Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Lasagna Soup has become a staple in my house, especially on colder evenings when we’re craving something hearty and comforting. I first discovered this recipe on a whim, and it has since become one of my family’s favorite meals. The blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and rich tomato-based broth combined with broken lasagna noodles offers a unique twist on traditional lasagna. My family loves how easy it is to make, yet it still has the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna. Each spoonful is filled with savory meat, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, making it the perfect one-pot meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing dinner for just a few, this recipe is sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 lb Beef (Ground)
• 1 lb Italian Sausage (Ground)
• 10 Lasagna Noodles
• 1 Onion (Chopped)
• 24 oz Jar of Pasta Sauce
• 4 tsp Garlic (Minced)
• 8 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 14 oz Can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is completely browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Return the pot to the stove and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir in the sugar, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Bring to a Boil: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the soup to cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
6. Cook the Noodles: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles have softened and are fully cooked.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with your choice of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Preparation Time

• Total time: 45 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Top with Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta cheese to each bowl for added richness.
• Serve with Bread: Pair the soup with a crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
• Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the soup.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a lot more flavor than pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
2. Customize the Meat: If you prefer a lighter version, swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken.
3. Break the Noodles: Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly in the broth and creates a more manageable texture.
4. Flavor Enhancers: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a creamier soup.
5. Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper or a bit of cayenne pepper to the broth.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Replace the ground beef and sausage with plant-based protein, such as lentils or vegetarian crumbles, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
• Chicken Lasagna Soup: Swap out the ground beef and sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Stir in some ricotta cheese into the soup base before serving to create a creamy, cheesy texture throughout.
• Zucchini Lasagna Soup: Add diced zucchini to the soup for added vegetables and a slight crunch.
• Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add chopped jalapeños or hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread: The rich, cheesy soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread, which helps soak up the delicious broth.
• Pair with Wine: Enjoy this soup with a glass of red wine, such as a medium-bodied Chianti or Merlot, which complements the rich, savory flavors.
• Side of Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots are an excellent side dish to balance the richness of the soup.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.
2. Can I substitute the ground beef with turkey? Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work well as a leaner substitute for the beef.
3. Can I add vegetables to this soup? Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, the lasagna noodles contain gluten. You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles or another type of pasta for a gluten-free version.
5. Can I freeze lasagna soup? Yes, lasagna soup freezes well. Just be sure to freeze it in portions and let it cool completely before storing.
6. How can I thicken the soup? If the soup is too thin, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.
7. What other cheese can I use? If you don’t have ricotta or mozzarella, you can use provolone or even cheddar cheese.
8. Can I use fresh lasagna noodles? Yes, you can use fresh lasagna noodles, but they may need less time to cook in the soup.
9. How can I make this soup spicier? Add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or some hot sausage for extra spice.
10. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce? Yes, using store-bought pasta sauce is perfectly fine, though homemade sauce can elevate the flavor.

Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna without all the layering and baking. It’s comforting, filling, and full of rich flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep time and one pot to clean, it’s an easy yet delicious weeknight dinner option. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or get creative with some variations, Lasagna Soup is a versatile dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Print