Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup

Discover the cozy comfort of Lasagna Soup, a hearty, flavorful twist that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings every time. This delightful dish captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna but transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal or a simple weeknight favorite, Lasagna Soup offers the perfect blend of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and tender pasta that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comfort in a Bowl: Lasagna Soup delivers all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but with the cozy ease of a soup.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect dinner solution when you’re short on time.
  • Family-Friendly: It’s the kind of meal everyone loves, from kids to adults.
  • Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences.
  • Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for warm, comforting meals later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lasagna Soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a role in building that perfect balance of rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors that bring this soup to life.

  • Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth and texture to the soup.
  • Onion and Garlic: Provide a fragrant flavor base that enhances every bite.
  • Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed or diced for a luscious, tangy tomato broth.
  • Tomato Sauce or Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they give the iconic lasagna pasta experience in a spoonful.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it mimics the traditional lasagna filling perfectly.
  • Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Melted cheese layers bring gooey richness and sharpness.
  • Fresh Basil or Italian Seasonings: Add fragrant herbal notes for authenticity.
  • Chicken or Beef Broth: Forms the flavorful, steaming soup base.

Variations for Lasagna Soup

One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want a vegetarian option or prefer more heat, these variations are tasty ways to customize this crowd-pleaser.

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with mushrooms or lentils for a rich, hearty texture.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or substitute with zucchini ribbons.
  • Meatless with Beans: Chickpeas or white beans make a protein-packed alternative.
  • Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Why Lasagna Soup Will Warm Your Soul

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating oil in a large pot and browning the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. This step builds a rich base for your soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until soft and fragrant. These ingredients add subtle layers of flavor that make the soup truly comforting.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, stirring everything together. This forms the savory tomato-based soup foundation that is essential for that lasagna taste.

Step 4: Simmer and Season

Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This allows flavors to marry beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Cook until tender but not mushy, typically around 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheeses

Stir in dollops of creamy ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella, letting them melt into the soup for that signature cheesy richness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh basil or parsley on top and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a vibrant, tasty presentation.

Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Soup

  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add noodles towards the end to keep them perfectly al dente.
  • Layer Your Cheeses: Combining ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan balances creaminess and sharpness.
  • Simmer Slowly: The longer the soup simmers before adding noodles, the better the flavors develop.
  • Stir Gently: When adding cheeses that melt, stir gently to keep a creamy texture without clumping.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Top your Lasagna Soup with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and a dash of cracked black pepper for an inviting finish that brightens the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty garlic bread, a simple mixed green salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, satisfying meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Lasagna Soup in rustic bowls with a cheese toastie on the side or garnish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few chili flakes for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more over time, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out as the noodles absorb liquid over time.

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap out the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or beans to keep it hearty and satisfying without meat.

What type of noodles work best?

Traditional lasagna noodles work best, broken into pieces, but any wide, flat pasta will do in a pinch.

Is Lasagna Soup freezer friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well. Just be sure to store it in airtight containers and thaw it slowly.

How long does it take to make Lasagna Soup?

From start to finish, it takes about 45-60 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?

Yes, store-bought pasta sauce works fine and can save time without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the perfect comfort meal that feels like a warm embrace, Lasagna Soup is the answer. It’s flavorful, flexible, and downright delicious. Give this cozy twist on a classic a try and watch how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your home.

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Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting twist on traditional lasagna that combines rich tomato broth, savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses into a cozy soup. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for family dinners and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, providing all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free noodles or zucchini ribbons)

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken or beef broth

Pasta

  • 68 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil and oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice
  • Mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, or beans for vegetarian options
  • Gluten-free noodles or zucchini ribbons as pasta substitute
  • Diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until fully browned and caramelized, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, and chicken or beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a savory tomato soup base.
  4. Simmer and Season: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
  5. Cook the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them directly into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still firm (al dente).
  6. Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gently stir in dollops of ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella. Allow the cheeses to melt slowly into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Optionally, add cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for the best flavor impact.
  • Add noodles towards the end of cooking to keep them perfectly al dente and prevent mushiness.
  • Layer cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—for balanced creaminess and sharpness.
  • Simmer the soup slowly before adding noodles to let flavors develop fully.
  • Stir cheeses gently into the soup to maintain a smooth texture without clumps.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors improve over time.
  • Freeze soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: lasagna soup, comfort food, Italian soup, cheesy soup, easy dinner, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, quick soup

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