Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

Lasagna soup is the best kind of comfort food.

If you love the flavors of traditional lasagna but want something quicker and easier to prepare, lasagna soup is the perfect solution. This recipe delivers all the rich, savory notes of the classic Italian dish in a warm, hearty bowl that’s easy to make and ideal for any weeknight dinner. If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, this lasagna soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Essentials for the Soup Base

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Yellow onion
Minced garlic
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes
Chicken or beef broth

Seasonings and Flavor Boosters

Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Chili flakes (optional)

Pasta and Dairy

Lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil (for garnish)

Prep Time

Make cooking less stressful with preparation

The preparation process for this lasagna soup is much quicker than building a traditional layered lasagna. The ingredients are straightforward, making it easy to assemble everything and create a hearty, one-pot meal.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Quick yet satisfying cook time

The cooking time includes browning the meat, creating the soup base, and simmering the noodles until perfectly tender. Including the prep time, you can have this dish on the table in approximately 40 minutes. The recipe yields several servings, making it excellent for family meals or leftovers for the week.

In summary, lasagna soup is a comforting, flavor-packed recipe that transforms traditional lasagna into a beautiful bowl of soup. With its rich tomato base, cheesy goodness, and perfectly seasoned ingredients, it’s a meal that everyone can enjoy. Adjust the spice, cheeses, or herbs based on your preferences to make it your own—a delicious bowl of lasagna soup is waiting for you to try!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

– In a large pot, add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the ground beef, break it up into smaller chunks, and cook until browned.
– Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

– Once the beef is cooked, remove any excess grease from the pot if needed.
– Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

– Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize the paste.
– Add in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

– Pour in the chicken or beef broth into the pot. Stir and bring everything to a boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

– Add the uncooked pasta directly into the soup.
– Let it simmer for 9-11 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your desired texture.

Step 6: Mix in Cheeses and Spinach

– Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until combined and creamy.
– Add fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt gently in the soup.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

– Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
– Serve hot in bowls, and garnish with more Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or parsley if desired.

Notes

Note 1: Meat Options

– Feel free to use ground chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Note 2: Pasta Choices

– You can use any small pasta shape like rotini, shells, or ditalini for this recipe.

Note 3: Make It Spicy

– Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

Note 4: Storage

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot over medium heat.

Note 5: Make Ahead Tips

– To keep the pasta from absorbing too much liquid, cook and store it separately, then add to the soup when reheating.

Note 6: Dairy-Free Option

– Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative.

Note 7: Additional Toppings

– Top with ricotta cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
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Cook Techniques

How to Sauté Aromatics

Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil over medium heat. This enhances their natural flavors and provides a rich base for the soup.

Browning the Sausage

Cook the sausage until it is browned, ensuring it adds a robust and savory flavor to the broth. Break it apart with your cooking spoon as it cooks for even pieces.

Cooking the Pasta

Add lasagna pasta directly into the soup for a one-pot recipe, ensuring the pasta absorbs the flavorful broth. Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its structure.

Making a Creamy Base

Mix heavy cream with parmesan cheese and add to the soup at the end. This method gives the soup a rich, creamy texture without overpowering other flavors.

Using Fresh Herbs

Add fresh basil and parsley at the end of cooking for vibrant and fresh herbal notes that complement the richness of the soup.

FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can substitute lasagna pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, though lasagna pasta adds a unique texture and feel to the soup.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove when needed. Add a bit of broth or water while reheating to adjust the consistency.

Can this soup be made vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and use plant-based meat alternatives or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.

What’s the best broth to use?

Chicken broth is recommended, but you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or beef broth for a deeper flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely. Prepare the soup without adding the pasta and store it. When ready to serve, heat the soup and cook the pasta directly in the reheated broth for maximum freshness.

How do I prevent the pasta from soaking all the broth?

Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving, or increase the broth-to-pasta ratio if left in the soup.
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Conclusion

Lasagna soup is the perfect comfort food, combining all the classic flavors of a traditional lasagna into a cozy one-pot meal. From its hearty ground meat base to the rich marinara broth, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, this dish is everything satisfying in a bowl. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and delicious, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the essence of lasagna without the effort of layering and baking. Give it a try and savor the richness of this comforting soup!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Chicken Alfredo Pasta

If you love creamy and cheesy dishes, try making a chicken alfredo pasta that pairs perfectly with garlic bread on the side.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Enjoy the perfect combination of flavors by filling bell peppers with ground meat, marinara, rice, and cheese baked until golden.

Garlic Breadsticks

Enhance your lasagna soup experience by serving it with soft, buttery, and garlicky breadsticks to dip into the soup.

Caprese Salad

For a lighter side, prepare a refreshing caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Spaghetti Bolognese

If you’re craving another pasta dish, spaghetti bolognese is a classic and comforting choice bursting with hearty flavors.

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