Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme Recipe

If you’re craving the hearty flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want something quick, cozy, and a little different, then my Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme recipe is your new go-to. This soup delivers all the savory goodness of a traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering or the need for ricotta, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a warm bowl of pure comfort. Each spoonful bursts with rich meaty depth, bright herbs, and melty mozzarella, effortlessly blending to give you that unbeatable lasagna taste in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack huge flavor. From the savory ground beef to the aromatic herbs and creamy finishing touches, every element plays a vital role in creating the perfect balanced lasagna soup.

• Ground beef: Provides a hearty, meaty base that makes the soup so satisfying.
• Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the broth with robust aroma and rich flavor.
• Pasta or spaghetti sauce: The tomato base that brings tang and richness.
• Diced tomatoes: Offer texture and a fresh tomato burst.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the broth beautifully.
• Dried basil, oregano, and parsley: These herbs elevate the taste with classic Italian notes.
• Bay leaf: Lends subtle earthiness to the simmering broth.
• Chicken stock: Adds savory liquid that ties everything together.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces for perfect soup texture.
• Heavy cream: Finishes the soup with luscious creaminess without being too heavy.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy delight.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating your Dutch oven or a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Cooking it until perfectly browned releases incredible flavor, and I love leaving the fat in the pot because it becomes the flavor foundation of our soup. Breaking the meat apart while cooking ensures every bite is tender and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, incorporate the diced onion and garlic cloves directly into the pot with the beef. As they cook together, the onions soften and turn translucent, mingling their sweetness with the savory aroma of garlic. This step builds a rich and inviting base that makes this soup unforgettable.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in tomato paste along with the dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a bay leaf. Let these ingredients warm gently in the fat for a couple of minutes. Toasting the herbs briefly like this really makes their flavors pop, infusing the entire dish with fragrant Italian essence before the liquids join the mix.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the jar of pasta or spaghetti sauce, and start with 4 cups of chicken stock. Give everything a good stir and bring your pot to a boil before turning the heat to a comfortable simmer. This mellow cooking lets the flavors marry and the broth slightly reduce, creating a rich, vibrant taste.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Time to add the stars of the soup—the lasagna noodles, broken into manageable pieces. Stir them in so they don’t clump, and keep the pot simmering for around 10 minutes. If you find the soup thickening too much, feel free to add up to 2 more cups of chicken stock. Watching those pasta pieces soften and soak up all that flavor creates such a delightful texture.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Just before serving, lower the heat to keep things gentle and stir in the heavy cream along with about 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Watching the cheese melt into the soup to create a velvety, creamy consistency is pure magic. This finishing touch makes the soup both luxurious and comforting, perfectly capturing the spirit of lasagna in every spoonful.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, melty crown. This little garnish adds an irresistible layer of cheesy goodness that invites everyone to dig in and savor the warmth of this Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme

Garnishes

To elevate your bowl even further, consider fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. A grating of Parmesan cheese also works wonders for a sharper flavor burst. These simple finishing touches turn a humble soup into something special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal, but a crusty baguette or garlic bread on the side can soak up all the luscious broth perfectly. For some light freshness, a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic mugs or mini cast-iron skillets for a cozy vibe. Layer bowls with torn basil and toothpicks of mozzarella-stuffed meatballs on the side for a playful lasagna-inspired feast. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to a charming, comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Remember that noodles might soften more after freezing, so slightly undercook them if you plan to freeze to keep texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the soup regain its creamy texture. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully in this soup, offering a different flavor profile but still maintaining the hearty feel.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

You can skip or reduce the heavy cream for a lighter soup, though it does add a lovely creamy richness. Coconut milk or half-and-half can be alternatives if you want to experiment.

Why no ricotta in this lasagna soup?

Ricotta can sometimes be tricky to keep creamy in soup form. This recipe relies on cream and mozzarella for smoothness and cheesiness without the extra step or texture difference of ricotta.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock. The herbs and tomato base ensure it remains flavorful and satisfying.

What’s the best type of pasta for lasagna soup?

Broken lasagna noodles are traditional here, giving you that authentic taste and texture, but you can substitute with any pasta shape you like, just watch cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend diving into this Easy Lasagna Soup No Ricotta – Alrightwithme enough. It’s simply comforting, full of flavor, and so easy to pull together that it quickly becomes a favorite in any household. Whether you’re feeding family or inviting friends over, this soup wraps you in warm, cheesy Italian goodness and feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Print