“Mom, what’s for dinner?” echoes through the house, triggering that familiar mini crisis in my mind. That’s when I turn to my trusty Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, a cozy one-pot meal that effortlessly brings everyone to the table. In just 40 minutes, this recipe whips up the comforting flavors of lasagna—without the fuss of layers and baking. It’s a family-friendly dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters while also making clean-up a breeze. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, in your Instant Pot, or slow cooker, the result is a rich, creamy soup that warms both bellies and hearts. Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this delicious comfort food delight!
Why is this lasagna soup a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe is a one-pot wonder, making it perfect for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker, this creamy lasagna soup adapts seamlessly to your preferred kitchen appliance.
Rich, Hearty Flavor: Experience all the savory notes of traditional lasagna with ground beef, Italian herbs, and layers of gooey melted cheese in every bite.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this comforting meal, ensuring everyone is satisfied around the dinner table.
Quick Prep Time: In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a warm, satisfying bowl of soup that’s ready to delight your taste buds, making it a perfect choice for spontaneous weeknight dinners.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a full meal your family will crave again and again. For a gluten-free option, try out these Gluten Free Chocolate treats that pair well with this cozy dish!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in the delightful richness of this soup!
For the Soup Base
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and is used for sautéing.
- Onion – Provides flavor and aroma; use a medium onion, finely diced.
- Ground Beef – The main protein source; use 80/20 for a balance of flavor and fat.
- Garlic – Enhances the flavor; use 5 cloves, minced.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds subtle heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Dried Oregano – Provides classic Italian flavor.
- Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor in the soup.
- Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce – Forms the base of the soup.
- Diced Canned Tomatoes – Adds texture and brightness.
- Chicken Broth – The liquid base of the soup; use more for a thinner consistency.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; use to taste (2 teaspoons recommended).
For the Pasta
- Lasagna Noodles – Provides the ‘pasta’ component; dried noodles are best, broken into 2″ pieces.
For Creaminess
- Heavy Cream – Optional; adds creaminess that enriches the soup. Substitute with milk if desired.
For Toppings
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully into the soup for extra indulgence.
- Parmesan Cheese – For garnishing; adds rich flavors when freshly grated.
- Ricotta Cheese – A creamy topping to finish off this delicious bowl.
- Fresh Basil – For garnish; adds freshness and color to elevate your presentation.
Enjoy making your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup that will warm your heart and home!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3–5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Stir in 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Mix in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients
Pour in 24 ounces of tomato basil pasta sauce, 14.5 ounces of diced canned tomatoes, and 4 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This vibrant base is essential for achieving the deliciously rich flavor profile of your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Once boiling, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on the pot to ensure the noodles are beautifully cooked without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Stir in the Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, letting it blend smoothly into the soup. If desired, adjust the consistency with additional chicken broth for a lighter soup. This step transforms your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup into a comforting, creamy delight that everyone will love.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and generously top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation and added flavor. Your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
What to Serve with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Cozy up your meal experience with delightful pairings that enhance the warm, creamy goodness of your soup.
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Garlic Bread: This classic side adds a crunchy texture and buttery flavor, perfect for scooping up every last drop of soup.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, creating a well-balanced dining experience.
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Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a skewer provide a vibrant, fresh bite that complements the savory notes of lasagna soup beautifully.
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Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta: Tossed alongside a light pasta, this herbal delight echoes the Italian theme and brings an added layer of flavor to the meal.
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Herbed Focaccia: Soft, warm focaccia with rosemary and garlic adds a flavorful, fluffy element that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.
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Wine Pairing – Chianti: A glass of Chianti enhances the meal with its complex flavors and acidity, balancing the richness of your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
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Tiramisu: End your meal with this luscious Italian dessert to round off the evening on a sweet note. Its coffee flavor harmonizes brilliantly after the comforting soup.
Choose any of these pairings to elevate your dinner gathering, ensuring satisfaction at every bite!
Expert Tips for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
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Proper Noodle Selection: Use dried lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready; the latter can turn mushy. Dried noodles hold their shape better in the soup.
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Gut-Warming Consistency: Consider adding more chicken broth for a thinner soup, or use less if you prefer a heartier texture. This ensures your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup fits your family’s taste.
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Enhance Flavor: Don’t skimp on the garlic and herbs! Garlic deepens the flavor profile, while oregano embodies that classic Italian essence.
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Garnish Wisely: A generous topping of ricotta and fresh basil not only enhances flavor but also makes your soup visually appealing. Remember, presentation matters!
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Meal Prep Tip: For leftovers, store the soup without noodles to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid. Reheat with freshly cooked noodles for perfect consistency.
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Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a personal twist on this already delicious Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
Make Ahead Options
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can sauté the aromatics and brown the ground beef up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to save valuable time during busy weeknights. Additionally, you can prepare the soup base (everything except the noodles and cream) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To maintain the soup’s quality, store it in an airtight container and keep the noodles separate to prevent them from becoming overly soft. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the base, stir in the lasagna noodles, and cream, and cook until the noodles are tender—delivering deliciousness to your family with minimal hustle!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Variations
Feel free to tweak your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these fun and tasty variations!
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Sausage Swap: Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier kick. The juicy flavor will elevate your soup, making it even more comforting.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use plant-based crumbles instead of meat and skip the cream. You still get a rich, satisfying meal that will delight veggie-loving hearts.
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Pasta Shapes: Swap lasagna noodles for any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or rotini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type!
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Extra Creamy: For a silkier texture, increase the amount of heavy cream or use a mixture of cream and milk. This makes each bite even more decadent.
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Cheesy Boost: Add more shredded cheese, like fontina or provolone, along with the mozzarella. The more, the merrier when it comes to melty goodness!
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Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aromatic flair. Stir them in during cooking for enhanced flavor.
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Spicy Twist: Incorporate a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for those who crave heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
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Kid-Friendly Version: Make it extra mild by omitting the red pepper flakes and using less garlic. Pair with fun pasta shapes for an engaging meal that kids will love.
Embrace the creative cooking journey, and remember to serve your soup with delicious garlic bread or a refreshing kale Caesar salad to complete the meal! If you’re looking for a sweet treat to finish off, try out these delicious Gluten Free Chocolate cookies that pair wonderfully with your cozy soup!
Storage Tips for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Fridge: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To maintain the best texture, store noodles separately if possible.
Freezer: You can freeze Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup for up to 3 months. To do so, cool the soup completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Serving Tip: For the best experience, re-add freshly cooked lasagna noodles while reheating, so they don’t become too soft. Enjoy your cozy soup!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of lasagna noodles should I use?
I recommend using dried lasagna noodles as they hold their shape and texture better in the soup. Avoid oven-ready noodles, as they can become overly soft and mushy. Breaking the dried noodles into 2-inch pieces makes it easier to eat and ensures even cooking.
How long can I store leftover Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in the fridge?
Leftover soup can be kept in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s a good idea to store the noodles separately, as they may soak up the liquid when stored together.
Can I freeze Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup? What’s the best way to do it?
Absolutely! You can freeze your soup for up to 3 months. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top since the soup will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.
What if the soup is too thick after cooking?
If you find your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is thicker than desired, simply add more chicken broth or water while reheating until it reaches your preferred consistency. This way, you can enjoy a hearty soup without it feeling too heavy.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Certainly! For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Also, ensure that the chicken broth is substituted with vegetable broth. This way, you won’t lose the hearty flavors in your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup while keeping it friendly for vegetarian diets.
Can I adjust the spice level of the soup?
Very much so! If you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for picky eaters, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes that’s added to the recipe. Alternatively, for a spicier kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes or garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in 1 pound of ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned. Mix in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in 24 ounces of tomato basil pasta sauce, 14.5 ounces of diced canned tomatoes, and 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, stir in broken lasagna noodles and reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, and adjust consistency with additional chicken broth if desired.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Enjoy your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup!
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