This Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a cozy twist on the classic dish. Rich beef, tomatoes, and pasta come together in a warm, yummy broth that feels like a hug in a bowl!
Don’t you love soups that are easy to make? I enjoy adding extra cheese on top for that gooey goodness—seriously, who can resist a little extra cheese? 😋
This soup is perfect for busy nights. Just cook everything in one pot, and dinner is served in no time. Grab your favorite bread, and you’ll have a complete meal that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat. You can also swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind lean meats may need a bit of extra seasoning for flavor.
Onion and Garlic: These two add a great base flavor. If you dislike onions, shallots or leeks can also work. Garlic can easily be replaced with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch, but fresh adds the best flavor.
Herbs: Oregano and basil are key in this recipe. If you have Italian seasoning on hand, it can serve as a good substitute. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish, so feel free to use fresh versions if you prefer them!
Tomato Products: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes work as well. Tomato sauce can substitute for tomato paste, but use more if you do, as it’s thinner.
Pasta: Mafaldine noodles add fun texture but broken lasagna sheets are also perfect. Any small pasta shape like rotini or bow ties will do—just adjust cooking times as needed.
How Can I Ensure the Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in the soup is an essential step that can be tricky. You want it to be tender but not mushy. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep an eye on the soup while the noodles cook. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the pasta when the soup is simmering and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Check doneness by tasting a piece.
- If the soup sits for a while, the pasta may continue to absorb liquid, so serve promptly or add a splash of broth when reheating.
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delicious bowl of Ground Beef Lasagna Soup! Enjoy your time in the kitchen!
Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 8 oz mafaldine or other ruffled lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 40 minutes to cook, making it a delicious meal ready in about an hour. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This helps build a lovely base flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen is about to smell wonderful!
3. Brown the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Add Seasonings:
Stir in the dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, along with some salt and black pepper. Mix it all well to combine the flavors.
5. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Give it all a good stir until everything is combined and looking delicious.
6. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low, letting it simmer for about 20 minutes. This is when the flavors meld together beautifully!
7. Cook the Pasta:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Let them cook until tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick together.
8. Add Parmesan Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated into the soup—this adds a lovely richness!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese on top of each serving, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh chopped basil or parsley. It’s all about that finishing touch!
10. Enjoy:
Optionally, serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Dive into your comforting, hearty bowl of Ground Beef Lasagna Soup!
Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the seasonings slightly to match your meat choice.
What If I Don’t Have Mafaldine Noodles?
No worries! You can use any small pasta shape, like rotini, farfalle, or even broken lasagna sheets. Just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed, based on the pasta you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little broth or water to loosen it up, as the pasta may absorb liquid while it sits.
Can I Make It Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or a meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can keep all the other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version!
