Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Comfort Food

Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy, and savory goodness of classic lasagna, but in a warm and inviting soup! Forget layering noodles and waiting for hours – this recipe delivers the iconic flavors you crave in a fraction of the time. Have you ever dreamt of a dish that tastes like a hug in a bowl? Well, dream no more!

Lasagna, as we know it, has roots stretching back to ancient Rome, evolving over centuries into the beloved baked pasta dish we enjoy today. This Lasagna Soup takes that rich heritage and reimagines it for the modern kitchen. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the essence of lasagna without the fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The combination of hearty Italian sausage, tender pasta, a rich tomato-based broth, and of course, the creamy, melted cheese topping, is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that satisfies on every level. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – you won’t be disappointed!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound
• Italian Sausage: 1/2 pound, removed from casings
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
• Celery: 2 stalks, diced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
• Diced Tomatoes: 14.5 ounces, undrained
• Beef Broth: 6 cups
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
• Bay Leaf: 1
• Lasagna Noodles: 8 ounces, broken into small pieces
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk or part-skim
• Egg: 1 large
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for topping
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

Browning the Meats and Vegetables:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to brown our meats and soften the veggies. This is where the flavor foundation of our lasagna soup is built, so don’t rush this step!

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
2. Brown the Ground Beef and Sausage: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break them up with a spoon and cook until browned, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. The onions should be translucent and the carrots slightly tender.
4. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step helps to caramelize the tomato paste and deepen the flavor. Don’t skip this!

Building the Soup Base:

Now that we’ve got our meats and veggies nicely browned and softened, it’s time to build the flavorful soup base. This is where all the delicious tomato goodness comes in!

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Stir to combine everything.
2. Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the seasonings. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it’s optional if you prefer a more tangy flavor.
3. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. This is a great time to relax and let the soup do its thing!
4. Add the Noodles: After simmering, remove the bay leaf. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
5. Cook the Noodles: Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, until the noodles are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

While the soup is simmering and the noodles are cooking, let’s prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. This adds a creamy, cheesy element that really makes this soup taste like lasagna!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
2. Mix Well: Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Season (Optional): You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the ricotta mixture, if desired.

Serving the Lasagna Soup:

Alright, the soup is ready, the ricotta mixture is prepped, and it’s time to serve this delicious lasagna soup! This is the best part – enjoying the fruits of our labor!

1. Ladle into Bowls: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
2. Top with Ricotta: Place a spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup. You can use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to make it look pretty.
3. Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ricotta cheese and soup.
4. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the lasagna soup immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to make this lasagna soup even more amazing!

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little extra heat.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
• Use Different Meats: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and sausage.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles and ricotta mixture) and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Freezing Instructions: Lasagna soup freezes well. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to add the ricotta and mozzarella when serving, not before freezing.
• Make Ahead: You can make the soup base a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Add the noodles and ricotta mixture just before serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting lasagna soup! It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Lasagna Soup recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, packed with all the familiar flavors of classic lasagna, but without all the fuss. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone craving that cheesy, tomatoey goodness, especially on a chilly evening. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why is this Lasagna Soup a must-try? Because it delivers that authentic lasagna taste without spending hours layering noodles and simmering sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to clean up after. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Think of it: rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked Italian sausage (or your favorite protein!), tender pasta, and that creamy, cheesy topping that brings it all together. It’s the ultimate comfort food, reimagined in a way that’s both convenient and delicious.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations! I personally love serving this Lasagna Soup with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. A crusty loaf of garlic bread on the side is always a welcome addition for soaking up all that flavorful broth.

But don’t feel limited by my suggestions! Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.

* For a vegetarian version: Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You could even use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for an even richer flavor.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
* Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra decadent soup.
* Different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the topping. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone all work beautifully.
* Pasta variations: While I love using broken lasagna noodles, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Make it ahead: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

I’m confident that once you try this Lasagna Soup, it will become a regular in your rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience with this recipe. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think?

Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts and photos. I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this incredible Lasagna Soup! I hope you find this recipe as comforting and delicious as I do.