Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique twist on comforting Italian cuisine, the best lasagna soup recipe is a must-try. This delightful dish captures all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a hearty, cozy soup that’s perfect for any season. With its rich, tomato-based broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese, every spoonful is pure comfort. Not only is it an absolute crowd-pleaser, but the recipe is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting a dinner party, this lasagna soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

To prepare your lasagna soup, here is a detailed list of ingredients:

– Ground beef or sausage (about 1 pound)
– Italian seasoning (approximately 1 tablespoon)
– Onion, chopped (1 medium-sized)
– Minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
– Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces)
– Tomato sauce (1 can, 8 ounces)
– Chicken or beef broth (6 cups)
– Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (6-8 noodles)
– Ricotta cheese (1 cup)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons for sautéing)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Prep Time

Preparing the lasagna soup is simple and quick. First, gather all your ingredients and have them ready to use. Dice the onion and garlic for sautéing. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for easier serving in the soup. This recipe requires less effort in comparison to assembling a traditional lasagna dish, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without the long prep.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking this lasagna soup takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option. With a combined prep and cook time of 40 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time. This recipe makes a generous yield, typically serving 6 to 8 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!

So, why wait? Dive into the world of lasagna soup and experience the joyous combination of classic Italian taste in a warm and hearty bowl. Enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
2. Gather the Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Have them ready in your cooking space.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage.
2. Stir and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Sauces and Seasonings

1. Stir the tomato paste into the sausage mixture until well combined.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and bay leaves. Mix everything together.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

1. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta Separately

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces) or use short pasta.
3. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 7: Combine Pasta with Soup

1. Gently stir the cooked pasta into the soup just before serving. Adjust the consistency by adding extra broth if necessary.

Step 8: Prepare the Cheese Topping

1. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and salt to create a creamy topping.
2. Set this aside to garnish each serving.

Step 9: Serve

1. Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
2. Add a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each serving.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Note: Adjust Spiciness

– If using spicy Italian sausage, consider reducing additional red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Note: Broth Consistency

– Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding more broth after simmering, depending on your preferred texture.

Note: Pasta Storage

– If storing the soup, keep the pasta separate to prevent it from soaking up the liquid and becoming too soft.

Note: Cheese Substitutions

– Feel free to use your favorite cheese combination or substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for variation.

Note: Vegetarian Option

– Replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.

Cook Techniques

Use Fresh Ingredients

Ensure that you are using fresh vegetables, herbs, and high-quality meat to enhance the flavor of your lasagna soup.

Sauté Aromatics

Sauté onions, garlic, and any other aromatics first to build a rich, flavorful base for the soup.

Layer Seasonings

Add seasonings throughout the cooking process to build layers of flavor in your dish.

Simmer for Depth

Allow the soup to simmer for a longer period to deepen the flavor and allow the ingredients to meld well together.

Use Al Dente Pasta

Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente, ensuring they maintain their texture in the broth and do not become overly soft.

Top with Cheese

Garnish the soup with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan at the end for a creamy and cheesy experience.

Serve Immediately

Serve the soup as soon as it’s ready to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, pre-cooked pasta can be added towards the end of the cooking process, but it’s recommended to use fresh or slightly undercooked pasta for better texture.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze it without the pasta to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

How do I thicken the soup?

You can thicken the soup by letting it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid or by stirring in some tomato paste.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based protein or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of meat broth.

What’s the best way to reheat lasagna soup?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

What cheese works best for topping the soup?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan works best for topping lasagna soup, creating a creamy, cheesy finish.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare lasagna soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté aromatics beforehand, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta near the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that combines all the mouth-watering layers of lasagna into one hearty, flavorful bowl. It’s an easy-to-make dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prepping for the week ahead. With its rich tomato base, perfectly cooked pasta, and generous layers of cheese, this soup captures the essence of lasagna while adding a warm and cozy touch to your mealtime. Try it for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish that will quickly become a family favorite!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Tomato Basil Soup

Pairing lasagna soup with a classic tomato basil soup offers a warm and tangy option for those who love tomato-based dishes with a different texture and profile.

Garlic Bread

Serve lasagna soup with crispy garlic bread for dipping. The combination of bread and soup creates the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Caesar Salad

Add some freshness to the meal by serving lasagna soup with a Caesar salad. The crisp greens and creamy dressing complement the rich and hearty soup.

Ravioli Bake

For a pasta lovers’ delight, try a cheesy ravioli bake. It creates a nice balance, giving multiple pasta options during a gathering or dinner feast.

Stuffed Peppers

Include stuffed bell peppers filled with rice, meat, and cheese as a savory side dish that pairs exceptionally well with lasagna soup.

Creamy Alfredo Pasta

Offer creamy Alfredo pasta as a companion dish for a savory blend of creamy and tomato flavors on the table.

Caprese Salad

For a lighter choice, serve a fresh Caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to bring a refreshing side to your lasagna soup.

Herb-Infused Focaccia

Herb-infused focaccia bread can elevate your dining experience with the aromatic flavors that perfectly match the lasagna soup.

Mini Meatballs

Add mini meatballs as a topping or a side for extra protein and a fun addition to your lasagna soup.

Roasted Vegetables

Complement lasagna soup with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and brussels sprouts for a nutritious and delicious combination.