This creamy lasagna soup combines all your favorite lasagna flavors into a warm, comforting bowl. It’s loaded with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—yum!
I love how easy this is to make on a chilly evening. You just simmer everything together and enjoy a big, cozy bowl without all the fuss of layering! Who can say no to that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base to start cooking. If you’re out, feel free to use vegetable oil or even butter for a richer flavor.
Ground Beef: While I often use ground beef for a heartier taste, Italian sausage adds a nice spice. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes.
Pasta: Traditional lasagna noodles work best, but you can substitute with any pasta like fusilli, penne, or even gluten-free noodles if needed.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: To lighten it up, you can use milk or a dairy-free creamer. This will adjust the creaminess, but it will still be delicious.
How Do I Make My Lasagna Soup Creamy?
Making sure your lasagna soup has that rich creaminess involves a couple of key steps. After cooking your noodles, reduce the heat before adding creamy ingredients. This prevents them from curdling.
- Once your noodles are tender, lower the heat before stirring in cream or half-and-half.
- Add the ricotta cheese next, blending it gently to achieve that creamy texture.
- Make sure to mix in your cheeses slowly so they melt evenly without clumping.
These steps will help you create the rich, comforting soup everyone will love!
How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy lasagna soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 45 minutes. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, which should take around 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, don’t forget to drain it off!
3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and season with salt and pepper. Allow this to cook for another minute to let the flavors combine. Then, pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once your soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook them until they’re tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together!
5. Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the half-and-half or heavy cream. This is what makes the soup nice and creamy! Next, mix in the ricotta cheese until everything is well combined and no lumps remain.
6. Add Cheeses:
Now it’s time to add the good stuff! Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Give the soup a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, seasoning is key for the best flavors!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your creamy lasagna soup hot, topped with additional shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. For an extra treat, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping!
This creamy lasagna soup has all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna packed into an easy bowl of soup. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, feel free to use Italian sausage for more flavor or ground turkey for a lighter option. You can even make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms!
What If I Don’t Have Half-and-Half?
No worries! You can substitute half-and-half with heavy cream for a richer taste or use milk for a lighter option. Coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer can also work if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cream and ricotta. Let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and stir in the creamy ingredients just before serving to maintain their texture.
