Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna is a beloved classic that has graced family dinner tables for generations. But have you ever tried it in soup form? Lasagna soup combines all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna—savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese—into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty but not too heavy, lasagna soup is a must-try recipe. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish, and be sure to follow each step for a perfectly delicious result!

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup is a deconstructed version of the traditional lasagna, where all the classic ingredients like ground meat, tomatoes, herbs, and pasta are combined in a rich broth. Instead of layering the components as you would in a baked lasagna, they are simmered together in one pot, making this recipe quicker and easier to prepare while still delivering that comforting, homestyle taste. This soup is topped with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella, bringing the cheesy goodness of lasagna into every spoonful.

Ingredients List for Lasagna Soup

To create this delicious lasagna soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a rich, meaty flavor. You can use a mix of both for an even more complex taste.
• 1 onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor base.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic richness.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of the soup’s broth, delivering that classic tomato flavor.
• 4 cups beef broth: Creates the soup’s base while enhancing the meatiness of the dish.
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, making the soup rich and hearty.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its authentic Italian taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors.
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The star of the dish, these noodles absorb the soup’s flavors while adding texture.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy finish that’s reminiscent of lasagna’s classic cheese layer.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the soup, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Olive oil for sautéing: Helps to brown the meat and vegetables, unlocking their flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about lasagna soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Ground Meat: Swap out the ground beef or sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
• Noodles: If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another type of pasta, like penne or rotini.
• Cheese: For a lower-fat version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. You can also experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or provolone for added flavor.
• Vegetables: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and stir to ensure they don’t stick together. Simmer the soup for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a bit of bite. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from clumping.
5. Finish the Soup: Return the browned meat to the pot and stir to combine. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the soup simmers, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set this aside for serving.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a garnish of fresh parsley or basil.

How to Cook Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking lasagna soup is straightforward, but following each step carefully ensures that you achieve the best flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Start by browning the meat. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the soup’s flavor. Be sure to cook the meat thoroughly, but don’t overdo it—just until it’s no longer pink.
2. Sautéing the onion and garlic is the next step. This helps to build the flavor base of your soup. Make sure the onion is softened before adding the garlic, as this prevents the garlic from burning and turning bitter.
3. The tomato paste should be cooked briefly to concentrate its flavor before adding the crushed and diced tomatoes, which form the bulk of the soup’s base.
4. Adding the broth and seasonings creates the soup’s flavorful liquid. Use a good-quality beef broth for the best taste.
5. Cooking the noodles directly in the soup allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors. Be sure to stir the soup frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
6. Finishing with the meat adds back all the savory goodness from the browned meat, giving the soup a rich, hearty flavor.
7. The cheese mixture is what makes this soup truly reminiscent of lasagna. Adding it right before serving ensures it melts into the soup perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Noodles: The lasagna noodles should be al dente, meaning they should have a slight bite to them. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture in the soup.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Since this soup is rich and hearty, it’s important to taste as you go and season with salt and pepper accordingly. A well-seasoned soup will have a balanced and full flavor.
• Skipping the Tomato Paste: This might seem like a small ingredient, but it adds depth and richness to the soup that you don’t want to miss.
• Forgetting the Cheese: The ricotta and mozzarella are key to giving the soup that lasagna flavor. Don’t skimp on these ingredients—they make the soup indulgent and delicious.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving lasagna soup, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some tips to elevate your soup from good to gourmet:

• Use Deep Bowls: Lasagna soup is hearty, so deep bowls are ideal for serving. They also help keep the soup warm longer.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and a burst of freshness to each bowl.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy about adding extra mozzarella on top. You can even broil the bowls for a minute to melt the cheese completely.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a meal in itself, but you can make it a complete dining experience with the right accompaniments:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Alongside Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is a classic pairing with any Italian dish, and it works beautifully with this soup.
• Paired with a Glass of Wine: A robust red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs perfectly with the flavors of lasagna soup.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Soup

• Individual Serving Bowls: Serve the soup in individual bowls with a small dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
• Family-Style: For a more casual setting, serve the soup in a large pot with the cheese and herbs on the side, allowing guests to customize their own bowls.
• Garnish with a Parmesan Crisp: For a touch of elegance, top each bowl with a homemade Parmesan crisp.

Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add the noodles and cheese when you’re ready to serve.
• Freeze for Later: Lasagna soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just leave out the noodles and cheese before freezing, and add them when reheating.
• Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer. For a thinner soup, add a bit more broth or water.
• Try Different Noodles: Experiment with different types of pasta, like bowtie or elbow macaroni, to change up the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make lasagna soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before adding everything (except the noodles and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking, and top with cheese just before serving.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and replace the meat with a plant-based alternative or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

3. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or water, as the noodles will absorb some liquid as the soup sits.

4. Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles? Yes, any pasta will work in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

5. Is there a way to make this soup spicier? If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on a traditional dish, offering all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time. With its rich broth, hearty meat, tender noodles, and creamy cheese topping, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it on a cold winter night or for a special family dinner, lasagna soup is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious bowl of lasagna soup today!

Print