This Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is a fun twist on classic lasagna! It’s packed with tender ground beef, tasty tomatoes, and noodles—perfect for a cozy dinner.
Who doesn’t love a meal that you can cook in one pot? It’s quick and full of cheesy goodness. I like to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving for an even bigger smile! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star here for its rich flavor. You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives that classic lasagna creaminess. If you want a lighter option, cottage cheese works too. For mozzarella, part-skim mozzarella melts well, but goat cheese can add a unique flavor twist!
Pasta: Traditional lasagna noodles can be used, but you can swap them for any other kind of pasta, like fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. You’ll love how versatile this soup can be!
Tomato Products: Crushed tomatoes create a smooth base, but diced tomatoes can add texture. If you want to cut back on sodium, look for low-sodium versions of these canned products.
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking ground beef correctly is essential for flavor and texture. Here’s how you do it:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. If it cooks too fast, it can become tough.
- Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and lets it brown nicely.
- Look for a deep brown color before adding other ingredients—this adds richness to your soup.
- Drain any excess fat after browning. Too much fat can make the soup greasy.
Getting that beef right will make your soup taste amazing! Enjoy your cooking!
Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook, making a total of around 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but tasty enough for special occasions!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pot, then toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This will give your soup a great base flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Ground Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and keep stirring until it’s browned and no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep your soup lighter.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Broth:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add in the oregano, basil, thyme, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything well and bring the soup to a nice boil.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once the soup is boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
5. Incorporate the Cheeses:
After the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Now, stir in the ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Mix them until everything is melted and creamy—this is where your soup starts to resemble lasagna!
6. Serve and Garnish:
It’s time to serve your delicious soup! Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley on top. Enjoy this hearty stovetop lasagna soup that’s like your favorite lasagna in a delicious bowl!
Can I Use Alternative Types of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or plant-based meat substitutes. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is fully cooked.
Can I Make This Lasagna Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it thickens when chilled.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this lasagna soup can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to restore the consistency.
