Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish

Lasagna soup is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. It takes all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a hearty, one-pot soup. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying without the effort of layering a lasagna. With tender lasagna noodles, a rich tomato broth, and creamy cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

What Is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup captures the essence of classic lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. Featuring ground beef or Italian sausage, a tomato-based broth, broken lasagna noodles, and a cheesy topping, this dish is both hearty and easy to make. The best part? It’s ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake traditional lasagna.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to clean without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 (28 oz/794 g) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Simmering the Soup

3. Stir in the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cooking the Noodles

4. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender.

Preparing the Cheese Mixture

5. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix well.

Serving the Soup

6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture to each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions

• To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze without the cheese topping for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and add fresh cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with diced zucchini, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta for the lasagna noodles.
• Spicy Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk for a creamier texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and cook the noodles just before serving to ensure they don’t become overly soft.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie work well in this recipe.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a warm, flavorful dish that brings the comfort of lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please. Try it today and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!

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