Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Comfort Food

Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy, tomatoey goodness of a classic lasagna, but in a warm, inviting bowl. Forget layering noodles and waiting for hours; this recipe delivers that same satisfying flavor in a fraction of the time! As someone who adores Italian comfort food, I can confidently say this soup is a game-changer.

Lasagna, a dish with roots stretching back to ancient Rome, has evolved over centuries into the baked pasta masterpiece we know and love. While its origins are debated, with some tracing it back to ancient Greece, the modern lasagna we recognize is undeniably Italian. This Lasagna Soup pays homage to that rich history, capturing the essence of the traditional dish in a convenient and approachable format.

Why do people adore lasagna? It’s the perfect combination of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. This soup captures all of those elements, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, slurpable way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix), removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)

Preparing the Soup Base:

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink and drain off any excess grease. I like to use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside temporarily. This helps keep the soup from getting too greasy.
2. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be translucent and slightly tender. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften properly will enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter. The aroma should be enticing!
4. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Add the chicken broth and beef broth. I find that using a combination of both broths adds depth of flavor, but you can use all chicken broth or all beef broth if you prefer.
7. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
8. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. I often let it simmer for an hour or more if I have the time.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. After the soup has simmered for at least 30 minutes, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir them in well to ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
2. Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a simmer. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, or until they are tender. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture:

1. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This ricotta mixture will be dolloped on top of each serving of soup, adding a creamy and cheesy element that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna.

Serving the Lasagna Soup:

1. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture.
3. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy! I like to serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Use different meat: You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth. You can also add more vegetables to make it heartier.
• Slow cooker version: Brown the sausage and vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Top with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella before serving.
• Freezing instructions: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You may need to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid. It’s best to add the ricotta and mozzarella after reheating.
• Make it ahead: The soup can be made a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will meld together even more as it sits. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and serve.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of goat cheese would be delicious in this soup.
• Herb variations: If you don’t have dried herbs on hand, you can use fresh herbs. Just be sure to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried herbs.

Serving Suggestions:

• Crusty bread for dipping
• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Grilled cheese sandwich

Why this recipe works:

This lasagna soup recipe captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting and easy-to-make soup. By browning the Italian sausage and sautéing the vegetables, we create a flavorful base for the soup. The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes provides a rich and tangy tomato flavor. The chicken and beef broth add depth and complexity to the soup. The dried herbs and spices enhance the overall flavor profile. The broken lasagna noodles add a hearty and satisfying element. And the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese provide the creamy and cheesy goodness that we all love in lasagna. This recipe is also versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy, vegetarian, or with different types of meat and vegetables, this lasagna soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Lasagna Soup recipe isn’t just another soup; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, bursting with all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna, but without all the fuss. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves Italian food, enjoys quick and easy meals, or simply wants to add a little joy to their dinner routine. The rich tomato base, the savory sausage, the creamy ricotta – it all comes together in perfect harmony to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. I know I’ll be making this one again and again, especially on those chilly evenings when I’m craving something hearty and satisfying.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of the ricotta. And for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. The possibilities are endless!

When it comes to serving, I love to top my Lasagna Soup with a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a generous handful of chopped fresh basil. A crusty piece of garlic bread on the side is also a must for soaking up all that delicious broth. You could also serve it with a simple side salad for a complete and balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving the soup in individual bread bowls for a truly impressive presentation. Or, if you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a Lasagna Soup bar with a variety of toppings and garnishes for your guests to customize their own bowls.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Lasagna Soup recipe. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a great option for meal prepping, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also a fantastic way to use up any leftover lasagna ingredients you might have on hand. Seriously, what’s not to love?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of Lasagna Soup! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how delicious and easy it is to make. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking!

Don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it! Your feedback helps others discover this amazing Lasagna Soup recipe too. Enjoy!