Want a dinner that feels like a luxurious restaurant meal but costs less than a fast-food run? You’re in the right place. I live for recipes that deliver huge flavor on a tiny budget, and this Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup is my absolute favorite. If you love this concept, you must try our easy creamy lasagna soup for rich flavor in minutes.
It has all the cozy, cheesy layers of a classic lasagna. But it comes together in one pot and uses smart, affordable ingredients. You don’t need expensive items to eat incredibly well. This soup proves it.
Think of it as a deconstructed, spoonable version of the baked pasta we all love. It’s packed with savory minced meat, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food that saves you both time and money.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s simple, fast, and feeds a crowd without fuss.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup / One-Pot Meal
- 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 build my recipes around a few key budget principles.
First, it uses ground beef, which is often one of the most affordable protein options. Minced meat stretches beautifully in a soup. You get meat in every bite without needing a huge amount.
Second, we use broken lasagna noodles. You can buy the no-boil kind or use regular. Breaking them yourself is always cheaper than buying pre-made “soup pasta.” It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference.
Finally, the creamy factor doesn’t come from pricey fresh cream alone. We use a block of cream cheese. It’s often cheaper per ounce and adds an incredible, velvety richness that holds up to reheating.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
These are my go-to strategies for keeping grocery costs low. They work for this recipe and everything else you cook.
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
Buy your ground beef in larger, family-size packs. Portion it out and freeze what you don’t use immediately. The price per pound is almost always better.
Choose store-brand canned tomatoes and tomato paste. The quality is identical to name brands, but the cost is lower. The same goes for broth and dried herbs.
Invest in a big block of cream cheese. It’s cheaper than tubs. You can cut off exactly what you need for this soup and save the rest for bagels or another recipe.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Every item here is easy to find and won’t break the bank. Check your pantry first—you might already have half of it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- 4 ounces (115g) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This is where the magic happens. Grab your large soup pot or Dutch oven, and let’s get cooking.
- Start by browning the beef. Heat the oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until no pink remains.
- Build the flavor base. Stir in the tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. This step wakes up the dried herbs and toasts the tomato paste, giving the soup a deeper taste.
- Add the liquids and noodles. Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese. Stir gently and continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted into the broth, creating a luscious, creamy soup.
- Finish with cheese and serve. Turn off the heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have them.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every part of your meal plan gets used.
If you have extra broth or crushed tomatoes from larger cans, freeze them in ice cube trays. Pop the frozen cubes into a bag. They’re perfect for adding quick flavor to future soups or sauces.
Leftover soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will soak up broth, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze it before adding the pasta. Cook fresh noodles when you reheat. This keeps the texture perfect.
Nutrition Notes
This is a hearty, filling meal. Here’s a general look at what’s in your bowl. Values are estimates per serving.
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Fat: ~22g
- Fiber: ~4g
Common Questions About This Recipe
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most often about this one-pot wonder.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta works well. Try mafalda, rotini, or even broken spaghetti. Adjust the cook time based on the package directions for al dente.
How can I make this soup lighter?
You can use ground turkey instead of beef. Also, swap the cream cheese for 1/2 cup of light ricotta cheese. Stir it in at the end for a similar creamy effect with less fat. For a poultry-based twist, our creamy chicken lasagna soup is a family favorite.
My soup got too thick overnight. What should I do?
This is normal! The pasta continues to absorb liquid. Just add a little water, broth, or even a splash of milk when you reheat it. Stir until it’s back to your preferred consistency.
This Creamy Beef Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal. It’s proof that smart cooking beats expensive ingredients every single time. It’s a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl that your family will request again and again.
It checks every box: easy, affordable, and utterly delicious. It’s the kind of dinner winner that makes busy weeknights feel special. I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine. And if you’re looking for a meatless option, don’t miss our dreamy and delicious creamy vegetarian lasagna soup.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Let me know your own money-saving tips for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!