Name: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 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; 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce; 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2" pieces; ½ cup heavy cream (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is the comforting hug in a bowl you’ve been dreaming of, especially when those cooler evenings roll in or you simply crave a taste of pure, unadulterated deliciousness without the fuss. This dish masterfully captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna – rich tomato, savory meat, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta – but transforms them into a spectacularly easy-to-make soup. Forget the layers, the baking time, and the endless cleanup! What makes this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup so special is its genius simplicity. It delivers that decadent, satisfying experience of lasagna in a fraction of the time, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a soul-warming meal that’s both impressive and incredibly approachable. Get ready to fall in love with this ingenious twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

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
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)
12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2″ pieces)
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Cooking the Base

Step 1: Sautéing Aromatics and Browning Beef

Let’s get started on building the flavorful foundation of our Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your finely diced 1 medium onion. We want to cook this down until it’s softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for developing sweetness and depth in the soup. Now, add the 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook it until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease, as this will make our soup lighter and less oily. This browning process is key to adding a rich, savory flavor to the entire dish.

Step 2: Infusing with Garlic and Spices

Once the beef is browned and drained, it’s time to add the aromatics that will truly elevate our soup. Toss in the 5 minced cloves of garlic and the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for another minute or two, stirring the tomato paste into the beef and aromatics. This helps to caramelize the tomato paste slightly, deepening its flavor and adding a wonderful richness to the soup base.

Simmering the Soup

Step 3: Building the Broth and Adding Tomatoes

Now we start creating the soup itself! Pour in the 25 ounces of tomato basil pasta sauce and the 28 ounces of diced canned tomatoes (undrained – the juice adds great flavor!). Stir everything together to combine with the beef mixture. Next, add 4 cups of chicken broth. For this recipe, I like to start with 4 cups, but if you prefer a thinner, more brothy soup, feel free to add an extra ½ cup or even a full cup of chicken broth. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt at this stage. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

After the soup has simmered for its initial 15 minutes, it’s time to add the star of the show – the lasagna noodles! Uncover the pot and add the 12 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into roughly 2-inch pieces. Make sure to submerge them as much as possible in the liquid. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender. You’ll want to test one to make sure it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite, not mushy. Stir occasionally during this cooking time to ensure even cooking of the noodles and to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Step 5: Achieving Creaminess and Final Seasoning

This is where we transform our delicious soup into an Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! If you’re opting for that luxurious creamy texture, now is the time to stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream. Mix it in gently until it’s fully incorporated. The cream will add a wonderful richness and velvety mouthfeel. If you’re not using cream, you can skip this step and your soup will still be delicious, just less creamy. Taste the soup and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, or more to your personal preference. Remember, the saltiness can vary depending on your broth and pasta sauce, so tasting is key here. You might also want to add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat.

To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Generously sprinkle each bowl with the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The heat from the soup will melt the cheeses beautifully, creating those irresistible cheesy strings that make lasagna so beloved. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if you have some on hand. Enjoy this comforting and easy-to-make soup that truly tastes like lasagna in a bowl!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to making the most delicious and comforting Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! We’ve walked through each step, from browning the savory meat to simmering the rich tomato broth and finishing with that luscious creaminess that makes this soup so special. This is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring warmth and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful soup as much as I do.

For serving, consider a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of ricotta cheese, or even some torn basil leaves to elevate the presentation and taste. Crusty bread for dipping is an absolute must! Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations. You can swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and boosting the flavor with extra herbs and spices. The beauty of this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup lies in its adaptability.

So, go ahead, give it a try! You might just find yourself making this creamy, satisfying soup a regular part of your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! The soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating, as the soup can thicken as it cools. For the best creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream just before serving.

Q: What kind of pasta is best for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

A: While you can use broken lasagna noodles, small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work wonderfully. They cook quickly and distribute evenly throughout the soup, ensuring you get that pasta element in every spoonful without it becoming mushy.