Comforting and Irresistible Lasagna Soup
Lasagna is a classic comfort food that many people love, but the traditional layered dish can be time-consuming to prepare. That’s where lasagna soup comes in – it offers all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a simplified, soup-friendly format. This recipe is the perfect solution for satisfying your lasagna cravings without the hassle.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This lasagna soup is a true crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes. From its rich, tomato-based broth and tender pasta to the creamy, cheesy goodness on top, every spoonful is a delightful explosion of flavor. What sets this recipe apart is its ability to deliver the essence of classic lasagna in a quick and easy soup format. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a crowd, this lasagna soup is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
The beauty of this lasagna soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made lasagna recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional lasagna which can take up to 2 hours to prepare, this lasagna soup saves you 75% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 922mg
These lasagna soup servings provide approximately 58% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles for a lower-carb dish.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
• Added protein: Stir in 1-2 cups of cooked and drained chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein.
• Boost vegetables: Add 1-2 cups of chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the soup for extra nutrition.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the lasagna soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp white for a sophisticated pairing.
• Complement the lasagna soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad for a well-rounded dinner.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not stirring the cheese mixture: Make sure to thoroughly mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses before topping the soup. This will ensure an even distribution of the creamy cheese in each bite.
• Skimping on the seasonings: Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously with the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. These spices are essential for capturing the authentic lasagna flavor.
📦 Storage & Leftovers
These lasagna soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles. Allow to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding the noodles.
• Freezing baked: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make the lasagna soup?
You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-4) up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the base, add the lasagna noodles, and proceed with the remaining steps.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! While lasagna noodles work beautifully, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta reaches the desired tenderness.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free or dairy-free, but it can be easily adapted to suit those dietary needs. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or another gluten-free pasta, and replace the dairy-based cheeses with your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
What if my soup turns out too thick?
If the lasagna soup becomes too thick for your liking, simply add a bit more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and adjust as needed.
Can I add extra vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This lasagna soup is very versatile and can accommodate a variety of vegetable additions. Consider stirring in chopped spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
These comforting lasagna soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal for a crowd, they’re sure to impress with their rich, tomato-based broth and creamy, cheesy goodness.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these lasagna soup recipes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
Comforting and Irresistible Lasagna Soup
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
