Top with Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan on top of each bowl before serving. It adds extra creaminess and flavor.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Garlic bread is a classic pairing that brings an aromatic flair to the table. Prepare it simply by spreading butter and garlic on slices of baguette and toasting until golden.

Include Fresh Herbs as Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil can brighten up each bowl. Not only do they add color, but they also enhance the soup’s flavors with their aromatic freshness.

How to Perfect Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Perfecting your Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup will ensure every bowl is delicious and satisfying. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect taste.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality beef can significantly improve flavor depth.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference for a personalized flavor.
• Experiment with Noodles: Try different pasta types or shapes if you want variety; just make sure they cook well in broth.
• Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables: Add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better when made ahead of time; let it sit overnight in the fridge for flavors to meld.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

When enjoying Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup, consider adding side dishes that complement its flavors. Below are some great options to round out your meal.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft, fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter create a delightful addition that pairs well with soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Caprese Skewers: Skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing bite bursting with flavor.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make for an elegant finger food option alongside soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds nutritional value while bringing earthy flavors to the table.
6. Pesto Pasta Salad: This cold pasta salad features vibrant basil pesto and fresh veggies, offering a refreshing side that complements the warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef properly can result in a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned for the best taste.

• Overcooking the noodles: If you cook the lasagna noodles for too long, they can become mushy. Add them to the soup and monitor closely until they’re al dente.

• Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Be generous with your spices and tastes as you go to ensure a rich flavor profile.

• Neglecting the ricotta mixture: The ricotta topping adds creaminess and depth. Don’t skip this step; mix it well and use it generously on top of each serving.

• Using low-quality broth: The broth forms the base of your soup. Opt for a high-quality low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a deeper flavor.

• Forgetting about garnishes: Garnishes like fresh parsley or basil enhance both appearance and flavor. Always add these just before serving for that finishing touch.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers.
• It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.

• Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative. It will offer a lighter flavor while still providing protein.

How can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

To make it vegetarian-friendly, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What type of cheese works best for topping?

For topping, whole milk ricotta cheese is ideal because it provides creaminess. You can also mix in mozzarella and Parmesan for extra richness.

How spicy is this Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup?

The spice level depends on whether you include red pepper flakes. Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

The total time from prep to serving is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into one hearty bowl! It’s versatile enough to customize with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in—so give it a try and enjoy every delicious spoonful!