Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that brings to your dinner table all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy, bowl-friendly format. This scrumptious dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when a warm, hearty meal is just what you need. Imagine a rich, tomato-infused broth brimming with tender pieces of lasagna noodles, savory ground meat, and creamy ricotta, all topped off with melty mozzarella and fresh basil. It’s a complete meal that’s worth making again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lasagna Soup combines easy prep with quality ingredients, making it a family-friendly option that suits busy weeknights. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, it’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick, satisfying meal. Plus, you can easily customize it to your family’s tastes, making it a versatile dish everyone will adore. Simply put, Lasagna Soup is a delicious solution to any mealtime dilemma!

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A healthy fat that adds flavor and richness.
• 1 onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: A hearty protein to build the soup’s heartiness.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The core of the soup, delivering essential tomato flavor.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and richness to the base.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A herbal blend that infuses delicious Italian flavors.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The heart of the dish, providing texture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a classic flavor to the layers.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for an irresistible finish.
• Fresh basil for garnish: Brightens up the dish with color and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions for Lasagna Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart and cook until browned. This step will infuse your soup with wonderful savory flavors.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried Italian seasoning, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle.

4. Cook the Noodles: Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Allow them to cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender.

5. Incorporate the Ricotta: When the noodles are cooked, gently stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing well until it’s fully incorporated. This is what makes the soup rich and creamy.

6. Serve the Soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Serve it hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, but be mindful that the noodles might absorb more liquid as it sits. You can always add a bit more broth when reheating.
• Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the meat for lentils or chopped mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to play with different herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor.
• Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for an indulgent twist.
• Serving Size: This recipe serves about 6, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

For a complete meal, pair your Lasagna Soup with garlic bread or a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top elevates the flavors even further. For a cozy night in, consider setting up a soup bar with various toppings like olives, crushed red pepper, or additional herbs for your guests to personalize their bowls.

Nutritional Information

This Lasagna Soup offers a balanced meal rich in protein and fiber. Each serving is approximately 350 calories, depending on serving size and specific ingredients used. The hearty ingredients provide satiation and energy while still leaving room for optional indulgences like extra cheese or crusty bread.

Storing Tips & Variations for Lasagna Soup

Freezing: Lasagna Soup freezes beautifully! Just ensure it’s fully cooled before transferring to an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Healthier Swaps: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein, or use low-fat cheese to reduce calories.

Creative Variations: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrition, or replace tomatoes with butternut squash or pumpkin for a fall-inspired soup.

Conclusion for Lasagna Soup

There’s no better time than now to dive into the delightful world of Lasagna Soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with friends and family, this dish checks all the boxes. With each sip, you’ll savor the warmth and richness that makes this hearty soup a favorite. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the process of creating something truly special!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
   Yes, using marinara sauce is a great shortcut! Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

2. How do I make it vegetarian?
   Substitute the meat with lentils, mushrooms, or even extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
   Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the garlic and onion first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Is it necessary to use ricotta cheese?
   While ricotta adds a lovely creaminess, you can omit it or substitute with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

5. What can I add to make it spicier?
   If you enjoy a kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking. Enjoy your flavorful adventure!

Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, bringing comforting flavors in a cozy, bowl-friendly format, perfect for chilly evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil A healthy fat that adds flavor and richness.
• 1 cup onion, chopped Provides a sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds a punch of flavor that elevates the dish.
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage A hearty protein to build the soup’s heartiness.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes The core of the soup, delivering essential tomato flavor.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth Adds depth and richness to the base.
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning A herbal blend that infuses delicious Italian flavors.
• 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• to taste non-specific salt and pepper Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces The heart of the dish, providing texture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese Adds creaminess and a classic flavor to the layers.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully on top for an irresistible finish.
• to taste non-specific fresh basil Brightens up the dish with color and fresh flavor.

Method

 

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Using a wooden spoon, break it apart and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried Italian seasoning, sugar, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender.
5. When the noodles are cooked, gently stir in the ricotta cheese until fully incorporated.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. Serve hot.

Notes

Make it ahead and reheat, but the noodles might absorb more liquid. Consider substitutions for a vegetarian option or to enhance flavors.