Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! Let me take you on a delicious journey with my favorite comfort food, Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Yes, you heard it right! It’s like your classic lasagna, but in soup form, and oh-so-lovely for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and warming. What could be better than curling up with a big bowl of creamy soup that makes your taste buds dance?
I first discovered this recipe during a cozy night-in binge-watching my favorite series. I wanted something that would feel indulgent but didn’t require half the day in the kitchen. One taste of this lasagna soup, and I was hooked! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors all combined in one pot – it truly feels like a hug in a bowl. So, let’s not waste any time and jump right into the details, shall we?
What’s in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is where the magic begins! You can use either ground beef or sausage, depending on your flavor preference. I love going with Italian sausage for that extra kick!
Onion: Diced onion adds both sweetness and depth to the soup. Make sure to cook it down until it’s nice and translucent.
Garlic: Because who doesn’t love the aroma of freshly minced garlic? A must-have for any good soup!
Carrot: Diced carrots not only boost the nutrition but also add a hint of sweetness. Win-win!
Red Bell Pepper: I adore the color and flavor that red bell pepper brings. It adds a nice crunch too!
Crushed Tomatoes: The base of our soup! I like using a good quality can of crushed tomatoes for that rich flavor.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is essential for creating a flavorful broth. Use homemade if you have it handy for the best results!
Dried Oregano & Basil: These classic Italian herbs are what links it all back to lasagna. Dried works perfectly, but fresh is fabulous too if you have it!
Red Pepper Flakes: (optional) If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes. Totally up to your preference!
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces, these are the star of the show. I like to use traditional noodles, but no-cook ones can work too.
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup that luscious creamy texture.
Ricotta Cheese: A dollop of this creamy goodness ties everything together and adds a classic lasagna twist.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For topping – because what’s lasagna without lots of gooey, melty cheese?
Fresh Basil: This is for garnish, and it adds a pop of freshness!
Is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Oh, let’s talk health benefits! This creamy delight may not be your go-to salad, but it does have its perks:
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Packed with protein, these add staying power to your meal. If you go for lean ground beef or turkey sausage, you cut down on fat too!
Vegetables (Onion, Carrot, Red Bell Pepper): Think of all those vitamins and minerals! These veggies not only add flavor but also contribute to your daily veggie intake.
Heavy Cream: Sure, it adds richness, but you can always lighten it up with half-and-half or even cashew cream if you want to be a bit healthier.
Now, of course, we have cheese, and while it’s divine, don’t go overboard. Balance is key! This soup can be super satisfying, so if you’re looking for some extra greens, throwing in some spinach or kale can be a great idea. Plus, it adds a fabulous color and texture!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
*Serves 6-8 hungry soup lovers!*
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic, carrot, and red bell pepper; cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and mix in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Tips for a Total Winner
– Leftovers, anyone? This soup is perfect for meal prep or just enjoying later in the week. It reheats like a champ!
– Feel free to add in some chopped spinach or kale for extra greens. It’s like giving your soup a health boost without sacrificing flavor!
– For a more robust flavor, let the soup simmer a little longer before adding the cream and cheeses. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Alright, my dear friends, I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or even when you just want something that feels like a warm hug. Give it a go, share your experience, and let’s revel in the joy that is good food! Happy cooking!
