Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of traditional lasagna but don’t always have the time or energy to layer all the ingredients in a baking dish, then lasagna soup could become your new favorite recipe. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that delivers all of the classic lasagna flavors in a fraction of the time. With rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness in every bite, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or cozy weekend dinner.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

To recreate this quick and flavorful lasagna soup, you’ll need a mix of pantry and fresh ingredients. Each adds a unique element to the dish:

Ground meat – Options include beef, turkey, or sausage, giving the broth a savory depth.
Yellow onion – A flavorful base for the soup.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced for bold and aromatic notes.
Chicken broth – Serves as the base of the soup, adding rich flavor.
Diced tomatoes – Provides the tomato base for that signature lasagna essence.
Tomato paste – For a more concentrated tomato flavor.
Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs bringing in basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt and pepper – To taste, ensuring perfect seasoning.
Pasta – Mafaldine or another pasta that mimics lasagna noodles.
Parmesan – Adds a cheesy layer of richness.
Ricotta cheese – Offers creaminess to balance the tomato flavors.
Mozzarella – Creates stringy, cheesy bites just like in regular lasagna.
Fresh parsley – For a garnish and touch of freshness before serving.

All these ingredients together make for an irresistible soup recipe that becomes a family favorite.

Prep Time

The preparation for lasagna soup is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort. With just a bit of chopping and gathering ingredients, you’ll have everything ready in no time. Prep usually involves browning the ground meat and creating the aromatic base from sautéed onion and garlic.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking process for lasagna soup is straightforward and efficient. The components come together quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal option for busy schedules. The dish’s cook time is about 30 minutes, while total time (including prep) ranges around 40 minutes. This recipe yields a hearty meal for approximately 4 to 6 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or leftovers for the next day.

Now that you have this easy and delightful recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up a pot of lasagna soup that will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

1. Add ground beef and/or Italian sausage to the pot.
2. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through.
3. Drain any excess fat, if needed.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquid

1. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the pot, stirring to evenly coat the cooked protein.
2. Pour in canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth or beef broth.
3. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente (typically about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type of noodles).
3. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
2. Add salt, black pepper, or additional Italian seasoning to suit your taste preference.

Step 6: Serve the Soup

1. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls while hot.
2. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan as desired.
3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Step 7: Optional Final Touch

1. Serve with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Note on Protein

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of the two can be used. Ground turkey or chicken are also good protein alternatives if you prefer leaner meat.

Note on Noodles

Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces to ensure they fit well in the soup. If preferred, any short pasta type like penne, farfalle, or shells can be substituted.

Note on Broth

Chicken broth or beef broth will work for the liquid base. Use a vegetable broth for a vegetarian version if ground meat is replaced with plant-based protein.

Note on Toppings

Toppings like mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh basil are optional but enhance the soup with a lasagna-like flavor. Use as little or as much as you prefer.

Note on Storage

Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to thin the soup.

Note on Freezing

For best results, freeze the soup without the cooked pasta to prevent mushy texture upon reheating. Cook fresh pasta to add to the soup once thawed and reheated.

Note on Consistency

This soup thickens as it rests. Feel free to add more broth or water to adjust the consistency before reheating.
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Cook Techniques

Sauté aromatics

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil to create a fragrant and flavorful base for your lasagna soup.

Add protein

Brown ground meat such as Italian sausage or ground beef in the same pot after the aromatics are sautéed. This adds depth and flavor to your soup.

Deglaze the pot

Pour in a liquid, such as broth or wine, to deglaze the pot. This technique helps lift and incorporate the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.

Simmer with tomatoes and seasonings

Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and broth to the pot. Bring it to a simmer and let the flavors meld together.

Cook the pasta separately

Cook the pasta in a separate pot to prevent it from soaking up too much broth. Add the cooked pasta to the soup before serving or place it in serving bowls and ladle the soup over it.

Add cheese toppings

Stir in or top the soup with cheese, such as ricotta, mozzarella, or Parmesan, to achieve that classic lasagna flavor. The cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

Adjust consistency

If your lasagna soup is too thick, add more broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer for a bit longer to reduce and thicken the soup.

FAQ

Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What types of cheese work best for lasagna soup?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are great cheeses to use in lasagna soup. They add creaminess and replicate the flavors of traditional lasagna.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

You can freeze the soup base without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta to the soup once it’s reheated for the best texture.

What protein options can I use?

Common proteins include Italian sausage, ground beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. You can also make the soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using plant-based alternatives or extra vegetables.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure all packaged ingredients, like broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.

How do I store leftover lasagna soup?

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

How do I reheat lasagna soup?

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened while stored, add a bit of broth to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use fresh herbs?

Yes, fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley work wonderfully as garnishes or stirred in at the end for a burst of freshness.

What pasta shapes work best for lasagna soup?

Small pasta shapes like mafalda, broken lasagna sheets, or fusilli work well for lasagna soup, as they’re easy to eat and mimic the texture of traditional lasagna noodles.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, you can make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or using spicy Italian sausage.
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Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines all the classic flavors of lasagna in a bowl, making it convenient and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress everyone at the table.

Enjoy experimenting with toppings and ingredients to make it truly your own, and don’t forget to pair it with bread or a side salad for a complete meal!

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Tomato Soup

If you love comforting soups, you might also enjoy classic tomato soup. It’s simple, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Vegetarian Minestrone

For a nutritious, vegetable-packed option, try a hearty vegetarian minestrone soup loaded with beans, pasta, and seasonal veggies.

Stuffed Pepper Soup

This soup is a wonderful combination of stuffed peppers in bowl form, featuring bell peppers, tomatoes, meat, and rice.

Garlic Bread

Pair the lasagna soup with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious flavors. It’s a timeless combination!

Cesar Salad

A crisp, refreshing Caesar salad makes an excellent side dish to balance the richness of the soup, offering a crunchy and fresh element to the meal.

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