This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It combines juicy ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness all in one hearty dish.
Making this soup feels like a party—who doesn’t love cheese? I love pairing it with crusty bread to soak up every tasty drop. Yum!
It’s super easy to whip up, and in no time, you’re enjoying a delicious meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for cozy nights!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is perfect for this soup, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Pasta: Mafaldine is great for that lasagna feel, but you can use any noodle you like! Broken lasagna sheets, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just adjust cooking time based on the type of pasta.
Cheeses: I use ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for richness. If you’re out of ricotta, try cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Vegan cheese is a nice alternative too!
Beef Broth: For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or stock. If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-sodium broth or vegetable broth to keep it lighter.
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking pasta in the soup means it absorbs flavor, but you want to avoid mushy noodles. Here’s how:
- Check the pasta package for cooking times and set a timer 1-2 minutes earlier.
- Once added to the simmering soup, stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Test the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be al dente, meaning firm but cooked through.
- If you have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately next time. This keeps it from soaking up all the juice!
Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 oz mafaldine (or other ruffled edge pasta like lasagna noodles broken into pieces)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheesy Ground Beef Lasagna Soup will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned all over. If there’s excess fat, drain some off, but leave a little for flavor.
2. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant and delicious.
3. Combine Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Mix in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a good stir!
4. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so all those lovely flavors can meld together.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the mafaldine (or whatever pasta you chose) to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which is generally about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
6. Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
7. Serve It Up:
ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top and garnish with chopped fresh basil for a burst of flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Dig into your comforting, cheesy ground beef lasagna soup! This pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly since they may cook faster. Seasoning becomes even more important with leaner meats, so feel free to add extra spices!
What If I Don’t Have Mafaldine Pasta?
No problem! You can substitute any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or even broken lasagna noodles. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary with different types of pasta.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Let the soup cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it—just be sure to leave out the pasta or cook it separately when reheating for the best texture!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps the heartiness while making a delicious vegetarian version.