Lasagna Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that fuses the iconic flavors of classic lasagna into a warm and inviting soup. This comforting meal captures all the essential ingredients you love in traditional lasagna, making for an easy-to-prepare dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With layers of savory meats, rich marinara, and creamy cheeses, each spoonful brings the familiar tastes of a beloved Italian dish right to your bowl.
Why We Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe
What makes this Lasagna Soup recipe stand out is its simplicity and versatility. It stands as a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash afterward, which you’ll appreciate after a long day. You can whip this meal up in no time thanks to the Instant Pot, which speeds up the cooking process while infusing all the flavors seamlessly. Plus, this soup doesn’t skimp on layers of flavor; you’ll enjoy the richness of ground beef and Italian sausage combined with the heartiness of lasagna noodles, finished off with creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Each bite feels comforting and generous, reminding you of family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients about Lasagna Soup
For a delightful bowl of Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Lasagna Soup Directions
Making Lasagna Soup is a straightforward process, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once it’s heated up, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until both meats are browned and well-mixed. This step is essential as it develops the foundational flavor of your soup.
Next, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. While traditional lasagna layers the noodles, these smaller bits will make it easier to enjoy the soup. Add the broken noodles to the pot along with the marinara sauce and beef broth. Giving this mix a good stir incorporates all the ingredients evenly.
Once everything is in the pot, close the lid securely. Set it to manual mode and cook for five minutes. The timer will take care of the rest, cooking the noodles to perfection while melding the flavors together.
After the cooking time is complete, release pressure carefully. When you open the lid, you’ll be greeted by a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Stir in the ricotta cheese, letting its creaminess blend with the rest of the soup. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking – don’t hesitate to taste as you go to achieve the flavor that appeals to you.
Serve your Lasagna Soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This presentation not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also adds an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Serving Lasagna Soup can be just as enjoyable as making it. Begin by ladling the hot soup into individual bowls. The vibrant colors of the fresh basil and the rich creaminess of the cheese should entice your guests or family. You can also offer additional toppings on the side, allowing everyone to customize their bowl. Consider offering extra grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or even additional herbs for a boost of freshness.
Pair this delightful soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to sop up all that delicious broth. A simple side salad can also complement this meal nicely, providing a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the soup.
Expert Tips: Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Lasagna Soup is the best it can be, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, when browning the meat, don’t rush the process. Allowing time to fully brown creates a deeper flavor. If you prefer a spicier version of this soup, feel free to swap the Italian sausage for a spicy variety.
Additionally, make sure to break the lasagna noodles into uneven pieces. This not only gives the soup a more rustic look but also adds different textures to each bite. If you’re a fan of vegetables, consider adding chopped spinach or zucchini to the soup for added nutrition and flavor. Remember to adjust your seasoning as you add more ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced final dish.
Lastly, let the soup simmer a bit longer if desired. While the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking, allowing it to sit for additional flavor development can enhance the overall taste.
How to Store Lasagna Soup
Storing Lasagna Soup is simple and keeps well for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring you have a quick meal option on hand.
If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Variation of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is incredibly versatile, allowing for endless variations suited to your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian option, swap the meats for sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Instead of beef broth, you can use vegetable broth to maintain the vegetarian status while still infusing flavor.
You can also experiment with different cheeses. Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut back on carbs, consider using zucchini noodles in place of lasagna noodles. They’ll add an interesting texture and a fresh taste to your soup.
Herbs and spices can also be adjusted based on your flavor profile. Add in some oregano, garlic, or even a bay leaf while cooking to enhance the taste further. The beauty of Lasagna Soup is that it effortlessly adapts to suit any palate.
FAQ
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the traditional flavors of lasagna in a delicious soup format, making it easy to prepare and serve.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! Lasagna Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
What kind of noodles do I use for Lasagna Soup?
You can use traditional lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces, for this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground meats with vegetables or lentils and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of Lasagna Soup.
How do I serve Lasagna Soup?
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Meat and Base Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef For foundational flavor
- 1 pound Italian sausage Can use spicy variant for more heat
- 4 cups beef broth For a rich base; can use vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- 4 cups marinara sauce Adds flavor and richness
Pasta and Cheese Ingredients
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles Broken into smaller pieces for easier serving
- 1 cup ricotta cheese Brings creaminess to the soup
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For garnishing and added flavor
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped For freshness and garnish
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference
Instructions
Preparation
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once heated, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and well-mixed to develop flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces for easier consumption.
Cooking
- Add the broken noodles, marinara sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Close the lid securely, set to manual mode, and cook for five minutes.
- Release pressure carefully after cooking. Stir in the ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Optional: Offer extra toppings such as grated Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes.
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