Embrace the comforting flavors of lasagna transformed into a heartwarming soup! This lasagna soup recipe simplifies a classic, delivering all the familiar layers of pasta, meat, and creamy cheese in a convenient bowl. It is a family-friendly meal, perfect for busy weeknights and chilly evenings. We will guide you through preparing this satisfying dish and provide tips for variations.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in about 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Classic Flavors: Enjoy the familiar taste of layered lasagna, complete with rich tomato and savory meat.
- One-Pot Meal: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Hearty and Fulfilling: Each spoonful offers a satisfying combination of pasta, meat, and a flavorful broth.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
- Meat Layer:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Aromatics & Base:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- Sauce & Broth:
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces store-bought marinara sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- Pasta & Veggies:
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- Creamy Topping:
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish:
- Fresh basil, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can swap ground beef or Italian sausage for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or a homemade version for this hearty lasagna soup. Experiment with cheese blends like a mix of provolone and fontina with the ricotta for a different flavor. Enhance your soup with zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition. If lasagna noodles are unavailable, use mafaldine, rotini, or another medium pasta shape. Wilt fresh spinach into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
Equipment
Gather a few kitchen tools to prepare this inviting dish. You will need a large pot or a Dutch oven for cooking the soup base and noodles. A meat chopper is an optional tool for breaking up ground meat as it cooks. Also, use a cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing vegetables. Finally, keep measuring cups and spoons ready for accuracy. A small mixing bowl is helpful for combining the cheese topping.
How to Make Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Brown the Meat: Place a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the hot pot. Break apart the meat as it cooks, seasoning with salt and pepper. Continue cooking until the meat browns completely. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot and then remove the browned meat, setting it aside in a bowl. This ensures a rich base for your lasagna soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the pot to medium heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. This step builds flavor for the soup.
- Add Garlic & Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. Next, mix in the tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, stirring continually. This allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, deepening the soup’s tomato flavor.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken or vegetable broth. Return the browned meat to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles & Spinach: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces, roughly quarters. Add these broken noodles to the simmering soup. Cook them according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If you are adding fresh spinach leaves, stir them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the spinach into the soup.
- Prepare & Serve Cheese: While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Mix these cheeses until they are well combined. Once the lasagna soup is ready, ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. Dollop a generous scoop of the creamy cheese mixture on top of each serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Achieve a robust flavor by browning your ground meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This creates a rich base for the entire soup. To avoid mushy noodles, cook them directly in the soup until just tender, then remove the pot from the heat promptly. Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level, adding more for a vibrant kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil stirred in at the end brighten the taste of the lasagna soup. Taste the soup throughout cooking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If reheating leftovers, you may want to add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup if it has thickened.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve each bowl of lasagna soup with a dollop of the creamy cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Offer crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad on the side to complete your meal. Extra Parmesan cheese is always a welcome addition for those who enjoy a sharper cheese note.
Storage
Store any leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the creamy cheese topping separate to maintain its texture and freshness.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, prepare the soup base without adding the noodles or the cheese topping. Let the soup base cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. Cook fresh lasagna noodles directly in the reheated soup just before serving. Cooked noodles tend to become mushy when frozen with the soup.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth for a plant-based stock.
- Vegan Lasagna Soup: Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and a dairy-free ricotta alternative.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a touch of milk at the end of cooking for a richer texture.
- Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup: Brown the meat and sauté aromatics on the stovetop first. Transfer to a slow cooker, add sauce and broth, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add broken lasagna noodles during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
This lasagna soup recipe provides a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal. Per serving, it typically offers approximately 450 calories, 30 grams of protein, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. Nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients, such as the type of meat or marinara sauce used.
For instance, 92% lean ground beef offers valuable protein and essential nutrients, as detailed by Meyer Market.
Preparing this dish at home gives you control over ingredients, allowing for customization to fit your dietary needs.
| Nutrients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While lasagna noodles are traditional for this soup, you can use other sturdy pasta shapes like mafaldine, rotini, or even large shell pasta. Adjust cooking times based on your chosen pasta.
How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from becoming mushy?
Add the noodles during the last stage of cooking and monitor them closely. Cook them only until they reach an al dente or tender stage, then remove the soup from the heat. Avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can prepare the soup base, including the meat, aromatics, broth, and sauce, a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat the base and then cook the noodles fresh.
How should I reheat lasagna soup leftovers?
Reheat individual servings on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of extra broth or water to thin the soup, as the noodles will absorb liquid overnight.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make a gluten-free version of this lasagna soup. Simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free lasagna noodles or other gluten-free pasta. Ensure your marinara sauce and broth are also certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup recipe offers a heartwarming and convenient way to enjoy the beloved flavors of classic lasagna without the assembly time. It is a hearty one-pot meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight solution. We encourage you to try this adaptable recipe and experience its comforting appeal. Share your creations and let us know how this lasagna soup becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
