Easy Lasagna Soup

Name: Easy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Stovetop
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil for garnish

Isabella

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If you’re craving the rich flavors of lasagna but want a quicker, more comforting option, look no further than this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe. Packed with savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy ricotta, this dish brings all the classic elements of lasagna into a warm, delicious soup. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

4 cups beef broth

2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken)

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:

Brown the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Incorporate Spices: Add dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Finish with Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined. Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil for garnish.

Serving Tips:

Serve Immediately: This soup is best enjoyed right after cooking while the pasta is tender, and the ricotta is creamy. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Pair with Crusty Bread: Garlic bread, Italian bread, or baguettes are perfect for dipping into the rich broth, making it a complete meal.

Add a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup. A Caesar salad would also work well.

Customize the Garnish: For more flavor, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dash of chili flakes on top. You can also offer extra ricotta or mozzarella on the side for those who love extra creaminess.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the soup cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing: Lasagna soup freezes well. If you’re planning to freeze it, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Freeze the soup (without the pasta) in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water as the pasta tends to soak up liquid during storage.

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: When reheating, try not to overcook the pasta, as it can become too soft. If you find the pasta has absorbed too much liquid, you can add more beef broth to restore the soup’s consistency.

Related Recipes:

Easy Lasagna Recipe

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of pasta for lasagna soup?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie instead of lasagna noodles. Just ensure the pasta cooks to al dente in the soup to prevent it from becoming mushy. Broken lasagna noodles add a fun, traditional twist, but other shapes work just as well.

Can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or sausage with plant-based ground meat or leave it out entirely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors rich while making the soup fully vegetarian.

Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and getting soft during storage.

How can I make lasagna soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or more ricotta cheese. Stirring in some cream cheese also adds richness and thickness to the soup, giving it a decadent, velvety finish.

Conclusion:

With its comforting flavors and quick preparation, this Easy Lasagna Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a casual gathering, it promises to deliver the heartwarming goodness of lasagna in a convenient soup form. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful taste of lasagna in a bowl!