This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender beef, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s a comforting meal perfect for chilly days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! I recommend using lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Beef Broth: This broth adds depth to the flavor. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, choose a low-sodium version. Vegetable broth is a fine substitute if you want a lighter taste.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jar of marinara makes life easier. You could use homemade sauce or even crushed tomatoes with some Italian spices for a different twist.
Pasta: Traditional lasagna noodles break up nicely for this recipe. If you want gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option!
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan give that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you’re lactose intolerant, look for lactose-free cheese options or skip the ricotta altogether.
How Do You Perfectly Cook the Pasta in Soup?
Cooking the pasta in the soup can sometimes be tricky! Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly:
- Start with boiling liquid: Make sure your beef broth and marinara sauce are boiling before adding the pasta. It helps to cook evenly.
- Check for al dente: Pasta continues to cook after you remove it from heat, so aim for al dente (firm to the bite) to avoid mushy noodles.
- Stir occasionally: This helps prevent the pasta from clumping together and sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked pasta that complements your cheesy soup! Enjoy your cooking adventure.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups dry lasagna noodles or broken pasta shapes resembling lasagna noodles
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup will take about 30 minutes in total. Expect around 10 minutes for prep (chopping and measuring) and about 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy recipe that guarantees a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. While it cooks, break the beef into small crumbles.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the ground beef. Cook them together until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. This will add delicious flavor!
3. Add Broth and Sauce:
Now pour in the beef broth and marinara sauce. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Add the dry lasagna noodles or broken pasta shapes into the boiling soup. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking together.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
While the pasta is cooking, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a medium bowl. This cheesy mixture will be the star topping for your soup!
6. Serve the Soup:
Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture, allowing the warmth of the soup to melt the cheese beautifully.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately to enjoy the comforting flavors at their best!
This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup combines all the wonderful flavors of lasagna in a warm, cozy broth. It’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a hearty meal without the fuss of traditional lasagna!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative for a lighter option. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink, and the flavor will be just as delicious!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Just add the cheese topping right before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No worries! You can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Enhance the flavor by adding Italian herbs like basil and oregano directly to the tomatoes.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.