Cozy Lasagna Soup with Toasted Bread and Parmesan

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of lasagna wafting through the kitchen. But what if you could capture those same beloved flavors in a cozy, soul-warming soup? Introducing our Lasagna Soup with Toasted Bread and Parmesan – a dish that’s both easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

This Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending the rich, tomato-based broth and tender noodles of classic lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. The addition of toasted bread and freshly grated Parmesan creates a delightful textural contrast, while the blend of Italian herbs and spices delivers a flavor profile that will transport you straight to an Italian trattoria.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility – it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs, making it a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. And with its make-ahead potential, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade lasagna any time, without the lengthy preparation process.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices crusty bread, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil

The beauty of this Lasagna Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef or Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices creates the classic lasagna-inspired flavor profile that has made this dish a perennial favorite.

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to bloom.
4. Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed bread and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Step 8: Serve the Lasagna Soup warm, topped with the toasted bread cubes and extra Parmesan cheese.

Timing Overview

Compared to traditional lasagna, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Lasagna Soup saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

These Lasagna Soup provide approximately 35% of your daily protein requirements and 16% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🌱 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

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

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

📦 Storage & Leftovers

These Lasagna Soup retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

Can I make this Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is perfect for making in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to adding the lasagna noodles, then let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, then add the noodles and continue with the remaining steps.

Can I substitute the ground beef or sausage?

Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef or Italian sausage for other protein sources. Ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef work well for a lower-fat option. You can also use plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian or vegan version.

How can I make this Lasagna Soup dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. You can use a plant-based cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture. For the topping, opt for toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead of the Parmesan-topped bread cubes.

What can I do if my noodles are getting too soft?

If you find that the lasagna noodles are becoming too soft or mushy, reduce the simmering time. Add the noodles during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, or until they’re just tender. This will help them maintain a firmer texture within the soup.

Can I add other vegetables to this Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, diced bell peppers, or even roasted zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Lasagna Soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, they’re sure to impress with their rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Lasagna Soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So gather your loved ones, warm up a bowl of this delightful soup, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade lasagna in a fraction of the time.

Cozy Lasagna Soup with Toasted Bread and Parmesan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.2/5

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 slices crusty bread, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil

📝 Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to allow the flavors to bloom.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed bread and toast, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Serve the Lasagna Soup warm, topped with the toasted bread cubes and extra Parmesan cheese.

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories: 407

Protein: 26g

Carbohydrates: 31g

Fat: 20g

Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 885mg

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