Lasagna Soup: A Comfort Food Classic Reimagined

Craving the rich, satisfying flavors of lasagna but without the time-consuming layering and baking? Then get ready to fall in love with Lasagna Soup! This hearty and flavorful soup delivers all the deliciousness of a classic lasagna in a fraction of the time. Imagine tender lasagna noodles swimming in a vibrant tomato-based broth, infused with savory ground beef (or your favorite protein), creamy ricotta cheese, and fragrant herbs. This isn’t just a quick weeknight meal; it’s a culinary adventure that redefines comfort food. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, promising a delicious and satisfying result every single time. Prepare yourself for a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a taste of Italian heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Lasagna Soup recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s a game-changer. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires hours of preparation and baking, this soup comes together in under an hour. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a warm, comforting meal without sacrificing precious time. Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking, substituting ingredients and adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer chicken or vegetables instead of beef? Go for it! The possibilities are endless. Thirdly, this Lasagna Soup is incredibly flavorful. The rich tomato broth, combined with the savory ground beef, creamy ricotta, and aromatic herbs, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and creamy, making it a truly satisfying meal. Finally, it’s incredibly easy to clean up! One pot, minimal dishes – what’s not to love?

Why You Should Try This Lasagna Soup Recipe

Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this Lasagna Soup offers several compelling reasons to add it to your recipe repertoire. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Have some ricotta cheese nearing its expiration date? This soup is the perfect solution! Similarly, leftover cooked vegetables can be easily incorporated for a more nutritious and flavorful meal. Furthermore, this Lasagna Soup is a fantastic option for meal prepping. Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for easy, healthy lunches or dinners. This saves you time and effort during the week, freeing up your schedule for other activities. Moreover, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to other Italian dishes. The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it a practical choice for families on a budget. Finally, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests without the fuss of a complicated dish. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a casual weeknight meal. Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients and Utensils for the Best Lasagna Soup

Gathering the right ingredients and having the proper tools will ensure the success of your Lasagna Soup. Let’s break down what you need:

• Main Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A high-quality olive oil will enhance the flavor of the soup.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best; chop it finely for even cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix): Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option; Italian sausage adds a richer, spicier flavor.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their rich and sweet flavor.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds body and depth to the tomato base.
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The juice adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian herb for a fragrant aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
• 15 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces: Oven-ready noodles work well and reduce cooking time. You can also use regular lasagna noodles but ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the soup.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Part-skim ricotta reduces fat content while maintaining creaminess.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor. Freshly grated is always best.
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley: A fresh garnish for a pop of color and flavor.
• Utensils:
• Large pot or Dutch oven: A heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the soup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Can opener: For opening the cans of tomatoes.
• Colander or strainer: Optional, if you want to drain the diced tomatoes.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Delicious Lasagna Soup

Let’s embark on creating this comforting Lasagna Soup. Follow these steps closely for optimal results:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Tip: Don’t burn the garlic; low to medium heat is key.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Tip: Drain any excess grease if desired. For Italian sausage, remove it from its casing before browning.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Tip: The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes.
4. Add the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir gently to combine. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Tip: If using regular lasagna noodles, ensure they are fully cooked before adding them. You might need to add a little water or broth to help the noodles cook through.
5. Stir in the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Tip: Add the cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Let the residual heat from the soup melt the cheese nicely.
6. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately. Tip: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations for Your Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly adaptable. Experiment with these tips and variations:

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Check out our other recipes for more inspiration!
• Vegetable Additions: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sautee these before adding the meat for optimal flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Creamier Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, and use vegan ricotta cheese.
• Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Follow the instructions on your noodle packaging for ideal cooking times. Overcooked noodles will become mushy.
• Don’t skip the simmering step: Allowing the sauce to simmer develops deep, rich flavors. It’s crucial for the overall taste of your Lasagna Soup.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Lasagna Soup

While the exact nutritional values depend on the specific ingredients used, a serving of Lasagna Soup generally provides a good source of protein from the meat and ricotta cheese. The tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits. The vegetables you add (if any) further boost the nutritional profile by adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it is important to consider that it is a relatively high-calorie dish due to the cheese and meat content. For a healthier version, choose lean ground meat, reduce the amount of cheese, and add plenty of vegetables.

While the precise nutritional information requires a specific nutritional calculator based on your exact ingredient choices, a general estimate per serving would include approximately 350-500 calories, 20-30 grams of protein, 15-25 grams of fat, and 30-40 grams of carbohydrates. These values are rough estimates and may vary depending on the type of meat, cheese, and vegetables used.

The benefits of the ingredients include:

• Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
• Ricotta Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle growth.
• Ground Beef (or alternative): Provides protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Herbs (Oregano and Basil): Contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Remember to adjust portion sizes and ingredient choices to fit your individual dietary needs and preferences. Consult a nutritionist or dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

FAQs

This Lasagna Soup recipe is a true testament to comfort food. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Remember to adjust the recipe to your preferences, adding your favorite vegetables, spices, or proteins. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Once you’ve tried this recipe, share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you customized it and what you thought! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media. Happy cooking! You can also find more amazing recipes on my blog and check out these delicious pancakes!

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Easy Lasagna Soup

A comforting and flavorful twist on classic lasagna, this soup is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy the hearty taste of lasagna without the fuss!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 medium Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes can
• 15 ounces Tomato Sauce can
• 15 ounces Diced Tomatoes can, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 15 ounces Lasagna Noodles broken into 1-inch pieces
• 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
• 1/2 cup Parsley chopped, fresh

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles and ricotta cheese. Stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.