Imagine a cozy evening in your kitchen, the scents of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes wafting through the air. Welcome to the world of lasagna soup—a delightful twist on the beloved classic. You see, lasagna has always been a family favorite, but sometimes you just can’t face the layers, the fuss, the mess, and the time it takes. Here’s where the magic of lasagna soup comes in. It’s all the warm, comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the labor of, well, layering. Picture this: you get all the gooey cheese, hearty noodles, and rich sauce, served up in a bowl—easy-peasy!
Why you’ll love this recipe
What sets this lasagna soup apart is its heartiness without the hassle. I mean, who wouldn’t love a rich, buttery broth simmering with pasta and spices, that feels both rustic and indulgent? Each bite brings you the familiarity of lasagna, but in a cozy, ladle-friendly form. It’s also super flexible; whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for game night, this is your go-to. Don’t have ricotta? No problem! You can swap it for cream cheese or skip it altogether—it’s all about making it work for you. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that evolve the longer you let it simmer. Trust me; it’s a bowl of warmth and goodness that never fails to impress.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s talk ingredients—a soup like this only shines when you have quality components.
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Ground Meat: I prefer a blend of beef and Italian sausage for that extra depth of flavor. However, turkey or even a vegetarian option works too!
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Onion and Garlic: The holy duo of flavor! They’ll sauté down to create the aromatic base, infusing the soup with warmth.
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Crushed Tomatoes: This is where your soup will get its vibrant punch of flavor. Opt for fire-roasted if you can; they add a smoky layer of goodness.
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Chicken Broth: You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version, or stick with chicken for heartiness.
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Lasagna Noodles: Break them up for that rustic feel—they soak up the broth beautifully.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy gem adds that luxurious texture, though you can definitely get creative here!
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Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Because, let’s be honest, more cheese is always better.
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Spices & Herbs: Italian seasoning is key here, adding that signature taste.
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Fresh Spinach: Toss it in just before serving for a burst of color (and nutrients!).
The cooking process explained
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Start by heating some olive oil in your favorite pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions and sauté until they’re translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
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Next, add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Trust me, this step is pure magic!
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Add your ground meat—the key player—and cook until browned. This gives your soup that hearty foundation.
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Now, we get saucy! Pour in those crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir it well, letting it simmer together for about 15 minutes.
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As the flavors mingle delightfully, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and toss them in. Allow them to cook in the soup for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
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Once your noodles are al dente, stir in the ricotta (or your chosen creamy alternative) and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Lastly, toss in the fresh spinach right before serving—it wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color!
Best way to enjoy it
Serving your lasagna soup is an art! Ladle it into beautiful bowls and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh basil can elevate it to the next level. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftover lasagna soup can be a lifesaver! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to ensure it stays as soup-like as possible—it can thicken up. If you’d like to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-friendly bags. It will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll be back in comfort-land in no time!
Pro chef tips
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Toast those spices! A quick 30 seconds in hot oil can elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Don’t rush the simmering part—let those flavors meld. A low simmer is your best friend here!
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If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked meat or instant noodles can be a game-changer.
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Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste; every kitchen is different!
Creative Twists
Want to mix it up? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for even more flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try goat cheese for a tangy kick or a sprinkle of feta for an unexpected twist.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh spinach
- Olive oil
Directions to follow
- Heat oil in pot.
- Sauté onion until translucent.
- Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Brown the ground meat.
- Mix in crushed tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Break lasagna noodles and add to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in ricotta and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add spinach just before serving.
Common questions
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How long does the soup take to make?
- About 35-40 minutes from start to finish!
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Can I use other types of pasta?
- Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose.
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Can I make this vegetarian?
- Sure! Substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
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What sides pair well with this soup?
- Garlic bread or a fresh garden salad brings it all together wonderfully.
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Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Definitely! Make it in advance, store, and just reheat when ready to serve.
There’s something truly rewarding about creating this lasagna soup—it’s comforting, easy, and utterly delicious. Give it a whirl, and I bet you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy experimenting, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
A Cozy Twist on a Classic
Description
Lasagna soup combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a warming and easy-to-make soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground meat and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned.
- Mix in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot.
- Once the noodles are al dente, stir in the ricotta cheese and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach right before serving it, allowing it to wilt.
Notes
- Adjust spices as per your taste.
