This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna into a delicious soup! With ground beef, tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, it’s simply irresistible.
Who needs a fork when you can enjoy lasagna in a bowl? I love topping mine with extra cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s like a warm hug on a cold day! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides the hearty base for this soup. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic give the soup a great depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, minced onion and garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes form the essential sauce for this dish. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can dice them up, but keep in mind you’ll need to cook them down longer. Canned tomatoes are a great time-saver!
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles can be replaced with any pasta shape you prefer, like fusilli or penne. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
Cheeses: Ricotta is traditional, but cottage cheese works just as well for a lighter option. You can mix and match the cheeses – try adding some provolone or fontina for extra flavor!
How Do You Cook Ground Beef Without Making It Greasy?
Cooking ground beef can sometimes lead to a greasy texture, but here are some tips to keep it lean and tasty:
- Start by choosing lean ground beef (90% lean is a good option). Less fat means less grease!
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Cook the beef in batches if necessary to allow proper browning.
- Drain excess fat after browning. If you have leftover grease, just tilt the pot to let it run off or use a ladle to scoop it out.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring even cooking and browning.
How to Make Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time, making the total time approximately 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a comfort meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft. This will create a great base flavor for your soup! Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of excess fat, you can drain some off, but keep a bit for flavor!
3. Add the Ingredients for the Soup:
Now it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to create your soup base. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Let It Simmer:
Allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally and enjoy the smell in your kitchen!
5. Cook the Noodles:
While your soup is simmering, bring another pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve:
Just before serving, add the cooked noodles into the soup pot and give it a gentle stir. Ladle the delicious soup into bowls. Now, for the fun part—top each bowl with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Garnish and Enjoy!
Finally, garnish your soup with some freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, lasagna-inspired soup! It’s perfect with some crusty bread on the side!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. They will change the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious in the soup!
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even cream cheese for a richer texture. Both options will still give that creamy element to your soup!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
