Lasagna soup

Introduction

Lasagna soup is one of those dishes that brings comfort and warmth, with all the delicious flavors of a classic lasagna but in a convenient, easy-to-make soup format. I decided to try making this lasagna soup for my family one evening, and it was an instant hit! The hearty combination of ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato flavors made it a perfect dinner option. We loved how simple it was to prepare, and everyone enjoyed topping their soup with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan. The soup quickly became a regular on our meal rotation, and I’m excited to share this delicious recipe with you!

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce or tomato puree
• 3 ounces tomato paste (equivalent to ¼ cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water (as needed for desired consistency)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Suggested Toppings (optional)

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shaved, shredded, or freshly grated)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and warm until it shimmers.
2. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked, stirring as needed. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta reaches your preferred texture. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
6. Tip: Add more water or broth in small amounts as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts (Servings and calories per serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal (approximate)

Preparation Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Option 1: Stir ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire pot, creating a creamy and cheesy soup base.
• Option 2: Serve cheeses on the side for individual topping, allowing everyone to add their desired amount of cheese.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Additional Tips

1. Use lean ground beef or substitute with turkey for a lighter version.
2. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
3. If you prefer a thicker soup, add less water or broth.
4. Use different pasta shapes if you don’t have bowtie pasta available—such as fusilli or penne.
5. For extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground beef and use vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant as the base for the soup.
• Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to spice things up.
• Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Add more cheese, such as provolone or fontina, to make the soup extra cheesy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the richness of the soup.
• For a cozy touch, serve the soup in individual bowls with extra cheese and parsley for garnish.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove over low heat.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth or water to thin it out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative.
2. What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
   You can substitute with any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze this lasagna soup?
   Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Just remember to add extra broth when reheating.
5. Is this soup gluten-free?
   No, the pasta contains gluten. You can use gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
6. Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions.
7. How can I make this soup vegetarian?
   You can omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant.
8. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce?
   Yes, you can use store-bought pasta sauce in place of tomato sauce for a richer flavor.
9. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?
   Stir the soup frequently and check the pasta regularly to avoid overcooking. Reduce the simmering time if you prefer a firmer texture.
10. Can I make this soup spicier?
    Yes, you can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to add heat to the soup.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is the perfect comfort food for any season, combining the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a soup. With its hearty ingredients and customizable toppings, it’s a dish that everyone in the family will love. Whether you prefer to stir the cheese into the entire pot or top it individually, this soup is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner. Enjoy!

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