Lasagna Soup is the sort of comforting dish that warms not only your belly but also your heart. Its rich broth, infused with aromatic herbs, envelops broken lasagna noodles in a lavish embrace. This Lasagna Soup recipe is the perfect marriage of beloved Italian flavors, offering an effortless path to an impressive meal without complicated layering. Try it immediately today!
In a world full of culinary options, this Lasagna Soup stands out because it offers the same cherished taste of classic lasagna with minimal effort. With layers of gooey cheese topping every spoonful, this Lasagna Soup recipe becomes a weeknight hero. Family members of all ages will clamor for more, savoring every succulent, soothing bite, for genuine ultimate comfort tonight.
Table of contents
Reasons to Love the Recipe
Aromatic Fusion: The layers of basil, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes transform this Lasagna Soup recipe into a flavorful parade of Italian-inspired splendor. Each spoonful resonates with comforting notes your taste buds will adore.
Simplified Comfort: Traditional lasagna can be time-consuming, yet this soup version curtails the hassle while preserving that rich, cheesy satisfaction. It’s a wholesome meal that fits seamlessly into bustling weeknights.
Family-Friendly Delight: Kids squeal with excitement at the sight of these tender noodles afloat in a savory broth, while adults savor its robust taste. One weekend, I whipped up a pot for an impromptu gathering, and everyone insisted on getting the recipe. Such heartfelt appreciation truly makes cooking this Lasagna Soup a rewarding affair! Try it absolutely soon and see why!
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground beef: Provides savory depth without excessive fat. You can use higher-fat beef for extra richness if you prefer.
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage: Infuses the dish with flavorful Italian herbs and a slight hint of spice.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adjust at different stages to enhance all the flavors in your Lasagna Soup recipe.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Contributes a natural sweetness and pleasant aroma to the soup base.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onion, ensuring it turns soft and fragrant without sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the taste with its pungent, warm bite that’s iconic in Italian cuisine.
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding a tangy richness to your Lasagna Soup.
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces store-bought): Forms the heart of this Lasagna Soup recipe, weaving all the other ingredients together with a velvety tomato touch.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick that complements the sausage perfectly. Increase if you adore spiciness.
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried): Brightens the overall flavor profile and adds a pop of color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Instills that signature Mediterranean fragrance, tying everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Delivers a soft, sweetly herbal note reminiscent of classic lasagna sauce.
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Offers the soup body and comforting flavor without overwhelming sodium.
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The star of this Lasagna Soup! Breaking them makes each spoonful easy to enjoy.
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional): Boosts nutrition and color. Stir in at the end for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese): Creates that signature creamy layer that classic lasagna lovers crave.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing stretchy goodness in every bite.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a sharp, salty essence that punctuates each spoonful.
- Fresh basil, for serving: A lovely finishing garnish that adds aroma and color right before serving.
Substitutions
• Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative. If you choose turkey or chicken, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil to preserve moisture.
• Italian Sausage: Opt for chicken sausage or skip sausage altogether, using extra ground beef instead if you need a milder flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Replace with cottage cheese for a lighter, slightly tangy twist. Some cooks even use cream cheese for a richer, thicker consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Veggie broth is perfect for a vegetarian Lasagna Soup recipe, but double-check your sausage choice if you want a fully meat-free version.
• Spinach Leaves: Use kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a heartier, more fibrous green. Just simmer a few extra minutes for complete tenderness.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Time needed: 10 minutes
This Lasagna Soup combines all your favorite parts of traditional lasagna into a single pot. The cooking steps are surprisingly simple, so let’s get started!
- Brown the Meat
In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease, then remove the meat and set it aside.
- Sauté Onion
Add olive oil to the same pot, followed by the chopped onion. Stir frequently until the onion turns soft and translucent.
- Infuse with Garlic
Toss in minced garlic, letting it cook briefly to release its aromatic punch. Avoid scorching the garlic for optimal flavor.
- Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste and allow it to caramelize slightly. Next, pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in red pepper flakes, dried herbs, and parsley.
- Add Broth
Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot. Stir well to combine the flavors, then bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Reintroduce Meat
Slide the browned meat back into the pot, ensuring it’s fully immersed in the tomato-broth mixture.
- Noodle Time
Add the broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally so they don’t stick. Cook until the noodles reach a tender texture.
- Optional Greens
Stir in the spinach if you want an extra boost of color and nutrients. Let it wilt for a minute before switching off the heat.
- Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Serve
Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls, and top each serving with a spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and devour.
Expert Tips to Make It Perfect
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Add the noodles when the soup starts boiling and monitor their texture. Overcooked noodles can turn mushy.
- Taste as You Go: Regularly sample the broth to adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, ensuring that final flavor pops.
- Brown for Depth: Spend a couple of extra minutes browning the ground beef and sausage, which intensifies that savory essence in this Lasagna Soup recipe.
- Prep Your Toppings: Combine the cheeses in advance so you can quickly add them when the soup is ready, maintaining a molten, irresistibly creamy texture.
Lasagna Soup Variations
There’s so much room for creativity when making Lasagna Soup! Experiment freely with exciting twists to suit any preference.
• Veggie-Packed Powerhouse: Skip the meat altogether and load the pot with zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. A dash of smoked paprika elevates the depth so you’ll never miss the meat.
• Creamy Alfredo Twist: Replace half of the broth with a light Alfredo sauce. Your Lasagna Soup will have a rich, velvety consistency reminiscent of a white lasagna.
• Seafood Sensation: Stir in shrimp or shredded crabmeat near the end of cooking. Add a touch of lemon zest and dill to highlight fresh ocean flavors without overshadowing the lasagna essence.
• Spicy Fiesta: Swap the Italian sausage for chorizo and sprinkle in chili powder for a southwestern feel. Top with cilantro and diced avocado for a refreshing finish.
How to Store Lasagna Soup
• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled Lasagna Soup to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed.
• Freeze: If you plan to freeze, consider leaving out the lasagna noodles or cooking them separately. Noodles can become overly soft once frozen. Store the soup base for up to three months, then add fresh noodles later.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently warming. Stir occasionally to ensure an even temperature and add more seasoning if necessary.
Conclusion
This cozy, flavorful Lasagna Soup unites the iconic taste of classic lasagna with the simplicity of a one-pot dish. It’s a dependable go-to when you crave something hearty yet don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Whether you stick to the original Lasagna Soup recipe or switch it up with creative variations, you’ll love how straightforward and crowd-pleasing it is. Grab your favorite pot, gather the ingredients, and prepare to wow everyone at the table!
If you’re craving something just as easy but packed with healthy goodness, check out my Irresistible One-Pan Roasted Salmon with Veggies—a nutritious and delicious meal in no time!
PrintIrresistible One-Pot Lasagna Soup Adventure
A hearty Lasagna Soup featuring juicy ground beef, Italian sausage, broken lasagna noodles, and a trio of cheeses. This flavorful dish merges classic lasagna taste with the ease of a single pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stove-Top
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, mince
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces store-bought marinara)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion: Add olive oil and chopped onion to the pot. Stir until the onion becomes translucent.
- Cook the Garlic: Stir in minced garlic for a brief minute, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sauce: Mix in tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Pour in Broth: Carefully add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Return Meat: Reintroduce the browned meat into the pot and stir.
- Add Noodles: Stir in broken lasagna noodles, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until noodles are tender.
- Fold in Spinach: If using spinach, add it and let it wilt. Turn off the heat.
- Combine Cheeses: In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with the cheese mixture, and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Season Gradually: Taste at multiple stages, adding salt or pepper only as needed to balance flavors.
- Mind the Noodles: Add them once the soup boils and cook just until al dente. Overcooking leads to mushy noodles.
- Cheese Mixture: Prepare the cheeses beforehand, so the toppings stay extra creamy and warm when served.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Common Questions About Lasagna Soup
Absolutely. Opt for your preferred gluten-free lasagna noodles and cook them until just al dente. Keep an eye on the texture to prevent mushiness.
Not at all. Ground turkey offers a leaner profile and works wonderfully. Increase the seasoning slightly if desired, since turkey can have a milder taste.
Use low-fat cheese, skip the sausage, and add more vegetables. Also, switch to a turkey or chicken broth instead of full-sodium versions to reduce salt and fat content.
Yes. You can make the soup base and store it. For best results, add or reheat the noodles right before serving to avoid an overly soft consistency.
Certainly. Brown the meat and onions beforehand, then transfer all ingredients (except noodles and cheese) to your slow cooker. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes, and serve with the cheese topping.
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