This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cooked Perfect® Meatballs for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
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Time is the Scarcest Resource for Parents
The other day, I was skimming through a book on productivity (which I’m always trying to maximize, because I’m a mom).
I found myself so desperate for little tips and tricks that can help save even 5 or 10 minutes, because time is a scarce resource lately! Between my work as a budget analyst for a college, helping my 7-year-old daughter with her math homework, and potty training my 2-year-old son, I have so little time left for myself.
While browsing the book on productivity, I realized there were some places that I was spending more time than necessary, like making dinner. And if I stop spending so much time on making dinner, then I’ll have more time for important things, like sitting down and relaxing!
30 Minute Dinner Weekday Challenge
On an average night, I will spend 45 minutes to an hour making dinner. For one week, I decided to limit all of my family’s dinners to meals that 30 minutes or less to make.
Then, I challenged myself to use those extra 15 – 30 minutes a day to actually relax, and not reallocate that time to other things, like chores (because, parenting, right?).
For Monday’s dinner this week, I decided to make a 30 minute meatball lasagna soup!
30 Minute Meatball Lasagna Soup
This meal takes advantage of Cooked Perfect® Fresh Meatballs, which are perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Save $1.00 on Cooked Perfect Fresh Meatballs
They come fresh and fully-cooked, and are crafted with select meats, real cheeses and savory herbs (no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives!). The meatballs are flame broiled to sear in delicious flavor, which gives busy parents an easy dinner solution!
How to Make 30 Minute Meatball Lasagna Soup
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 package Cooked Perfect Italian Style Beef & Pork Meatballs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Ricotta cheese
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in lasagna noodle pieces. Cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Tip: Break apart lasagna noodles by placing them in a large plastic baggie, and smashing them with a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or other sturdy utensil. 
Meanwhile, add olive oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Stir in meatballs, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes. 
Stir in cooked lasagna noodles, basil, salt, and heavy cream. Cook an additional 4 minutes, then serve. Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese to each bowl of soup, and enjoy!
Printable Recipe
Want to print the recipe to hang on your fridge, or share with a friend? Here is a printable for you!
30 Minutes Meatball Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 10 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 package Cooked Perfect Italian Style Beef & Pork Meatballs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 15- ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Ricotta cheese
Instructions
-
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in lasagna noodle pieces. Cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
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Meanwhile, add olive oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Add in meatballs, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes.
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Stir in cooked lasagna noodles, basil, salt, parmesan and heavy cream. Cook an additional 4 minutes, then serve. Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese to each bowl of soup.
Pin it for Later
Want to make this recipe, but don’t have time now? No problem! Click on the picture below to repin it for later!
Take the 30 Minute Meal Weekday Challenge!
Do you need some time for yourself? Take the 30 minute meal weekday challenge! Making 30 minute meals is super easy when you have Cooked Perfect Fresh Meatballs on hand! They come in four delicious flavors:
- Italian Style Beef & Pork
- Korean Style BBQ Beef & Pork
- Sundried Tomato & Roasted Garlic Chicken
- Italian Style with Parmesan & Mozzarella Chicken
BONUS: When you grab your pack of Cooked Perfect Fresh Meatballs at your store’s refrigerated meat & poultry section, flip the package over. You’ll see an easy weeknight dinner recipe printed on the back and there’s another inside the sleeve!
Find Cooked Perfect Fresh Meatballs in the refrigerated meat & poultry section
Love this sharing and it helps me a lot. 🙂
This looks absolutely delicious! My son loves meatballs, so I’m sure he’d love to try this. I’ll have to try this out this week, thanks for sharing!
I heard this so many times.. parents are already happy if they have 30mins for themselves 🙂 I will try out the soup!
I try to make meals less than 30 mins lol I love lasagna so this looks amazing
Okay this sounds like a super cool recipe!! I will have to try and make it myself!
I don’t think I have ever had a soup like this before. Definitely adding to my list to try!
This looks like it tastes amazing. I love a good hearty meal like this.
This looks like a delicious comfort meal. Especially during the cooler months. Will have to try this with the family. Thank you for the recipe!
This looks so good! I like quick and easy recipe and this sounds like something I want to try making for my family. Thanks!
This looks and sounds delicious! During the week quick meals are key in my home. I need to give this a try for sure!
I have not had meatballs in such a long time. I love meals that do not take a lot of time to prepare
This sounds so delicious. I have had lasagna soup before but not with meatballs so I will definitely have to give this a try. I also love that it is only takes 30 minutes to make. My husband and I were just talking about making easier meals.
It looks mouthwatering recipe. I will share with my mum for try.
Thank you.
Sounds yummy and I like that it only takes 30 minutes. great choice of photos and ingredients.
WOW! This looks totally amazing. I love the idea of meatball lasagna soup. Super warm and comforting. Going to have to try this.
Fresh basil, heavy cream and fresh cheese… this sounds like the most tummy warming and delicious meal for the cold days ahead. I have never tried a lasagna soup!
I have never used meatballs for anything except pasta – but I love this idea. It’s an interesting twist to get the family to the table.
Easy dinner ideas are the best! Weather is finally cooling down here, so I’ll have to let my family try this meatball lasagna soup!
This is a very easy to make recipe. I really like that it only takes 30 minutes to make too. I try to save time whenever I can so I appreciate this.
I like that the meatballs are fully cooked. These would make great meatball sandwiches.
Love this soup recipe. It sounds like a fun soup to serve to families during a busy weeknight. Filling and delicious!
That looks absolutely amazing! It is the simplest lasagna soup I have ever seen. This is something I know I can make and I have the time to do it.