Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, you can enjoy the delightful taste of traditional lasagna in a cozy soup form. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Its unique combination of pasta, cheese, and savory broth makes it a standout choice for busy weeknights or special celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can get this delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Family Favorite: The comforting flavors of lasagna make it a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup by adding vegetables or using different types of cheese based on your preference.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cook everything in one pot, making cleanup easy and efficient.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your lasagna soup, gather the essential tools that will help streamline the process. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking large batches while allowing enough space for stirring without spills.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts for balanced flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
To create this delicious lasagna soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or preferred oil)
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce (or tomato puree)
- 1/3 cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or more as needed to adjust flavor)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) (see footnote)
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved, shredded, or fresh grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Once the meat is browned, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Once boiling, add uncooked bowtie pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer until pasta is tender—usually about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses
After the pasta has cooked through, remove from heat. Stir in ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted. Adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of lasagna soup!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Family Style
- Serve the lasagna soup in a large pot on the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, communal atmosphere.
Individual Bowls
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with extra cheese or fresh herbs. This personal touch makes each serving special.
With Crusty Bread
- Pair your lasagna soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the delicious broth and adds texture to the meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your dish.
Cheese Lovers Delight
- Add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top before serving. Melting cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that everyone will love.
With a Side Salad
- Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The freshness of the salad complements the hearty soup perfectly.
How to Perfect Lasagna Soup
To ensure your lasagna soup turns out amazing every time, follow these easy tips for perfection.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ingredients elevate the dish’s flavor. Opt for high-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season Well: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences to make sure every bowl is flavorful.
- Cook Pasta Separately: If you’re making leftovers, cook pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy when reheating.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese like gouda or provolone for added depth in flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with lasagna soup can elevate your meal even more. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors well.
-
Garlic Bread
A classic choice, garlic bread adds crunch and richness that pairs perfectly with the soup. -
Caesar Salad
This crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup and enhances your dining experience. -
Caprese Skewers
Easy-to-make skewers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer bright flavors that balance out the hearty soup. -
Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted vegetables brings earthy flavors that complement the richness of lasagna soup beautifully. -
Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory bites are filled with cheese and herbs, making them an excellent appetizer alongside your main dish. -
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and brightness that cuts through the richness of lasagna soup, making it a refreshing addition. -
Antipasto Platter
An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables rounds out your meal with varied tastes and textures. -
Fruit Salad
For something light and sweet, serve fruit salad as a palate cleanser between bites of savory lasagna soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best cooks can make mistakes when making lasagna soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and spices as needed during cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long in the soup will result in a mushy texture. Add the pasta near the end of cooking for perfect al dente.
- Not using enough liquid: Lasagna soup should be hearty but not dry. Ensure you add enough broth and water to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Forgetting to stir regularly: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Be sure to stir your soup every few minutes while it simmers.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for fresh herbs, high-quality cheeses, and good meat for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store lasagna soup in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lasagna Soup
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in increments of 1 minute until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making lasagna soup that might help you perfect this comforting dish.
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, combining all its flavors into a hearty soup form. It’s easy to prepare and full of comforting ingredients.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare lasagna soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you’re not keen on ricotta cheese, you can substitute cottage cheese or omit it entirely for a lighter version of lasagna soup.
How do I customize Lasagna Soup?
Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out the ground beef for turkey or sausage based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup is an amazing way to enjoy all the comfort of classic lasagna with less effort. It’s versatile too! You can customize it with different cheeses or veggies according to what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try; your family will love its cozy vibes!
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, cozy soup. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a special celebration. With savory ground beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses simmered in a flavorful tomato broth, this soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Bowtie pasta
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked bowtie pasta; reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat; stir in ricotta and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
