If you’re a fan of classic lasagna but are looking for a quicker, more comforting alternative, this Lasagna Soup is your answer. This deconstructed version of lasagna combines all the rich flavors of the traditional dish into a warm, brothy soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions:
Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Prepare the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Generously: For the best presentation and flavor, top each bowl of Lasagna Soup with a dollop of the cheese mixture (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
Accompany with Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up the delicious broth. A side salad can also complement the meal nicely.
Adjusting Consistency: If the soup thickens too much as it sits, you can stir in a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Sizes: Ladle the soup into bowls and make sure to get a good mix of noodles, meat, and broth in each serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow the Lasagna Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Freezing: Lasagna Soup freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Noodle Considerations: When freezing, keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the broth, making the soup thicker. If you prefer, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating: To reheat the soup, add a little extra broth if needed, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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FAQs:
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer. Each will add a unique flavor to the soup. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a bit of extra olive oil to maintain richness.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lasagna Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some of the broth during storage, so you might need to add a little extra chicken broth when reheating.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Lasagna Soup, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses for the topping. While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, you might also try using provolone, fontina, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just be sure that the cheeses you choose melt well and complement the flavors of the soup.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or as a comforting meal for yourself, this Lasagna Soup is sure to please. It’s a delicious and practical way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. Enjoy the rich tomato flavors and gooey cheese with every spoonful!
📖 Recipe:
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Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on the classic lasagna. With a rich tomato base, savory ground beef, and tender lasagna noodles, this hearty soup is topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella for the ultimate cozy dinner. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, brothy soup.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Adjust the amount of chicken broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.
For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
