Lasagna Soup is the comforting, cozy bowl of goodness that takes all the rich, layered flavors of classic lasagna and turns them into a soul-warming soup. If you’re craving lasagna but don’t want to fuss with all the layers and baking, this is the perfect solution. Plus, it’s a great one-pot meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to make a lasting impression at any gathering.
And if you’re thinking about the queen of hearty, easy, and crowd-pleasing meals-then you’ve probably already heard of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Known for her hearty, rustic recipes that feel like a big hug, Ree has nailed this Lasagna Soup recipe. The Pioneer Woman Lasagna Soup is a riff on traditional lasagna, but made easier, faster, and still just as satisfying.
So, let’s dive into how you can whip up this amazing soup, complete with rich flavors, tender pasta, and gooey cheese that will have you asking for seconds. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Lasagna Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe
This Lasagna Soup, inspired by Ree Drummond’s cooking style, combines the best elements of lasagna but in a much more practical, easy-to-make format. The beauty of it lies in how everything melds together-rich tomato broth, seasoned beef, tender noodles, and that irresistible cheese topping-creating a meal that will make you feel like you’re sitting down to a homemade Italian feast.
Here’s how Ree makes it:
Ingredients Needed
Before diving into cooking, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Thankfully, the ingredients for Lasagna Soup are pretty easy to find and not too exotic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef – Typically, lean ground beef is used, but you could also use a mix of beef and pork if you prefer. This is the base for the meaty, savory flavor.
- Onion – A yellow onion is great here, giving a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced or crushed, are non-negotiable. It adds that aromatic, slightly spicy punch.
- Crushed Tomatoes – The base of your soup broth, crushed tomatoes are rich and tangy, providing that deep tomato flavor.
- Tomato Sauce – Along with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce helps to create a smooth, rich consistency.
- Beef Broth – To make the soup hearty and savory. You can also use chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles – Break them into pieces, or you can use any pasta you like, but traditional lasagna noodles really take this soup to the next level.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to make it taste like an authentic Italian dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a little kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want your soup to be.
- Ricotta Cheese – To make that signature lasagna flavor come through. This is the creamy filling that’ll make your soup indulgent.
- Mozzarella Cheese – For the ooey, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the richness of the other cheeses.
- Fresh Basil – For garnish, giving your soup a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break down how to make this cozy, cheesy masterpiece. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
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Brown The Ground Beef
In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Be sure to break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat.
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Cook The Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté them until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. You want those flavors to infuse the meat.
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Add Tomatoes And Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot (those bits are packed with flavor). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Season The Soup
Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Taste the broth, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Cook The Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
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Make The Cheese Mixture
While the soup is simmering, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. This cheesy mixture will go on top of each serving of soup.
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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with a big scoop of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for a garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Here are some extra tidbits about the ingredients used in this recipe, adding even more depth to your understanding and appreciation of each element:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is not only flavorful but provides a rich, meaty texture. If you want to go leaner, ground turkey or chicken works well, though it will change the flavor profile.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are key in creating that thick, hearty base for the soup. They’re less tangy than tomato paste but still provide a rich, deep tomato flavor that will balance the richness of the beef.
- Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the noodles into pieces allows them to soak up the flavorful broth while still maintaining their integrity. If you want a quicker option, you can use other pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni.
- Cheese: The blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan is what truly gives the soup its lasagna-like richness. Mozzarella adds that gooey meltiness, while ricotta brings creaminess, and Parmesan provides that sharp, nutty flavor.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the lasagna noodles in the soup. They will continue to cook even after you turn off the heat, so aim for just al dente.
- Adjust the Broth: Depending on how brothy you want your soup, you can add more beef broth. If you like a thicker soup, just use less.
- Cheese Topping: For the perfect cheesy crust, consider broiling the soup in an oven-safe dish for a couple of minutes after you add the cheese on top. This will give the cheese a nice golden, bubbly finish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley as a garnish will brighten up the dish and elevate the flavors.
Recipe Variations
While Ree’s original recipe is absolutely perfect, there’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and use mushrooms or zucchini as a substitute for ground beef. You could also use plant-based ground beef if you want to keep it vegan.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: For a little more heat, add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. You could also incorporate a can of diced green chilies for an extra punch.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese like fontina, gouda, or provolone to give your soup a unique twist.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for a burst of green. The vegetables will cook right in with the noodles and add some extra nutrients to the dish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply swap out the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go.
Final Words
Lasagna Soup is one of those dishes that’s impossible to mess up, and every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, allowing the ingredients to shine without a ton of extra effort. Whether you’re making it the classic way or adding your own personal touch, it’s bound to be a hit.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Soup?
The ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s lasagna soup typically include ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of seasonings such as oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based protein or a meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or lentils, and ensuring the broth is vegetable-based.
How Long Does It Take To Make Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Soup?
The total time for making Pioneer Woman’s lasagna soup is around 45 to 60 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Noodle Instead Of Lasagna Noodles?
While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can substitute them with other pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or penne, if needed. However, lasagna noodles are preferred for their ability to hold up in the soup and mimic the texture of traditional lasagna.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. For the best results, make the soup up to the point where you add the noodles. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and cook the noodles in it.
Can I Freeze Pioneer Woman’s Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna soup. To do so, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh noodles separately and add them to the soup.
What Type Of Cheese Can I Use Instead Of Ricotta?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Or Chicken Instead Of Beef In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this lasagna soup recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How Do I Ensure The Noodles Don’t Get Mushy In The Lasagna Soup?
To prevent the noodles from getting mushy, it’s recommended to add them at the end of the cooking process or cook them separately and add them to individual bowls when serving.
What Is The Best Way To Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Leftover lasagna soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth if necessary to reach the desired consistency.