Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Cooking with family often yields the most memorable meals. I remember one particular evening when my relatives gathered around my kitchen, laughter filling the air as we ventured into a culinary adventure. The dish of the night was lasagna soup, a comforting embrace of rich flavors and creamy textures. This easy creamy lasagna soup blends all the beloved notes of traditional lasagna into a bowl of cozy soup.

Every spoonful bursts with the good stuff—ground beef, tender noodles, and tangy tomatoes. It became a go-to on chilly nights, warming bodies and hearts alike. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe fills the tummy and satisfies the soul.

You get the best of both worlds with this dish: the hearty appeal of lasagna without the fuss of layering. Embracing the simplicity of one-pot cooking delivers a dish that resonates with those who seek comfort. As you whip this up, you’ll find that making memories in the kitchen is just as satisfying as savoring the final product.

Let’s dive into the beautiful world of easy creamy lasagna soup that will bring warmth and joy to your table.

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Fundamentals

Creating this easy creamy lasagna soup involves understanding its key elements. A fusion of traditional lasagna flavors in a soup form often leaves everyone asking for seconds. The foundational ingredients—ground beef, fresh herbs, and aromatic vegetables—come together to create a rich base.

The robust flavor profile relies heavily on the sauce. Tomato basil pasta sauce and canned diced tomatoes form the soup’s essential backbone, adding both acidity and sweetness. Layering in spices like oregano and red pepper flakes introduces a little warmth and complexity, balancing the dish perfectly.

Each ingredient serves a purpose. The ground beef provides a hearty base, while the tomatoes contribute freshness. Don’t forget your olive oil, which adds a touch of richness and depth to the soup.

Preparation/Setup

The preparation for easy creamy lasagna soup begins with a few basic steps. Start by gathering all ingredients and measuring them out for ease. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

A large pot or dutch oven becomes your canvas for this dish. Heating olive oil until shimmering sets the stage for sautéing the diced onion, transforming its raw strength into a soft, sweet flavor. It creates a lovely foundation upon which the rest of your ingredients can shine.

Once the onions soften, introduce the ground beef to the pot. Sautéing until browned ensures that you lock in the flavors. With the beef in the pot, the smells start to meld beautifully, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Gather your garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano, ready to bring even more depth to the dish. The vibrant colors and fragrances promise a delightful meal just moments away.

Ingredients

For the easy creamy lasagna soup, you will need the following:

• 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 prefer 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

Directions

To jump into preparation, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, cooking it down until soft and translucent. Next, toss in the ground beef and sauté until it’s browned all over.

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for about a minute to let the flavors bloom, filling the pot with an enticing aroma.

Now, stir in the tomato paste, alongside the tomato sauce and canned diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. When the sauce simmers, carefully add in the broken lasagna noodles.

Add the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt, adjusting to taste as you go. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer, patiently waiting until the noodles become tender.

Lastly, if you’d like extra creaminess, incorporate the heavy cream into the pot. Should you prefer a lighter broth, feel free to add an additional cup or two of chicken broth.

For an unforgettable twist, mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan right into the soup, making it irresistibly creamy and cheesy!

Once ready, ladle the luscious soup into bowls. Top each serving with ricotta, more mozzarella, and parmesan, along with freshly chopped basil for that aromatic finishing touch.

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Technique

Making easy creamy lasagna soup isn’t just about following steps; it’s also about mastering techniques that elevate the dish to the next level. The method begins with the choice of ingredients and the process of layering flavors throughout the cooking.

One technique is browning the meat thoroughly, which contributes to the soup’s rich flavor. Instead of just cooking until it’s no longer pink, allow the beef to caramelize a little. This creates a deeper, more complex flavor base for your soup.

When incorporating spices, take care to toast them in the oil along with the aromatics before adding your liquids. This draws out their essential oils and amplifies the overall richness of the dish.

Tips/Tricks

Troubles often arise when cooking, but having a few handy tips can help ensure success. When breaking your lasagna noodles, aim for unevenly sized pieces rather than uniform to achieve an appealing texture. Some crunch is welcome alongside the tender bits.

If you find yourself coming up short on time, don’t stress! This recipe allows for a fair amount of flexibility. You can skip the simmering time, but for optimized flavor, give it at least 15-20 minutes.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the garlic slightly before combining it with the beef. This intensifies its flavor and infuses the entire dish with warmth.

Perfecting Results

Bringing everything together harmoniously is key to creating the perfect easy creamy lasagna soup. As with any recipe, taste testing as you go is vital. Adjust spices, salt, and even the amount of broth according to your personal preference.

If your soup becomes too thick, drizzle in more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. The flexibility of this dish suits almost any palate, allowing you to adjust it to your liking.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, unexpected hurdles may arise when cooking. If your soup ends up too salty, try adding diced potatoes or more broth to balance it out. These will absorb excess salt and help mellow the flavors.

Feel free to experiment with proteins! Ground turkey or chicken can be whimsical substitutes, providing a lighter twist while still being hearty and satisfying.

Vegetarians can enjoy this dish too! Swap out the meat for finely diced mushrooms and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious take.

Serving/Presentation

Serving your easy creamy lasagna soup can be as delightful as making it. Ladle generous portions into bowls that showcase the colorful layers of soup, topped with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Pair this soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for that comforting feel! Homemade bread is an inviting touch, encasing the warmth and comfort that the soup offers.

Pairings/Storage

While this dish stands wonderfully on its own, it can pair with a simple side salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. The crisp salad complements the rich flavors of the lasagna soup beautifully.

Storing leftovers is easy too! Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be aware that noodles may absorb more liquid over time, so consider adding broth when reheating for the perfect consistency.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in single portions. This makes for an excellent quick meal option on busy nights! As you plan your meals, consider making a double batch; you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to heat and serve.

Incorporating the simplicity of easy creamy lasagna soup into your culinary repertoire doesn’t just bring flavor but also warmth and connection to the kitchen. Each bowl serves as a reminder of the moments created with family and friends, filled with flavor, laughter, and joy.

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