There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Lasagna Soup on a chilly evening. The rich aroma of savory ground meat, sweet tomatoes, and melting cheese offers an inviting warmth that wraps around you like a soft blanket. Perfect for family gatherings or a quiet night in, this delightful dish combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting soup that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The delicious, hearty nature of Lasagna Soup will leave you and your loved ones feeling nourished and content.
What Makes This Special
Lasagna Soup is a fabulous twist on a beloved dish, bringing the essence of lasagna to a cozy, spoonable format. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Effortless and quick to prepare
- Packed with rich flavors
- Nutrient-dense with fresh vegetables
- Versatile for various dietary preferences
This unique soup packs all the deliciousness you crave, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
Gather These Ingredients
Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, let’s collect the ingredients. Each component plays a significant role in creating the comforting flavors of Lasagna Soup, and feel free to swap items as needed.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese for serving
With these simple ingredients, you’ll be ready to create a wonderful meal that warms the heart.
Bringing It Together
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In a large pot, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Allow the meat to sizzle and brown beautifully, then drain any excess fat.
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Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them together as they cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
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Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. As you combine these ingredients, the colors will brighten in the pot, giving you a preview of the deliciousness to come.
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Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak in all the flavors and become tender; it’s truly the heart of this soup.
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Stir in the spinach or kale until wilted, adding a pop of green that enhances both the flavor and presentation.
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Lastly, serve the soup hot, dolloped with ricotta cheese and topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Watching the cheese melt into the warm broth is a feast for the eyes, and the flavors truly sing in this dish.
Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 30 minutes, Total ~ 40 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 350.
Prepare in Advance
Making this Lasagna Soup ahead of time is simple and can save you effort during busy days. You can prepare the soup up to the point before serving. Just allow it to cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you are ready to enjoy it, reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. A little extra broth can help bring back its original consistency if it thickens too much.
Storing and Reheating
For those delicious leftovers, storing Lasagna Soup is straightforward. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months.
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to avoid burning. Adding a splash of broth can refresh the flavors and texture. For the best results, consume your stored soup within three days for the freshest taste.
Perfect Pairings
Want to enhance your Lasagna Soup experience? Here are some wonderful accompaniments that perfectly complement this dish:
- Garlic bread for a crunchy, buttery side
- Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast
- A glass of red wine to elevate the meal
- Fresh basil as a fragrant garnish
- A dollop of pesto to add an exciting twist
These sides will not only complement the soup but also create a delightful dining experience.
Make It Your Own
Lasagna Soup is highly customizable, allowing you to make it truly yours. Here are some great ways to adapt the recipe:
- Swap out the ground beef for turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter option.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary needs.
- Add in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Replace ricotta with cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Feel free to experiment and create variations that suit your taste!
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
For the best results with your Lasagna Soup, remember these pro tips:
- Cook meat until well-browned for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic first; this builds a rich base.
- Adjust cooking time based on the type of noodles used; fresh noodles will cook more quickly than dried.
- Let the soup simmer long enough to meld the flavors for a more profound taste.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving for a delightful finish.
Your Questions, Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about Lasagna Soup:
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. -
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Any pasta shape can be used, but be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary. -
Is it possible to make Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown your meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. -
Are there dairy-free alternatives for the cheeses?
Yes, you can use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella options available at most grocery stores. -
How do I reheat soup without losing flavor?
Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth if it thickens.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna Soup is not just a meal, but an experience that brings comfort and joy. With its blend of familiar flavors and easy preparation, it makes for an excellent go-to recipe for any time of the year. Whether you’re cozying up with loved ones or treating yourself to a warm bowl of happiness, you’ll be delighted by every spoonful. So gather the ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a heartfelt serving of Lasagna Soup soon!
PrintLasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup packed with rich flavors of ground meat, tomatoes, and melting cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
- Serve hot, dolloped with ricotta cheese and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Make ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove and add extra broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lasagna, soup, comfort food, Italian, easy recipe