Want a dinner that feels like a million bucks but costs less than ten? This Hearty Beef One-Pot Lasagna Soup is my secret weapon. It delivers all the cozy, cheesy comfort of a classic lasagna without the fuss or the high price tag.
I believe you don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe is proof that a little savvy shopping and one pot can create a meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick look at what you’re making. It’s straightforward and designed for a busy weeknight.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
Let’s talk about why this dish is so kind to your wallet. I’ve built it around a few key principles that keep costs down.
First, it uses one pot. You save on cleanup time, water, and energy. It’s a huge win for efficiency.
Second, ground beef is a budget-friendly protein, especially when stretched with broth and tomatoes. You get a rich, meaty flavor without using a huge amount.
Finally, we use broken lasagna noodles. No need for fancy, pre-sliced pasta. You can use the broken pieces from the bottom of the box, ensuring zero waste.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make my grocery budget stretch further. These are my go-to strategies.
Always buy generic or store-brand canned goods. The quality is almost always identical to name brands, but the savings add up quickly.
Purchase your ground beef in larger, family-size packs. You can separate it into portions at home and freeze what you don’t use immediately.
Hearty Beef One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Hearty Beef One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Don’t shy away from frozen vegetables. They are just as nutritious as fresh and often much cheaper, especially when a vegetable is out of season.
Build a well-stocked pantry with dried herbs and spices. A single jar of Italian seasoning can flavor countless meals, making it a fantastic long-term investment.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need. I promise, nothing on this list will break the bank.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 6 cups beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a perfect, hearty soup. It all comes together in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.
1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning. Cook for just one more minute until the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a flavor foundation.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Give everything a good stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6. Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy broth.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining cheese. Serve it immediately while it’s piping hot and wonderfully comforting.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing away food, so I always plan for leftovers. Here’s how to make the most of this recipe.
This soup freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers for up to three months. It’s a ready-made freezer meal for another night.
If you have extra shredded cheese, pop it in a freezer bag. It’s perfect for sprinkling on future pizzas, pastas, or casseroles.
Stale bread? Don’t toss it! Cube it, toss with a little olive oil and garlic powder, and bake for croutons to serve with your next bowl of soup.
Nutrition Notes
While this is a comfort food, it’s also packed with good stuff. Here’s a general breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Common Questions About This Recipe
I get a few questions about this dish all the time. Here are the answers to make your cooking experience seamless.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onion first, then add everything except the noodles and cheese to your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes, then stir in the cheese.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or Italian sausage are fantastic substitutes. You could also use lentils for a vegetarian version. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
My soup got too thick. How can I fix it?
No problem! Simply stir in a little more beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Soups often thicken as they sit, especially with pasta.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted, budget-friendly favorite in your home. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Let me know your own money-saving twists for this dish in the comments below! Please leave a rating!