Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, packed with the rich flavors of lasagna in a hearty, soupy form. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy recipe is sure to warm you up!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Cook the meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the meat. Cook until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.
4. Cook the noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture: While the soup simmers, mix together the ricotta and mozzarella cheese in a small bowl.
6. Serve: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils for a plant-based version.
• Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese blends such as cheddar or parmesan for added flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

10 FAQs

1. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
   Yes, it freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
2. What can I use instead of ricotta?
   You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta in place of lasagna noodles.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions.
5. What should I serve with lasagna soup?
   Garlic bread or a simple salad pairs perfectly!
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
   Yes, fresh diced tomatoes can be used instead of canned.
7. How do I make it creamier?
   Stir in some heavy cream or additional cheese before serving.
8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
   Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting, making it great for kids.
9. How do I thicken the soup?
   If you want it thicker, add more tomato paste or simmer longer.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes, brown the meat first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is a delightful and hearty meal that combines the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, easy-to-make soup. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting dish with family and friends!

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