Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish that transforms all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, soul-warming soup. My family absolutely loves this dish, especially during the colder months. It combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning with the comforting texture of pasta and the creamy goodness of cheeses. What’s more, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this Lasagna Soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Soup Base:

• 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or preferred cooking oil)
• 1 lb ground beef (any fat content)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or tomato puree)
• 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water (to adjust consistency)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Toppings:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Stovetop Method

1. Prep Pot: In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
2. Cook Beef Mixture: Add ground beef, onions, and garlic, sautéing until the beef is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
4. Bring to Boil: Increase heat to high to bring the soup to a boil. Cover partially, reduce heat to medium, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Adjust as Needed: Add more water or broth if the soup thickens too much.
6. Cook Pasta: Once the pasta is tender, your lasagna soup is ready to serve.

Serving

1. Serve & Garnish: Ladle soup into bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and garnish with fresh parsley for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 25g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls.
• Add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese on top.
• Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
2. Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and Italian seasoning based on your preference.
4. Pasta Choices: While bowtie pasta is fun, you can use any small pasta shapes like shells or macaroni.
5. Leftover Makeover: If you have leftovers, add more broth and some fresh vegetables to revive the soup the next day.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Creamy Version: Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier soup.
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix in some cream cheese or mozzarella into the soup base for extra creaminess.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or a side of Caesar salad.
• Pair with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner.
• Make it a complete meal with a side of roasted vegetables.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
   Yes, whole wheat pasta can be used, though cooking time may vary.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
4. What kind of cheese can I use?
   You can use any cheese you prefer, such as provolone or fontina.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or any other vegetables you like.
6. What if I don’t have ricotta?
   Cream cheese or cottage cheese can be good substitutes.
7. Can I cook the pasta separately?
   Yes, cooking the pasta separately will prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
8. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
9. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   Yes, sauté the meat and vegetables first, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
10. What type of tomatoes should I use?
    Use any canned tomatoes you have on hand—diced, crushed, or whole peeled work well.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting and easy-to-make soup form. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s filling, flavorful, and full of hearty ingredients that will warm you up from the inside out. Try it today, and you might just find a new family favorite!

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