Name: Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 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; 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish; ½ tsp salt (for ricotta topping); ¼ tsp black pepper (for ricotta topping); Crusty bread or garlic bread (for serving)

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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 to Prepare: With a total time of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pot Wonder: All ingredients come together in one pot, making clean-up easier after your delicious meal.
Comforting Flavors: The rich tomato broth combined with savory beef and creamy cheese creates a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this soup, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup effortlessly, gather your tools and equipment before you start cooking.

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 even cooking and allows plenty of space for simmering your soup.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cooking surface.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
– ½ tsp salt (for ricotta topping)
– ¼ tsp black pepper (for ricotta topping)
– Crusty bread or garlic bread (for serving)

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 about 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Bloom Tomato Paste & Build Broth

Add tomato paste and cook while stirring for about 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 black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Simmer Soup Base

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20–30 minutes so that the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare Noodles & Ricotta Topping

While the soup simmers, break lasagna noodles into pieces measuring about 1–2 inches. In a separate medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 5: Cook Noodles & Finish Soup

Once the soup has simmered long enough, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Increase heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for about 8–10 minutes until they are al dente. Stir in heavy cream (if using) along with fresh spinach; cook until spinach wilts down slightly. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle hot soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture along with extra mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan on top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into this delightful soup!

How to Serve Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Serving the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort to your dining table. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your serving experience.

Individual Bowls

Serve each guest a generous portion in individual bowls for a cozy presentation.
Add a dollop of the creamy ricotta topping for an extra indulgent touch.

Crusty Bread Pairing

Offer slices of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side, perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Warm the bread slightly before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Use fresh parsley or basil as a garnish on top of each bowl to add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Consider providing extra herbs at the table for guests who enjoy more.

Cheese Bar

Set up a mini cheese bar where guests can sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese over their soup.
This adds an interactive element to the meal and allows everyone to customize their dish.

How to Perfect Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

To achieve the best version of your Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup, follow these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for vibrant flavors that enhance the overall taste of your soup.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste your soup during cooking and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t hesitate to add more salt, pepper, or herbs for balance.
Cook Noodles Carefully: Ensure not to overcook the lasagna noodles; they should be al dente as they will continue to soften in the soup after cooking.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead of time, then add noodles and toppings just before serving for optimal texture and freshness.
Experiment with Greens: Feel free to substitute spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.

Best Side Dishes for Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Pairing delicious side dishes with your Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice, this buttery bread enhances the flavors of your soup perfectly. Toast it until golden for added crunch.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and flavorful side that complements the richness of lasagna soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrients while being easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights filled with cheese and herbs make for an elegant and savory accompaniment to your soup.
Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, roasted peppers, and cheeses offers variety and bold flavors that pair wonderfully with lasagna soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always take the time to properly brown the meat for deeper flavor.
Overcooking Noodles: Cooking lasagna noodles too long in the soup can make them mushy. Add them just before serving for the best texture.
Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning before serving can result in a bland dish. Always taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Opting for low-quality canned tomatoes or cheeses can impact flavor. Choose fresh ingredients for a richer, more satisfying soup.
Forgetting to Remove Bay Leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in before serving can result in bitter flavors. Remember to remove it before ladling into bowls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in containers.

Freezing Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Leave space at the top of containers to allow for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high, stirring occasionally until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other meats for this soup?

You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Both options will work well with the flavors of this recipe.

How can I make this Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What toppings go well with Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup?

Consider topping your soup with additional mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, or crunchy garlic croutons for added texture and flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Cheesy Beef Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on classic lasagna that brings all its comforting flavors into a cozy bowl. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences—whether you’re looking for a heartier meal or a lighter version. Try it out and enjoy a delicious dinner that’s sure to please everyone at your table!