Lasagna soup is like the love child of a cozy Italian dinner and a chilly winter night. Imagine diving into a warm, bubbling bowl filled with layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta that hugs your taste buds like an old friend. You can practically smell the garlic and herbs wafting through the air as you ladle this delightful concoction into your favorite bowl. It’s comfort food that doesn’t just fill your belly; it wraps you in a warm, cheesy embrace that begs for seconds.
The first time I made lasagna soup was during a snowstorm when I had to dig my car out of five feet of snow just to get to the grocery store. Let’s just say, it was worth every flake! The kitchen filled with heavenly aromas, and my family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for their bowls of goodness. After one bite, they were hooked! This dish is perfect for chilly evenings, spontaneous gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lasagna soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The combination of flavors creates a comforting experience that’s hard to resist
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors and melted cheese on top, it’s sure to impress guests
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize based on your tastes or what you have on hand
The first time I served this lasagna soup at a family gathering, everyone went back for seconds—and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose lean meat for less grease but don’t skimp on flavor; both work wonderfully.
-
Onion: A medium onion finely chopped adds sweetness and depth; don’t skip this essential layer.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced really elevate the flavor; trust me, more is often merrier.
-
Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes for smoothness or diced for chunkiness; either way, go with quality brands.
-
Beef Broth: This builds the base of our flavorful soup; low-sodium options help manage salt levels.
-
Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni; they soak up all the deliciousness.
-
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs will transport your taste buds straight to Italy; it’s worth seeking good quality.
-
Ricotta Cheese: For that creamy lasagna feel; mix with an egg for an extra smooth texture if desired.
-
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella will melt beautifully over each bowl; don’t hold back!
-
Fresh Basil or Parsley: Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor; it truly makes a difference!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Meat and Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary before adding chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes along with beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally to avoid sticking at the bottom.
Toss in Pasta: Once boiling, add your chosen pasta into the pot. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—typically 8-10 minutes should do it.
Melt in Cheese: Reduce heat after cooking pasta and stir in ricotta cheese until melted and creamy. Then add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until everything becomes bubbly.
Savor the Seasonings: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well before letting everything simmer together for about 5 minutes—this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle hot soup into bowls topped generously with remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh basil or parsley before serving immediately! Watch everyone swoon as they take their first bites.
Now that you’ve created this delightful dish from scratch, you can bask in all its cheesy glory! Enjoy every spoonful because you’ve earned it after all that chopping and stirring!
You Must Know
- The secret to a creamy lasagna soup lies in the balance of cheese and broth
- Don’t skip on the fresh herbs; they elevate the flavor immensely
- This dish is perfect for cozy nights, filling your kitchen with a delicious aroma that beckons everyone to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add ground meat. While that cooks, prepare your broth and noodles. Mixing everything together at the right time creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional ingredients! Try spinach instead of kale or add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. A splash of red wine can also enhance richness with every spoonful.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Add a dollop of ricotta on top before serving for extra creaminess
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasonings perfectly
- Using no-boil lasagna noodles saves time and effort while maintaining texture in your soup
It reminds me of the first time I made lasagna soup for friends; their faces lit up as soon as they tasted it! It’s now a staple for gatherings.
FAQ
Can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and replace meat with hearty vegetables or lentils.
How do I thicken my lasagna soup?
To thicken, let it simmer longer or add more cheese during cooking.
What should I serve with lasagna soup?
A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with lasagna soup.
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with the warmth of a hearty soup. Perfect for cold nights or gatherings, this dish features layers of rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a meal that promises seconds, if not thirds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups small pasta (such as shells or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth; bring to a boil.
- Add pasta; cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Lower heat and mix in ricotta cheese until creamy. Add half of the mozzarella until melted.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve in bowls topped with remaining mozzarella and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
