Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite cozy meals: lasagna soup! Imagine the comforting layers of traditional lasagna all wrapped up in a warm, hearty bowl of soup. It’s like a big hug on a chilly day, and I can’t help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside just thinking about it! This lasagna soup has all the familiar flavors you love, but it’s so much easier to prepare. No need to worry about layering noodles and cheese—everything simmers together beautifully, creating a deliciously rich and savory dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a quiet night in. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Lasagna Soup
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and whip up this delightful lasagna soup! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, let’s start by browning the ground beef. In a large pot, heat over medium heat and add the beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat when it’s done! This helps keep our soup nice and light.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Wow, your kitchen will start to smell amazing right about now!
- Now, it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. This is where the magic starts to happen! Bring everything to a boil. I usually turn up the heat just a bit to get it bubbling faster.
- Once boiling, carefully add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir them in and let everything simmer together. You’ll want to lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on it, and give it a stir every now and then to prevent sticking!
- After the noodles are cooked to perfection, it’s time to stir in the ricotta cheese. This adds such a lovely creaminess to the soup. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste—don’t be shy! A little sprinkle of each can really enhance those flavors.
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt. You can cover the pot for a couple of minutes to help the cheese melt faster, or simply leave it uncovered and let the heat do its work. Either way, it’s going to be cheesy goodness!
That’s it! You’ve just made a warm, comforting lasagna soup that’s ready to be devoured. Serve it hot, and enjoy every single spoonful of this hearty dish!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
As much as I love sharing this delicious lasagna soup recipe, I want to remind you that the nutritional information can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Things like the type of ground meat, the broth, and even the cheese can change the numbers a little. So, while I’ve provided some general nutritional info, it’s not set in stone. Always feel free to adjust things to fit your dietary needs and preferences, and enjoy every comforting bite without worry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One pot means easy cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- The flavors are rich and comforting, just like a classic lasagna.
- It’s a hearty meal that’s filled with protein and good nutrition.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or meat alternatives.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
- It warms you right up, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort.
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Now, let’s chat about some of the ingredients in our lasagna soup and how we can tweak things to fit your tastes or dietary needs. I love that cooking can be so flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Ground Beef: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully! It’s lighter but still gives you that hearty flavor. You could even use plant-based ground meat if you prefer a vegetarian twist.
- Lasagna Noodles: Don’t have traditional lasagna noodles on hand? No problem! You can use any pasta you have in your pantry. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles or other gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Ricotta Cheese: If ricotta isn’t your favorite, you can swap it out for cottage cheese. Just blend it a bit to get a smoother texture if you’d like! You can also use a dairy-free ricotta made from nuts if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.
- Beef Broth: For a lighter flavor or if you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth are great alternatives. They’ll still give that comforting base without overpowering the dish.
- Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme works just as well. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste—maybe you love a little more basil!
- Vegetables: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Throw in some chopped spinach or kale, or even diced bell peppers or zucchini. They’ll add color and flavor, making your soup even heartier!
Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and making it work for you. So grab what you have, and let’s get cooking!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delightful lasagna soup, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. These little nuggets of wisdom can really make a difference in your cooking experience, so let’s dive in!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When you’re browning the ground beef, take your time. It’s tempting to hurry, but letting it brown properly enhances the flavor of your soup. You want that nice, rich color—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Stir Occasionally: While the soup simmers, remember to give it a gentle stir every few minutes. This not only helps prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot but also ensures all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your soup at different stages. Adjusting the seasoning along the way will help you achieve just the right balance of flavors. If you think it needs a little more salt or pepper, add it! Your taste buds will thank you.
- Let It Rest: Once you’ve added the mozzarella cheese and it’s all melty and gooey, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and meld even more, making each bowl even more delicious!
- Serve with Fresh Bread: I love serving this lasagna soup with some crusty bread or a side salad. It rounds out the meal perfectly and gives you something to dip into that comforting broth. Yum!
- Garnish for Extra Flair: If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor that makes the soup look as good as it tastes!
- Make It Ahead: This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. If you want to prep it in advance, just hold off on adding the noodles until you’re ready to serve. This way, they won’t get too soft and mushy. Just simmer everything together and then toss the noodles in for the last 20 minutes of cooking!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting lasagna soup! Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Variations of Lasagna Soup
One of the best things about this lasagna soup is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it fresh and exciting on your dinner table. Here are some fun variations you might want to try:
- Vegetable Lasagna Soup: Load your soup with an array of colorful vegetables! Think diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even some chopped carrots. You can also toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale right before serving for a nutritious boost.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic. It’ll give your soup a delightful kick that warms you up from the inside out!
- Herb Infusion: Mix up the flavors by using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Basil, thyme, and oregano can be added in generous amounts. Fresh herbs really elevate the dish, adding a vibrant taste that’s hard to beat.
- Cheesy Delight: For an extra cheesy soup, add in some Parmesan cheese along with the ricotta! You can also sprinkle more mozzarella on top before serving or even try adding a bit of cream cheese for a luxurious touch.
- Italian Sausage: Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage for a bit more flavor. It adds a lovely spice and richness that pairs beautifully with the tomato base. Just remember to break it up as it cooks!
- Chicken Lasagna Soup: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and still enjoy that comforting lasagna flavor without the extra cooking time.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While lasagna noodles are classic, feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes! Penne, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta can add a fun twist to the texture and presentation of your soup.
With these variations, you can make this lasagna soup your own and keep everyone guessing what delicious new flavor they’ll get to enjoy next. So, let your creativity shine in the kitchen, and happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious lasagna soup, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to store them properly so you can savor that comforting flavor for days to come.
First, let the soup cool down to room temperature. This step is important because putting hot food directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other foods. Once it’s cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and make reheating a breeze!
When stored correctly in the refrigerator, your lasagna soup will last about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Leave a little space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. It should keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Now, when it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, let’s talk reheating. If you’re reheating from the refrigerator, simply pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it to ensure it heats evenly. You might need to add a splash of water or broth if it’s thickened up too much. Once it’s hot and bubbling, you’re ready to serve!
If you’re reheating from frozen, the best way is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it up. If you’re in a hurry, you can run the sealed container under warm water to help it loosen up, then transfer it to a pot to heat. Just remember, frozen soups can take a bit longer to heat through, so be patient!
And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your lasagna soup just as much the next day as you did when it was freshly made. Happy eating!
Print
Comforting Lasagna Soup: 5 Simple Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A cozy and hearty lasagna soup that brings the comfort of traditional lasagna in a warm bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil. Add broken lasagna noodles.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and let it melt before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: lasagna soup, comfort food, easy recipe, hearty soup