Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot soup. Packed with layers of meaty goodness, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this recipe is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a classic Italian meal in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Easy cleanup and minimal effort with everything cooked in a single pot.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Delivers all the flavors of lasagna without the layering and baking.
• Customizable: Perfect for adapting to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion and garlic
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken or beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the Protein: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Remove any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until softened.
3. Build the Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly, then add crushed tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are tender.
5. Add Cheeses: Spoon dollops of ricotta into the soup and stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta of your choice.
• Dairy-Free: Replace cheeses with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the soup if needed. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta and add it to the soup after reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta can work, but the broken lasagna noodles mimic the feel of traditional lasagna.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the soup base without the noodles and add them when reheating for the best texture.

3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone are good substitutes.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, marinara sauce can replace crushed tomatoes and tomato paste for convenience.

5. How do I make this soup thicker?

Simmer the soup longer to reduce liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

6. What’s the best broth to use?

Both chicken and beef broth work well; choose based on your flavor preference.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the meat and onions first, then combine all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the pasta in the last hour.

8. How can I add more vegetables?

Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the cooking process.

9. Is this soup spicy?

Not inherently, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or using spicy sausage.

10. Can I omit the meat altogether?

Yes, skip the meat and add extra vegetables or legumes like lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, offering the same rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors with less effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of Italian-inspired comfort!

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