Cozy Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Cozy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Dish

Lasagna is often considered the ultimate comfort food, but have you ever tried a soup version of this classic favorite? Cozy Lasagna Soup is the perfect twist on the traditional lasagna recipe. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and brings the cozy vibes you’re craving, especially on chilly days. With its rich tomato base, savory meat, tender pasta fragments, and creamy cheese topping, this soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

The base protein for this soup lends rich flavor and substance. You can opt for either beef or Italian sausage depending on your preference.

1 large onion, finely chopped

The onion adds a comforting aromatic depth to the soup that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.

3 cloves garlic, minced

Enhance the flavor with the subtle yet bold presence of fresh garlic.

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

A flavorful broth forms the base of this hearty soup, tying together all the wonderful flavors.

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

The richness of the tomatoes provides the signature lasagna-esque taste.

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme creates the classic Italian flavor we all love.

Salt and pepper to taste

Seasoning is essential to balance the flavors. Adjust it to your liking.

8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

Broken lasagna noodles add the texture and bite of a traditional dish in this unique soup form.

1 cup ricotta cheese

This creamy addition provides the cheesy lasagna experience you’re craving.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sprinkle mozzarella on top for a gooey, melted topping.

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

A final touch of freshness to tie the whole dish together.

Prep Time

Easy and Simple Preparation

The preparation for Cozy Lasagna Soup is incredibly simple and straightforward. Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Then, brown your ground beef or sausage in a large pot. This initial prep work takes just around 10 minutes, making it a great choice for weeknights.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time

The cook time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes. The key is to let the soup simmer, allowing all the flavors to fully marry together.

Total Time

With the prep and cook time combined, you’ll have a delicious pot of Cozy Lasagna Soup ready to serve in just 40 minutes.

Yield

This recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Cozy Lasagna Soup is a delightful spin on an Italian classic, offering all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simpler, more comforting form. Whether on a cold winter evening or for a quick weeknight meal, this hearty dish is sure to become a household favorite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

– Gather all the ingredients and ensure they are prepped and ready to go.
– Chop any vegetables, measure out your spices, and set everything within reach.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

– In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the ground beef (or desired protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
– Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

– Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot with the meat.
– Stir and sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

– Pour in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
– Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Season the Soup

– Add your dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil) along with salt and pepper to taste.
– Stir everything together thoroughly.

Step 6: Simmer the Soup

– Lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for about 20–25 minutes.
– Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

– In a separate pot, cook your lasagna noodles or pasta of choice according to the package instructions.
– Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Soup

– Add the cooked lasagna noodles or pasta to the soup just before serving.
– Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly mixed into the soup.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

– Ladle the soup into bowls.
– Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of ricotta, or a sprinkle of mozzarella if desired.
– Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Note on Protein Options

– You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives based on your preference.

Note on Pasta Choices

– For a more traditional feel, use broken lasagna noodles, but any pasta shape like bowtie, penne, or rotini works well too.

Note on Storage

– Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the soup and pasta separate to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much liquid.

Note on Freezing

– If you plan to freeze the soup, do so without the pasta; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Note on Dietary Adjustments

– This soup can easily be made vegetarian by using plant-based protein and vegetable stock.
– For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
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Cook Techniques

Sautéing the Aromatics

To build a rich flavor base for the lasagna soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic with olive oil in a large pot. This step infuses the broth with depth and aroma.

Browning the Ground Meat

Browning the ground meat ensures a robust, savory taste. Crumble the meat into the pot and cook until it’s fully browned before adding other ingredients.

Building the Tomato-Based Broth

Once the meat is cooked, incorporate tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to develop its rich, tangy flavor.

Cooking the Pasta Separately

To prevent mushy pasta in the soup, cook the lasagna noodles separately in salted water. Drain and set aside until ready to serve.

Simmering for Flavor

Simmer the soup base to allow the flavors to meld together fully. This step is key for a hearty, well-rounded taste.

Assembling the Soup

Combine cooked pasta with the soup just before serving to maintain the ideal texture of the noodles.

Adding Cheesy Toppings

Serve the soup with generous dollops of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan on top for a classic lasagna finish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while lasagna noodles give it an authentic feel, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like bowties, penne, or rotini.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground meat and use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook and add the pasta only when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate to maintain its texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

The soup base can be frozen for up to 3 months without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to ensure quality.

How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach the desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce.

What can I use as a gluten-free alternative?

Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or noodles for a gluten-free version of the soup.

Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

No, you can skip the ricotta or replace it with cottage cheese or even a dollop of sour cream for a different twist.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary as a substitute for Italian seasoning.
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Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful and hearty spin on a beloved classic. It brings comfort to the table with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for a cozy evening, this dish combines the warmth of soup with all the beloved elements of lasagna, making it a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Simple to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation.

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