Introduction
When the weather turns chilly and cravings for something hearty arise, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. This dish captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but in a cozy soup form! Picture tender pieces of lasagna noodles swimming in a rich and savory broth, rounded off with creamy ricotta and a melty layer of mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your soup deliciously light.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion turns a beautiful translucent color, infusing the air with mouthwatering aromas.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, letting each ingredient meld together.
- Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have soaked up all that flavorful broth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy—this will add that delightful richness to your soup.
- Once the noodles are cooked to perfection, gently stir the cheese mixture into the soup until everything is beautifully combined.
- Remove the pot from heat and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a perfect, gooey topping.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra kick of flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs.
- This soup keeps well in the refrigerator, and the flavors often deepen after a day. Just reheat on the stove and add a splash of water if it needs thinning out.
- Feel free to swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Cooking Techniques
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup relies on a few simple cooking techniques to ensure perfection:
- Browning the Meat: This step adds depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating that savory base for your soup.
- Sauteing: Cooking the onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and tender unlocks their natural sweetness, complementing the heartiness of the broth.
- Simmering: Allowing the noodles to cook gently in the flavorful broth helps to absorb every delightful taste, making each bite truly satisfying.
FAQ
Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta that you love, just adjust the cooking time according to the type.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Certainly! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or simply load up on veggies for a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove and add a little broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Conclusion
There you have it—a warming bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup that is every bit as comforting as a traditional lasagna but so much quicker to prepare. With layers of flavor, a variety of textures, and all the gooey cheese you crave, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Gather your loved ones, ladle out some soup, and enjoy the perfect cozy evening together!