Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is your go-to recipe for a delightful meal that’s quick and satisfying! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup captures the rich flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. It’s a family-friendly dish that thrives in various cooking methods, ensuring that anyone can whip it up effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour.
• Comforting Flavors: Enjoy the classic taste of lasagna in a warm, creamy soup form that everyone will love.
• Versatile Cooking Options: This recipe is adaptable to stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker methods—choose what works best for you!
• Picky Eater Approved: The familiar flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust herbs and spices to fit your family’s preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting your soup adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for making soups; it distributes heat evenly while providing enough space to stir ingredients without splattering.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware; it won’t conduct heat like metal spoons do.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving soup; it helps portion out servings easily without spilling.

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 Soup

• 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 Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
1. Once softened, add in the ground beef.
2. Sauté until browned all over.
3. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste until well combined.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Add the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the pot.
1. Bring everything to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add in broken lasagna noodles along with remaining kosher salt.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender.

Step 3: Create Creaminess

Stir in the heavy cream to enrich your soup’s texture.
1. If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth at this stage.
2. For an extra creamy finish, mix in shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the soup.

Step 4: Serve with Toppings

Ladle your creamy lasagna soup into bowls.
1. Top each bowl with dollops of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and freshly chopped basil.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal!

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ready to impress your family!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Classic Parmesan Sprinkle

• Add a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and richness.

Fresh Basil Garnish

• Chop some fresh basil and sprinkle it over each bowl just before serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness.

Crusty Bread Pairing

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the soup’s creamy goodness.

Creamy Ricotta Dollop

• Place a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of your soup before serving. It creates a rich, creamy texture with every spoonful.

Salad Companion

• Pair with a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette. The acidity balances the creaminess of the soup beautifully.

Cheesy Garlic Knots

• Serve alongside warm cheesy garlic knots for a fun twist that complements the Italian flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

To make your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh herbs for richer flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go. You can always add more salt or spices to suit your preference.
• Experiment with Broths: If you want to enhance flavor, try using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate chopped spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup in advance; flavors deepen when allowed to sit overnight in the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well, making it easy to enjoy later. Just reheat when you’re ready!

Best Side Dishes for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Complement your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your lasagna soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy soup.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil makes for a tasty appetizer.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh bite.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms create an elegant addition that pairs well with Italian flavors.
6. Vegetable Platter: A mix of colorful raw vegetables served with hummus or ranch dressing provides a healthy option.
7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and cured meats (substituting turkey if desired) can elevate your meal.
8. Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia topped with herbs is another great choice to accompany this hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to properly sauté the onion and garlic can lead to a flat flavor. Always cook these ingredients until they are soft and fragrant for the best taste.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste your soup as you go and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
• Ignoring noodle size: Using unbroken lasagna noodles or large pieces may cause uneven cooking. Break them into 2-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the soup.
• Adding cream too early: If you add heavy cream before the noodles are cooked, it may curdle. Wait until the noodles are tender before stirring in the cream for a smooth texture.
• Overcooking the soup: Cooking for too long can make the noodles mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer just until they reach al dente.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

• Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup:

Can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

You can easily substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I thicken my Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, try adding a bit more cream or a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during cooking.

Can I use different types of cheese in my Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for added flavor.

How long does Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup last after cooking?

The soup lasts for about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is not only quick to prepare but also offers comforting flavors reminiscent of traditional lasagna. Its creamy texture combined with customizable ingredients makes it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein for a personalized touch!