Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Craving the comforting layers of lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Enter Lasagna Soup! This cozy, flavorful dish combines all the classic flavors of a traditional lasagna but with the ease and warmth of a soup. Think rich, meaty broth, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta, all simmered together into one hearty, comforting bowl. Whether you’re serving it up on a chilly evening, making it for meal prep, or looking for something the whole family will love, this Lasagna Soup is the answer to all your comfort food dreams. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and packed with flavor in every spoonful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Lasagna Soup is going to become your go-to dish:

• Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with the familiar flavors of lasagna, this soup is the perfect remedy for cold weather or a cozy night in.
• One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients come together in one pot, making for easy cleanup and less stress in the kitchen.
• Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish ready in under an hour.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to your liking—add extra veggies, swap the ground meat, or spice it up with more herbs.
• Kid-Friendly: This is a great way to get the kids to enjoy veggies and pasta, and the cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit!
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors develop even more after a day or two, so it makes for great leftovers or meal prep.
• Freezable: Make a big batch and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal later on.
• No Need for Ovens: Unlike traditional lasagna, you don’t need to spend time layering and baking. This soup is simple and stress-free.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

To make your Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (preferably broken lasagna noodles or rotini)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, if preferred)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is the base of the soup’s rich, savory flavor. You can mix both for extra flavor or opt for lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides the perfect tomato base to bring the soup together with a rich, tangy flavor.
• Pasta: The pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors from the soup, making every bite perfectly comforting.
• Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese: These two cheeses are essential for creating that lasagna-inspired cheesy goodness. Ricotta gives a creamy texture, while mozzarella adds that signature gooey, melty finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Lasagna Soup:

Brown the Meat

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring until fragrant.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth

1. Stir in the Crushed Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the meat and onion mixture.
2. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, then add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Pasta

1. Add the Pasta: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch chunks) or use any pasta shape you prefer, and stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook in the broth until tender, about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the soup gets too thick, add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Finish the Soup

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
2. Serve with Cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and fresh basil or parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Here are some fun and tasty ideas for serving your Lasagna Soup:

1. Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can even spread some butter or garlic butter on the bread to make it extra special.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish and balancing the richness of the soup.
3. Top with Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds another layer of savory flavor.
4. Make it a Meal: Serve with a simple salad of mixed greens or Caesar salad to round out the meal.
5. Meal Prep: Pack up individual portions of soup in airtight containers for an easy meal throughout the week.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to elevate your Lasagna Soup experience:

1. Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano on hand, they’ll add a lovely, vibrant flavor to the soup.
2. Customize Your Meat: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go for a mix of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor.
3. Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat in your soup.
4. Cheese Variations: Swap ricotta for mascarpone cheese or use a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for different textures and flavors.
5. Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta continues to cook in the soup even after it’s off the heat, so it’s best to stop cooking it just before it’s fully tender to avoid mushy noodles.
7. Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Lasagna Soup by trying out these variations:

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Swap the meat for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add tofu or plant-based sausage for protein.
• Use Different Pasta: While broken lasagna noodles are the most traditional, any small pasta shape (like penne, rigatoni, or rotini) will work wonderfully.
• Spicy Italian Sausage: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage in place of the regular ground meat for a kick of flavor.
• Add Ricotta Stuffing: For a true lasagna experience, mix ricotta, egg, and spinach together and dollop it into the soup just before serving, like the cheesy filling in lasagna.

Freezing and Storage

To store your Lasagna Soup properly:

• Storage: Keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thawing and Reheating: To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Special Equipment

Here are a few kitchen tools that will make your Lasagna Soup prep easier:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the soup and all the ingredients in one pot.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup and breaking up the meat as it cooks.
• Knife and Cutting Board

: For chopping the onion, garlic, and any other veggies you might want to add.

faq section

Got questions about making the perfect Lasagna Soup? You’re not alone! This dish is so versatile, and it’s easy to have a few questions while prepping. I’ve gathered answers to some of the most common ones to help you out and ensure your soup turns out just right.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great meal prep option or dish to make for a busy weeknight.

Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?

Definitely! Once the soup has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove. If it thickens too much, just add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.

How can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

You can easily turn this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even tofu for a boost of protein. You could also use plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh as a meat substitute.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes! If you prefer something other than ricotta, mascarpone or cream cheese will give you a similar creamy texture. For mozzarella, you can use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella, depending on your preference.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. You could even stir in a bit of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

What can I serve with Lasagna Soup?

This soup is perfect on its own, but if you want to add a side, crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a Caesar salad would pair wonderfully. You can also top the soup with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for added flavor.

Print

Conclusion

This Lasagna Soup is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. It’s a fun twist on the classic lasagna and will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!