Lasagna is a beloved classic in many homes, but what if you could experience all of its rich flavors in a much more comforting, warm, and easy-to-prepare form? Enter this Lasagna Soup—a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful twist on the traditional lasagna that’s perfect for cozy nights. This soul-satisfying soup combines the classic ingredients of lasagna, such as ground meat, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a creamy cheese topping, but in the form of a comforting soup that’s ready in less time and with much less effort.
Whether you’re craving a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just want to wow your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly tasty soup that might just replace your regular lasagna!
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound (450 grams) of ground beef or Italian sausage (your choice!)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) of chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup of water (add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency)
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Noodles:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their fragrant aromas. This step really enhances the flavor profile of your soup.
- Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, and the seasonings—Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re adding spice). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together, creating a rich, savory broth.
Step 2: Add the Noodles
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch chunks) and add them to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the noodles cook for 8-10 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape. You’ll want them to absorb some of the flavors from the soup while retaining a slight al dente texture.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Topping
- Combine the Cheeses: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella, and shredded Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This cheesy topping will provide the delicious, creamy element that will make this soup resemble the lasagna we all know and love.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Each serving should have a generous portion of noodles and a savory broth filled with all those tasty tomato and meat flavors.
- Add the Cheese Topping: Spoon a large dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup. The hot soup will melt the cheese slightly, creating that gooey, cheesy goodness that’s so comforting in lasagna.
- Garnish (Optional): For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top of the cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Make It Creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk to the soup just before serving. This will elevate the richness of the dish and add that velvety texture often found in lasagna.
- Thicken or Thin It: If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to allow it to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Freeze for Later: This soup is perfect for meal prep. To freeze, cook the soup as directed but keep the noodles separate. When reheating, add the noodles fresh to prevent them from becoming too soft in the freezer.
Conclusion:
This Lasagna Soup truly redefines comfort food, offering all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, soul-warming soup form. It’s a dish that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect meal for cozy nights spent with family or friends. The combination of savory ground meat, tender noodles, and the tangy, herb-infused tomato broth creates a deliciously robust flavor profile, while the creamy, cheesy topping adds that signature lasagna taste everyone craves.
What’s wonderful about this soup is its versatility. You can easily adjust the level of spice, creaminess, or richness to suit your personal preferences. Whether you decide to make it extra creamy by adding heavy cream or milk, or keep it light and simple by adding more broth for a thinner consistency, it’s a dish that’s easily customizable. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for leftovers the next day.
Beyond its flavor and ease of preparation, this Lasagna Soup is a great dish to serve at gatherings or potlucks. It’s guaranteed to impress guests with its unique twist on a classic favorite. And if you’re looking for a meal that can be prepped in advance or stored for later, this soup freezes exceptionally well, making it a go-to for busy days or meal planning.
In essence, this soup delivers all the comfort and indulgence of lasagna, without the need for hours of preparation or layering. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you’re in the mood for a warm, cheesy meal that’s both familiar and full of flavor. Give it a try, and let it become your new favorite way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna—without the fuss! Whether you serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad, this Lasagna Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation, loved by all who try it.
