Description
A cozy, high-protein lasagna soup made in one pot with lean ground beef, red lentils, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and a creamy ricotta-mozzarella topping. Ready in 40 minutes and perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or a hearty fall dinner.
Ingredients
For the soup:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) extra-lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp kosher salt + more to taste
½ tsp black pepper
¾ cup dry red lentils, rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
8 lasagna noodles, broken (6–8 oz)
2 packed cups baby spinach, chopped
Creamy topping:
¾ cup ricotta
¼ cup cottage cheese (optional)
¾ cup shredded mozzarella, divided
2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add beef and onion; cook 5–7 minutes until browned and onions soften.
Stir in garlic and mushrooms; cook 2–3 minutes. Add tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes.
Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Scrape bottom of pot.
Bring to a simmer; cook 10 minutes partially covered.
Add broken lasagna noodles; simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking. Add extra broth if needed.
Stir in spinach; cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and rest 3–5 minutes.
Mix ricotta, cottage cheese, and half the mozzarella in a small bowl.
Serve soup topped with cheese mixture, remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Notes
– Use low-sodium broth to better control seasoning.
– For thicker soup, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.
– For creamier texture, blend 1–2 ladles of the soup base and stir back in.
– Great for meal prep: thickens in the fridge and reheats well with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: soup recipes
- Method: Stovetop (One Pot)
- Cuisine: Italian-American