Want a dinner that feels like a fancy restaurant meal but fits a real-world budget? This Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup is my go-to for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner.
You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. I make this hearty soup all the time, and it’s packed with all the cozy flavor of traditional lasagna for a fraction of the cost and effort. If you’re looking for more easy family meals, you should try our quick and salty soft pretzel bites.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick look at what you’re making. It’s simpler than you think!
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I love this recipe because it’s kind to my wallet. Let me show you how it works.
We use minced meat, which is often more affordable than other cuts. A little goes a long way when mixed with broth and pasta.
Broken lasagna noodles are cheaper than buying a specialty pasta shape. You probably already have most of the seasonings in your pantry right now.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
Being savvy at the store is a game-changer. Here are my best tips.
Buy your minced meat in larger, family-size packs. You can separate and freeze what you don’t use right away.
Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Choose store-brand canned tomatoes and broth. The quality is great, and the savings add up fast.
Use dried herbs instead of fresh for this soup. They are much cheaper and still give amazing flavor.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here is everything you need. Check your pantry first—you might already have a lot of it!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (minced meat)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. I’ll walk you through each simple step.
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and clear.
- Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
- Serve your soup hot. Top with a little extra cheese and fresh basil if you have some.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure nothing goes to waste.
Any leftover soup freezes beautifully for a future easy meal. Just let it cool completely first.
If you have extra mozzarella, use it to make a simple grilled cheese sandwich later in the week. It’s the perfect pairing.
Stale bread? Make croutons to sprinkle on top of your next bowl of soup for a nice crunch.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a basic look at what’s in it.
- High in Protein from the ground beef and cheese.
- Good source of Lycopene from the tomatoes.
- Provides energy from the pasta noodles.
- Contains Calcium from the dairy.
For more sweet treats that are perfect for little ones, check out our mess-free peanut butter and jelly oat cups.
Common Questions About This Recipe
It’s normal to have questions. Here are answers to the ones I get most often.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. The flavors get even better as they sit.
Just wait to add the cream and cheese until you reheat it. This keeps the texture perfect.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. It will still be wonderfully creamy.
You could also stir in a few spoonfuls of cream cheese for a similar rich effect.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to make it your own. Chopped spinach or zucchini are great additions.
Just add them when you put in the noodles so they have time to cook through.
I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. It proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Let me know your own money-saving tips for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!
