Lasagna Soup brings the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, slurpable form. With savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, this soup has all the elements of your favorite lasagna in a single bowl. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna Soup combines all the delicious elements of classic lasagna in a quick and easy soup form. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich, cheesy goodness offers a comforting meal that warms you from the inside out. With the addition of fresh herbs and a hearty broth, this soup is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the soup simmers, in a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Assemble the Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian twist. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to increase the heat level of the soup.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar in place of mozzarella for a new flavor profile.
- Pasta Options: Use other types of pasta, such as rotini or fusilli, if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Lasagna soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the soup completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to improve as it sits.
2. Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
3. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe and will give the soup a lighter, leaner option.
5. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the ground beef.
6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions in a skillet first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles 30 minutes before serving.
7. Can I skip the pasta and make a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can skip the pasta entirely or use gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
8. How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft in the soup?
To prevent the noodles from overcooking and becoming too soft, add them towards the end of the cooking process and only cook them until al dente.
9. Can I make this recipe in one pot?
Yes, this is a one-pot dish. You can make it all in a large pot or Dutch oven, making cleanup easier.
10. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and flavor.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, offering all the comfort in a quick and easy soup form. The hearty ingredients come together for a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With endless variations to suit your preferences, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
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Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lasagna Soup brings the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting soup form. With savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals. It’s a cozy, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Add Pasta:
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. -
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. -
Assemble the Soup:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt into the soup. -
Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Option: Add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Cheese Variety: Substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Options: Use other small pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
