Easy Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup format. This simplified, yet flavorful, recipe allows you to enjoy a quick and satisfying dish without the time commitment of layering a lasagna. Perfect for any weeknight meal, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

This lasagna soup recipe uses basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

– Olive oil for cooking
– Onion, finely diced for a robust base
– Garlic cloves, minced for additional aroma and depth
– Mild or hot Italian sausage to add savory and slightly spicy notes
– Tomato paste for a concentrated tomato flavor
– Crushed tomatoes to create the hearty base of the soup
– Chicken broth to thin out the soup and add depth of flavor
– Italian seasoning to bring an herby warmth to the soup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, for that authentic lasagna texture
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded for melting and creaminess
– Ricotta cheese for a tangy, rich topping
– Parmesan cheese, grated as an additional savory finish
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish and a pop of freshness

Prep Time

Preparing this lasagna soup entails minimal effort and time. Begin by prepping your vegetables, measuring out your ingredients, and breaking your lasagna noodles into manageable pieces. Within minutes, you’ll have everything ready to create this comforting dish.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

This recipe requires approximately 30 minutes of cook time, making it a relatively quick meal to whip up. Including prep time, the total time to prepare your lasagna soup is about 40 minutes. The recipe serves approximately six hearty portions, perfect for a family dinner or a meal that yields delicious leftovers.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Cook the Meat

1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, ground beef, and ground Italian sausage.
3. Break up the meat with a spatula or spoon while cooking until browned and no longer pink.
4. Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked meat.
2. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the onion is tender and fragrant.

Add Liquids and Seasonings

1. Stir in the tomato paste to coat the meat mixture evenly.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water.
3. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cook the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the soup for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Pasta

1. While the soup is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Combine Pasta and Soup

1. Add the cooked pasta to the soup right before serving.
2. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.

Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip

Cook the soup as directed but keep the pasta separate until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the pasta from soaking up excess liquid and becoming mushy.

Leftovers

Store leftover soup without the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cooked pasta separately in another container. Add pasta into the soup when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

Substitutions

1. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.
2. Gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary needs. Cook as per its specific instructions.
3. If you don’t have ricotta, use a dollop of sour cream or mascarpone instead.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
2. Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, but short pasta varieties like fusilli or penne work best.
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Cook techniques

Cooking the aromatics

Start by heating oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook diced onions with a bit of salt until softened, then add minced garlic for added aroma.

Cooking the sausage

Add Italian sausage to the pot and break it into crumbles as it cooks. It should be browned and fully cooked before moving on to the next step.

Building flavors with tomato paste and herbs

Mix in tomato paste along with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and other herbs. This enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.

Simmering the soup base

Pour in chicken stock or broth and crushed tomatoes. Let the soup simmer over low to medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cooking the noodles

Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finishing with dairy

Turn off the heat and stir in heavy cream for a creamy consistency. This adds richness to the soup.

Layering with cheese

Serve the soup topped with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, lasagna-inspired finish.

Garnishing and serving

Add fresh basil or parsley as garnish before serving. It brings brightness and a fresh flavor element to complement the soup.

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef if you prefer. It might change the flavor slightly, so consider adding extra Italian seasoning for a similar taste profile.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

How do I store leftovers?

Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating the soup to maintain the right texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk if desired. Note that the flavor and texture might vary slightly.

What vegetable additions work well in this soup?

Zucchini, spinach, or kale are great vegetables to add. Stir them into the soup during the simmering process for added nutrition.

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used. Cook them according to package instructions to ensure the right texture.

Why did my noodles turn mushy?

Overcooking the noodles or leaving them in the soup for too long can cause them to become mushy. To prevent this, cook the noodles al dente and add them to the soup just before serving.

What can I serve with lasagna soup?

Serve lasagna soup with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Easy Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a simple and satisfying soup form. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and cozy, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a favorite for the whole family.

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