Want a dinner that feels like a million bucks but costs less than ten? This Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup is my secret weapon. It gives you every single cozy, cheesy, meaty bite of lasagna, but in a bowl you can make with one pot and a tight grocery budget. If you love this style of easy, comforting soup, you should also try my quick creamy chicken lasagna soup for another family favorite.
I make this all the time when I need a win. You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe is proof. It turns humble ground beef and pantry staples into a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s simpler than you think.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Main Course Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
Let’s talk about why this dish is so kind to your wallet. I built it with savings in mind from the start.
First, it uses one pound of basic ground beef. You don’t need the pricier lean stuff. We’ll drain any extra fat, which saves money and is easy to do. Second, we break regular lasagna noodles right in the pot. No need for fancy “soup” pasta.
Finally, the creamy factor doesn’t come from cups of heavy cream. We use a block of cream cheese. It’s often on sale and adds incredible richness. A bit of milk stretches it even further. This is smart, budget-friendly cooking at its best.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
These are my go-to strategies for keeping costs low every single week. They make a huge difference.
Buy your ground beef in larger family packs and freeze what you don’t use right away. It’s always cheaper per pound. Choose store-brand canned tomatoes and broth. The quality is the same, but the price is better.
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
Get a block of cream cheese instead of the tubs. You get more for your money. Keep your dried Italian herbs in a cool, dark place. They’ll stay potent for months, so you get your money’s worth.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Check your pantry first! You might already have half of this list. That’s the goal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (I use 80/20)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 8-10 regular lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps for a perfect, no-fuss soup. It all happens in one large pot or Dutch oven.
- Start by heating the oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells amazing.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes. This wakes up the herbs and cooks the tomato paste, which gives a deeper flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle boil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once boiling, add your broken lasagna noodle pieces. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring sometimes, until the noodles are tender.
- While the soup simmers, mix the softened cream cheese and milk in a bowl. Whisk it until it’s mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.
- Turn the soup heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese mixture until it melts into the broth. This creates that incredible, creamy base.
- Finally, add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt into the soup. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top!
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every bit of your ingredients works for you.
Leftover soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely and store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
If you have extra tomato paste, dollop the rest by tablespoons onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze solid, then pop the blobs into a bag. Grab one whenever a recipe calls for a tablespoon.
Stale bread is your friend. Toast it up for crunchy croutons on your soup leftovers. A little grated Parmesan rind can be tossed into the soup as it simmers for extra umami flavor. Just fish it out before serving.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, filling meal. Here’s a basic look at what’s in a serving. Values are estimates.
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~30g
- Fiber: ~4g
Common Questions About This Recipe
You might have these questions. I know I did when I first started making it.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta works. Mafalda, rotini, or even broken spaghetti are great. Just adjust the cook time based on the pasta’s package directions.
How can I make this soup lighter?
You can use ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese. Swap the whole milk for 2% or even a bit of extra broth. It will still be creamy and satisfying. For a completely meat-free option, my creamy vegetarian lasagna soup is just as cozy and delicious.
My soup got too thick overnight. What do I do?
The noodles keep absorbing liquid. This is normal. Just add a splash of broth or water when you reheat it. Stir until it’s back to your perfect soup consistency.
This creamy lasagna soup is more than a recipe. It’s a strategy for eating incredibly well without spending a lot. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes a weeknight feel special. I hope it becomes a trusted favorite in your home, too. And if you’re craving a different cheesy twist, don’t miss the white cheddar Italian lasagna soup for a smooth and creamy variation.
Got a brilliant swap or a money-saving tip of your own? Let me know your own money-saving tricks for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!
