Lasagna Soup: A Comfort Food Revolution

Forget everything you thought you knew about lasagna. This Lasagna Soup recipe isn’t your grandma’s traditional layered casserole; it’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly convenient twist on a classic. Imagine all the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna, simmered to perfection in a warm, comforting broth. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend evenings. The best part? This Lasagna Soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and even less cleanup. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious meal comes together, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Prepare yourself for a taste sensation that’s both familiar and refreshingly new, a delightful marriage of Italian comfort food and effortless weeknight cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Lasagna Soup recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn’t have the time or energy for the traditional layered version. Its convenience is unmatched. Instead of meticulously layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, you simply toss everything into a pot and let it simmer. This significantly reduces prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting meal without the hassle. The result is a flavorful, satisfying soup that’s just as delicious as its layered counterpart. Furthermore, the soup offers an unparalleled versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking, adding or substituting ingredients to match your taste preferences and dietary needs. Want to use Italian sausage instead of ground beef? Go for it! Prefer a vegetarian version? It’s perfectly adaptable. The forgiving nature of this recipe allows for culinary creativity and experimentation.

Another compelling reason to embrace this Lasagna Soup is its ability to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. It’s a fantastic option for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to serve a large group of people. Its hearty nature ensures everyone gets a satisfying portion, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day (if there are any!). Finally, consider the budget-friendliness of this recipe. The ingredients are commonly found in most grocery stores, and the quantities are easily adjusted to suit your needs. This makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a delicious and affordable meal.

Why You Should Try This Lasagna Soup Recipe

Beyond its ease and versatility, this Lasagna Soup recipe offers a unique and delightful flavor profile. The rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and savory meat (or vegetarian substitute) combine beautifully with the tender lasagna noodles, creating a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. The broth adds a depth of flavor that traditional lasagna simply can’t match. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort food with a surprising twist that elevates the dining experience. It provides a warm and satisfying experience, perfect for colder months or simply when you need a culinary hug. It’s a delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Moreover, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Looking for a healthier option? Easily swap ground beef for lean turkey or chicken, and increase the vegetable content. Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or vegetables, and use a vegan ricotta cheese alternative. The possibilities are endless! The flexibility makes this recipe accessible to a wider audience. It’s a great option for those looking for more nutritional choices or for family members with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup recipe is designed for simplicity, but using the right tools can elevate your culinary experience. Let’s delve into the precise ingredient list and the recommended tools for optimal results. Below, we present a complete and precise list for perfect Lasagna Soup.

Detailed List of Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of the soup.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work best. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the onion for even cooking.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic offers the best flavor. Use a garlic press or finely mince the cloves.
• 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix): Choose your preferred protein. Lean ground beef is a healthier option.
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: Look for high-quality crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano.
• 15 ounces tomato sauce: A good quality tomato sauce will enhance the depth of flavor.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta adds creaminess to the soup. Part-skim ricotta is a healthier alternative.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten: The egg helps bind the ricotta and adds richness to the soup.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Italian oregano is preferred for its robust flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Sweet basil complements the other herbs well.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste. Use kosher salt or sea salt for a more nuanced flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
• 9 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces (oven-ready preferred, no pre-cooking needed): This is a key element. Using oven-ready noodles eliminates the need for pre-boiling.
• 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth: Choose your preferred broth. Chicken broth adds more richness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Use a high-moisture mozzarella for the best melting.

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for comfortable cooking and stirring.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Use a heat-resistant utensil for stirring. A wooden spoon is ideal for preventing scratching.
• Garlic press (optional): A garlic press makes mincing garlic easier and faster. Alternatively, use a sharp knife.
• Grater: Use a grater for the Parmesan cheese. A microplane is perfect for finer grating.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Accurate measurements are essential for consistent results.
• Colander or strainer (optional): Useful if draining excess grease from the ground beef.
• Ladle: For easy serving of the soup.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Lasagna Soup

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious Lasagna Soup.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. **Tip:** Don’t rush this step; properly softened onions contribute significantly to the overall flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. **Caution:** Don’t burn the garlic; it will become bitter.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned. **Tip:** For better browning, don’t overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary. Drain off any excess grease using a colander or strainer. **Note:** Omitting this step for vegetarian versions is perfectly acceptable.
3. Combine the Sauce and Cheese: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are well combined. **Important:** Gently stir the ricotta to avoid clumping.
4. Add Noodles and Broth: Add the broken lasagna noodles and vegetable broth (or chicken broth) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. **Tip:** A gentle simmer prevents the noodles from breaking down too quickly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. **Key step:** Frequent stirring will prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
5. Melt the Mozzarella: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. **Tip:** Remove the pot from the heat briefly before adding the mozzarella to prevent it from becoming stringy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lasagna Soup hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. **Recommendation:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations for Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your own signature dish.

Ingredient Alternatives:

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, lentils, mushrooms, or a combination of vegetables.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use a blend of cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick. For vegan options, explore vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
• Broth Alternatives: Use beef broth for a richer flavor, or try vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier soup.
• Add Vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrients and flavor.

Avoiding Common Mistakes:

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Follow the cooking time closely.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Burned garlic will impart a bitter taste to the soup.
• Stir frequently: Stirring prevents the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Don’t add too much mozzarella at once: Add it gradually to ensure it melts evenly and avoids clumping.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Lasagna Soup

While exact nutritional values vary depending on the specific ingredients used, this Lasagna Soup offers a good balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a relatively high-protein meal due to the ground meat (or meat substitute) and ricotta cheese. The tomatoes provide a significant source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The various vegetables (if added) boost the nutritional profile further. The combination of cheese and vegetables gives it a solid calcium and fiber content.

Note: For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities. This will provide a personalized nutritional breakdown of the dish.

FAQs about Lasagna Soup

Conclusion: Embrace the Lasagna Soup Revolution

This Lasagna Soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that seamlessly blends convenience, flavor, and versatility. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while its rich and satisfying taste makes it a perfect choice for cozy nights in. The adaptability of the recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser, easily customized to suit individual preferences and dietary needs. Don’t just take our word for it – try this recipe today and experience the Lasagna Soup revolution for yourself!

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Share your photos on social media using #LasagnaSoup and tag us! For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our other posts on Cocina Facilita. And don’t forget to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later! Check out our Pinterest for more inspiration!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Lasagna Soup!

Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup

A comforting and flavorful lasagna soup that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 pound Ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix)
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces Tomato sauce
• 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
• 1 Egg lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 9 Lasagna noodles, broken oven-ready, broken into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups Vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles and vegetable broth (or chicken broth). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or until melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.