There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with the delicious flavors of lasagna! I’ve always been a big fan of lasagna, but sometimes I just don’t have the time (or energy) to layer and bake it. That’s when I discovered this incredible recipe for Lasagna Soup. It combines all the cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but in a bowl, making it the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings.
I remember the first time I made this soup; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving some comfort food. I had some ground beef in the fridge and a few lasagna noodles hanging out in the pantry. Knowing I couldn’t be bothered to cook an entire lasagna, I thought, “Why not turn it into a soup?” And boy, am I glad I did! Every spoonful felt like a warm hug, and my family devoured it in no time. Now, it has become a staple in our home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
What’s in Lasagna Soup?
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is our protein base! I usually go for lean ground beef, but if you’re in the mood for something more flavorful, Italian sausage can elevate this soup to heavenly levels. Both options are delicious!
Onion: A medium onion, chopped up, adds a sweet and savory depth to the soup, enhancing all the other flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! Three cloves, minced, are just what we need to give this dish a stunning aroma.
Chicken or Beef Broth: This forms the flavorful base of our soup. I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt to your taste.
Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These canned goodies provide rich taste and color—the heart of our soup’s flavor. Get your hands on a quality brand for the best results!
Lasagna Noodles: Breaking them into pieces allows them to soak up all the delicious broth. You can opt for whole wheat noodles for a healthier spin if you like!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic lasagna flavor to our soup. Feel free to use your favorite mix!
Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but add a delightful kick if you’re in the mood for something spicy. Just a pinch goes a long way!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy delight contributes to that beloved lasagna texture. It’s the star topping that makes each bite heavenly.
Shredded Mozzarella and Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better. These two combined create a cheesy, gooey topping that’s totally irresistible.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: A sprinkle of these herbs adds a fresh touch to the soup just before serving, and they brighten up the flavors!
Is Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health. It’s always nice to know what we’re putting into our bodies, isn’t it?
Ground Beef: While it provides ample protein and iron, I recommend using lean options or turkey for a leaner dish.
Ricotta Cheese: This gem is lower in fat compared to other cheeses and can give you a good dose of calcium. Milky goodness, hooray!
Vegetables: With onion and the acid from tomatoes, you’re getting some hidden nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some sautéed spinach or bell peppers to amp up the veggie content.
Just keep an eye on your salt intake, especially if you’re using store-bought broth and canned tomatoes, which can sometimes pack more sodium than we’d like!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 cups water
– 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 2 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
**Servings:** This recipe makes about 6-8 hearty servings. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week!
How to Make Lasagna Soup?
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, then cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat!
2. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Your kitchen should smell divine at this point!
3. Stir in the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Bring everything to a rolling boil.
4. Once boiling, add in the broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re brave), salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender and soak up all that flavor.
5. While your soup is simmering, grab a bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Put that aside, it’ll be worth the wait!
6. Once your noodles are cooked to perfection, ladle the soup into bowls. Drop a scoop of your ricotta mixture into each bowl. You can’t forget to sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese!
7. Give the bowls a quick 1-2 minute turn back in the pot, just until the cheese melts and your heart does a little dance. Alternatively, serve immediately with the cheese piled on top.
8. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your hearty Lasagna Soup!
Serving Suggestions and Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
You’re going to want to stock up on some crusty bread for dipping because, let’s be real, soup and bread are a match made in heaven! If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider adding more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also swap out the meat for lentils to make it vegetarian-friendly. I sometimes switch it up with some crispy bacon bits—talk about over-the-top deliciousness!
In summary, this Lasagna Soup is not just easy to make; it’s also a hearty hug in a bowl that warms you right up. I hope you give this recipe a try and share your own cozy stories with it. I can’t wait to see how you enjoy it! Happy cooking!
