Ah, lasagna soup! Just the thought of it brings a smile to my face and a rumble to my belly. There’s something utterly comforting about this dish, like a warm hug on a cold day. I first encountered this recipe during a chilly winter evening at a friend’s house, where the aroma wafting from the kitchen made me feel like I was back in my grandmother’s kitchen. Ever since then, this delightful fusion of two classic Italian favorites has become my go-to for cozy family dinners.
What I love most about lasagna soup is how it brings the heartiness of traditional lasagna while still being easy and quick to prepare. You get all the flavors you love about lasagna – the rich meat sauce, the creaminess of ricotta, and the melty goodness of cheese – all in a warm soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder! So less mess and more time to enjoy with family and friends.
What’s in Lasagna Soup?
Now, let’s talk about the amazing ingredients that make this lasagna soup so irresistible!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can choose either option based on your taste—ground beef gives a rich, meaty flavor, while Italian sausage adds a spicy kick. I personally love mixing the two for a balance of flavors.
Onion: Diced onion adds a nice sweetness and depth to the soup base. You know what they say, dinners are always better when onions are involved!
Garlic: Two cloves of garlic bring that fragrant aroma that makes your kitchen feel like a warm Italian trattoria.
Crushed Tomatoes: The backbone of the soup, crushed tomatoes create a rich, flavorful broth. Look for high-quality ones—trust me, it makes a difference!
Beef Broth: A hearty beef broth adds depth and completes the soup’s base. I like using low-sodium versions so that I can control the saltiness later.
Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs are like best friends in Italian cooking. They add that classic Italian flavor that sings through every spoonful.
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some in! It gives the soup a little zing.
Lasagna Noodles: Break them into pieces to make them easy to eat. I recommend using fresh or oven-ready noodles for the best texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Oh, the creaminess! Ricotta brings a velvety touch to this soup that elevates it to a whole new level.
Shredded Mozzarella and Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because you can never have enough cheese, right? These melty toppings are the icing on the cake (or should I say the cheese on the soup?).
Salt and Pepper: To taste—because you know, everyone’s got their own preference!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkles on top brings a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
Is Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Now, let’s take a moment to discuss if this delightful soup is healthy. With a balance of protein from the meat and ricotta, and fiber from the tomatoes and noodles, it definitely holds its own nutritionally!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: While they are delicious sources of protein, they can be higher in fat. Lean ground turkey or plant-based sausage can be great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Tomatoes: They are packed with antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is great for heart health!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is lower in fat compared to many cheeses, though it’s still wise to watch your portion sizes.
So, is lasagna soup good for you? It can be, especially when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 2 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Servings:** This recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or leftovers.
How to Make Lasagna Soup?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into how to make this scrumptious lasagna soup!
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat afterward for a leaner soup!
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onion is translucent, which takes about 5 minutes. You’ll love how the kitchen smells at this point!
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), and season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil to blend those flavors together.
4. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick together!
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. This cheesy mixture is going to make your soup extra special.
6. When the noodles are ready, ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls and scoop a spoonful of the ricotta mixture into each bowl. Watch how it melts beautifully into the soup!
7. Top each serving with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, because yes, more cheese is always the right answer! Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color.
8. Serve hot, and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure happiness!
Cheesy Tips and Serving Suggestions!
Here are some extra tips and variations to make your lasagna soup just right:
– You can make this soup even heartier by adding veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
– If you want a kick of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while you cook the meat. Let it simmer for a minute to cook out the alcohol before adding in the tomatoes and broth.
– Feel free to switch up the cheeses! Try mixing in some provolone or goat cheese for a unique twist.
– This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch for easy lunches during the week!
I truly hope you give this lasagna soup a try! It’s a delightful dish that brings warmth, comfort, and plenty of happy memories to the table. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out—I love hearing your cooking adventures. Enjoy this chef’s kiss of a soup!
