Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Twist on the Classic Italian Dish

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the rich, hearty flavors of lasagna. But what if you could enjoy all the classic tastes of this Italian favorite in a bowl? Enter Lasagna Soup—a delicious, cozy twist on the traditional recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

This easy-to-make dish brings together everything you love about lasagna—savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, tender noodles, and gooey cheese—in a flavorful soup that’s ready in no time. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delightful recipe at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat:
    Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics:
    Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Build the Soup Base:
    Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes for extra depth of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Simmer for Flavor:
    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  5. Cook the Pasta:
    While the soup simmers, cook the broken lasagna noodles in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
  6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
    In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the grated Parmesan. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  7. Assemble the Soup:
    To serve, place a portion of the cooked lasagna noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot soup over the noodles, ensuring a generous helping of broth and meat.
  8. Top with Cheese and Garnish:
    Add a dollop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture on top of each serving, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and aroma.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup

  • Make It Ahead: The soup base can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for plant-based protein or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of pecorino can elevate the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lasagna Soup combines the best of two worlds: the comforting flavors of lasagna and the ease of a one-pot meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite veggies, adjust the spices, or try different cheeses to make it your own.

So, the next time you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time or energy to layer and bake, give this Lasagna Soup recipe a try. One spoonful, and you’ll be hooked on its rich, savory goodness!

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup—perfect for any occasion!

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