Description of this recipe Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting, and simplified version of classic lasagna, perfect for a cozy night in. It captures all the delicious flavors of lasagna—rich tomato sauce, savory meat, creamy ricotta, and tender noodles—in an easy-to-eat soup format. This recipe is designed for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Forget layering and baking; just sauté, simmer, and serve!
Why you will love this recipe You’ll fall in love with Lasagna Soup for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings the beloved taste of lasagna to your table in under an hour. This soup is incredibly versatile – easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein. Plus, the creamy ricotta topping adds a touch of indulgence that makes every spoonful a delight. Kids and adults alike will rave about this comforting, flavorful soup!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
1 tbsp olive oil 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey 1 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tsp Italian seasoning 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
For the Ricotta Topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation: Step 1: Sauté Aromatics & Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 2: Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or ground turkey to the pot. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook until the meat is fully browned, ensuring no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This step enhances the depth of flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
Step 4: Simmer with Noodles: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Check the noodles for doneness to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Prepare Ricotta Topping: While the soup is simmering, prepare the ricotta topping. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley or basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined. Set aside until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions: Serve this Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup. This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
Tips: For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular broth. Add vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. To make it vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit the meat, adding lentils or beans for protein. If you don’t have lasagna noodles, use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving) Calories: 450 Protein: 30g Sodium: 900mg
Conclusion Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, offering all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a convenient and easy-to-make soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any occasion when you crave a warm, satisfying meal. The combination of rich tomato sauce, savory meat, tender noodles, and creamy ricotta topping creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this cozy and easy lasagna soup recipe with your loved ones!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Question 1: Can I make this soup ahead of time? Answer: Yes, Lasagna Soup is a great make-ahead meal! The flavors meld together even more when it sits in the refrigerator. Prepare the soup as directed, but wait to add the ricotta topping until serving. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave and then add the fresh ricotta topping.
Question 2: Can I freeze Lasagna Soup? Answer: Absolutely! Lasagna Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Again, it’s best to add the ricotta topping fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Question 3: What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in the topping? Answer: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese. Cottage cheese will provide a similar creamy texture, while mascarpone cheese will offer a slightly richer flavor. Alternatively, you can use a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Question 4: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Answer: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions, garlic, and meat on the stovetop as directed in the first two steps. Then, transfer the sautéed mixture to your slow cooker. Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the noodles are tender. Prepare the ricotta topping separately and add it when serving.
Question 5: How can I add more vegetables to this soup? Answer: Adding more vegetables to Lasagna Soup is a great way to boost its nutritional value and flavor. You can add diced carrots, celery, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the soup. Add the carrots and celery along with the onions at the beginning of the cooking process. Add zucchini and bell peppers a few minutes after adding the tomato paste. If you’re using spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts. Feel free to use a combination of your favorite vegetables to customize the soup to your liking.
