Lasagna Soup Recipe

There's something magical about the comforting flavors of lasagna, and this Lasagna Soup captures all that magic in a single pot! Imagine hearty pasta, rich tomato broth, and gooey cheese blending into a warm bowl of joy. It's the perfect way to enjoy lasagna's iconic taste without the time-consuming layers.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I craved lasagna but couldn’t commit to the process. This quick and easy alternative has since become a family staple, especially on chilly evenings when everyone wants something hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

Get ready to experience all the comfort of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-make, one-pot meal! This Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and minimal cleanup.

First off, it’s fast. While a classic lasagna takes over an hour to prep and bake, this soup comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.

Next, it’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this soup, thanks to its familiar, cheesy, tomato-based flavors. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal everyone will devour.

Budget-conscious cooks will also appreciate how affordable this dish is. With simple pantry staples like ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and pasta, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using leftover pasta, swapping out proteins, or adding extra veggies, this soup adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to the bold, comforting flavors of this Lasagna Soup lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

• Ground beef or Italian sausage: These form the hearty base of the soup. For a leaner option, ground turkey works just as well.
• Crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato flavor is essential. I recommend a good-quality brand like San Marzano for the best results.
• Pasta: Broken lasagna noodles are traditional here, but any short pasta like rotini or farfalle will work. The key is to cook it until just tender, so it holds up in the broth.
• Cheese trio: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives this soup its cheesy, lasagna-like finish. You’ll mix the ricotta and Parmesan to dollop on top, while the mozzarella melts perfectly into the soup.
• Herbs and spices: Garlic, onion, basil, and oregano bring all those Italian flavors you love. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—it’s what makes the soup taste like lasagna!

You’ll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to make this recipe. A ladle and sturdy wooden spoon will make stirring and serving a breeze.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Making Lasagna Soup is as easy as layering flavors in one pot. Here’s how to do it:

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove any excess grease to keep the soup light.

Next, stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the soup.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that signature Italian kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Meanwhile, prepare the cheese topping by mixing ricotta and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

When the pasta is ready, stir in shredded mozzarella for that gooey, cheesy goodness. Ladle the soup into bowls, dollop with the ricotta mixture, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Storage Options

This Lasagna Soup is a great make-ahead dish, and leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.

To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Lasagna Soup lies in its adaptability. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Protein swap: Use ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed twist.
• Cheese alternatives: If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works as a creamy substitute. Vegan cheeses can also be used for a dairy-free version.
• Pasta variety: Try penne, shells, or bowtie pasta if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier soup.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. No matter how you tweak it, the result will be a comforting bowl of goodness.

There you have it—a quick and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. Serve this Lasagna Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple salad, and watch it become a favorite in your household!

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