This easy stovetop lasagna soup combines ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness in one pot! It’s like a warm hug with every spoonful, perfect for chilly days.
Cooking this soup is a breeze—just brown the beef, toss in the ingredients, and let it simmer. Don’t forget the cheese on top; it makes it extra yummy! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe. For a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well! You can even use plant-based ground meat if you want a vegetarian version.
Onion and Garlic: A small onion adds a nice flavor base. Yellow or white onions are best, but red onions may work too. If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can substitute for the three cloves.
Spices: Dried oregano and basil are key to the lasagna flavor. No oregano? Use Italian seasoning instead! For some heat, crushed red pepper is optional—feel free to skip it or use a pinch of black pepper if you prefer.
Pasta: Rotini is fun, but any short pasta like penne or fusilli will do. Gluten-free pasta works too, just watch the cooking time as it may vary.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives that creamy touch, but cottage cheese can be a lower-calorie swap. For Parmesan, any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano is a tasty replacement.
How Do You Perfectly Cook the Pasta in Soup?
Cooking the pasta right is crucial—they should be tender but not mushy! Here’s how to get it right:
- Only add the pasta after your soup is boiling. This ensures even cooking.
- Simmer the soup with pasta for about 10-12 minutes, but check it a minute earlier. Shape matters; smaller pastas cook faster.
- If you plan to have leftovers, add a little extra broth to the soup; pasta will absorb liquid as it sits.
These tips will help you serve a delicious lasagna soup that’ll impress everyone at the table!
Stovetop Ground Beef Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz rotini or other short pasta
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty stovetop lasagna soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and easy meal perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté them together for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. This gives your soup a wonderful base flavor!
3. Add Spices:
Next, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors together.
4. Pour in the Liquids:
Now it’s time to bring in the liquids! Pour the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot. Give it a good stir to combine everything, and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Once your soup is boiling, add the rotini pasta. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still a little firm).
6. Taste and Adjust Seasonings:
After the pasta is cooked, taste your soup. Feel free to add more salt and pepper as you like. This step is all about making it perfect for your taste!
7. Serve with Cheese:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious stovetop ground beef lasagna soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a leaner option while still providing great flavor. Cook it the same way as you would the ground beef, and you’ll have a delicious alternative!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or an equal amount of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Yes! While rotini is great for this recipe, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even mini shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened. Simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.