Lasagna Soup is a tasty twist on a classic dish. With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese all in a warm broth, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Making it is super simple! Just toss everything together in one pot and let it simmer. I love adding extra cheese on top—because who doesn’t want more cheese? 🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both add richness! If you prefer a leaner dish, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try cooked lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Onion: Yellow onions are a great choice for their sweetness. If you want a milder flavor, you can use shallots or green onions instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you have garlic powder, you can use 1/4 teaspoon as a substitute, but fresh is always my go-to!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring great flavor. If you prefer fresh, about 4 cups of diced ripe tomatoes would work in a pinch. Make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly.
Ricotta Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. It gives a similar creaminess. I sometimes mix in a dash of Italian seasoning for extra flavor!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Ingredients?
Building layers of flavor is key! Start with sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness. This creates a flavorful base.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly.
- When browning the meat, let it sit a little without stirring; this gives it a chance to brown properly and adds depth of flavor.
- Combine the tomatoes and broth after browning the meat, scraping up any bits from the pot for extra flavor.
By paying attention to these steps, your lasagna soup will be rich in taste and comforting. Enjoy serving with some crusty bread for dipping!
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and should be cooked for about 25 minutes. So a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s translucent and looks delicious. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma.
2. Cook the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. This should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain a little bit before moving on.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken or beef broth, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring this lovely mixture to a boil, so get ready for that hearty aroma to fill your kitchen!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are nice and tender. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking.
5. Final Seasoning:
At this point, it’s all about taste! Add salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a stir and let those flavors blend.
6. Prepare the Ricotta:
While the soup is finishing up, take a small bowl and mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will elevate the creamy topping!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to serve! Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls. On top of each serving, add a dollop of that seasoned ricotta, a sprinkle of grated mozzarella, and a dash of Parmesan cheese. Trust me, it’s going to be heavenly!
8. Garnish:
Finish it off with some chopped fresh parsley. You can serve your lasagna soup right away with garlic bread or some crusty rolls on the side. Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well since turkey can be milder in flavor. Cook it the same way as you would the beef or sausage, and it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you find it too thick when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the flavor and nutrition!
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a blend of mascarpone and a little milk to mimic the creaminess. Just mix it with a pinch of salt and pepper like you would with ricotta before topping the soup.
