This tasty Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of lasagna into a warm, cozy bowl! With ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness, it’s a one-pot wonder.
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just throw everything in the pot, stir, and you’re ready to enjoy. Perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your soup. You can use lean ground beef for less fat, or swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or lentils.
Lasagna Noodles: I love using regular lasagna noodles, but you can use oven-ready noodles for quicker cooking. If you need to avoid gluten, look for gluten-free pasta options or even zucchini noodles!
Crushed Tomatoes: For the best flavor, go for high-quality crushed tomatoes. If you don’t have any, diced tomatoes work too. You could even use tomato sauce, just adjust the seasoning to taste.
Ricotta Cheese: Instead of ricotta, cottage cheese makes a great substitute. If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese or blended silken tofu!
How Do I Cook the Lasagna Noodles Perfectly in Soup?
Cooking lasagna noodles in soup can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Always break the noodles into smaller pieces; this helps them cook evenly and fit nicely in your bowl.
- Make sure your soup is boiling before adding the noodles. This helps them cook faster and prevents mushiness.
- Stir occasionally while simmering, so the noodles don’t stick together.
- Check the noodles a couple of minutes before the suggested cook time. You want them al dente, as they’ll soften a bit more after you stir in the ricotta.
Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 796 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stovetop ground beef lasagna soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a quick and cozy dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, don’t forget to drain it!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic along with your beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. It should smell wonderful!
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat, and some salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil. Yum!
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally until the noodles are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
5. Stir in the Ricotta:
When your noodles are cooked just right, it’s time to stir in the ricotta cheese. Mix it well until everything is combined and heated through.
6. Serve it Up:
Using a ladle, serve the soup into bowls and generously top each serving with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. They’ll melt into each delicious bite!
7. Add Your Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve it hot and enjoy your comforting stovetop ground beef lasagna soup with family and friends!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat for This Soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are great alternatives to ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and enjoy the different flavors!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for an added depth of flavor.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove before serving.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup is great on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Garlic bread also makes a delicious companion and is perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness!