There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of hearty soup, especially when it draws inspiration from a beloved classic like lasagna. The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe combines all the rich flavors of the traditional dish while offering the ease and warmth of a comforting bowl of soup. With savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles simmered in a robust tomato broth, this recipe makes for a delightful meal that you’ll want to share with family and friends. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, this lasagna soup hits the spot!
Why We Love This Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
One of the main reasons people adore this lasagna soup recipe is its ability to deliver all the familiar flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering sheets of pasta. You can have all the deliciousness in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The simplicity of this dish doesn’t mean a compromise on taste; instead, you’ll find a rich and robust flavor profile that warms the soul. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to tweak it to suit your family’s preferences. From its versatility to its comforting nature, this lasagna soup is sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
Ingredients about Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
To create this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Best Lasagna Soup Recipe Directions
To start making your lasagna soup, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon while it cooks. You want it to brown nicely, so allow it to cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Next, introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot. Stir them in with the beef, and let them cook together until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant—this takes about 5 minutes. The combination of beef, onions, and garlic lays a strong flavor foundation for your soup.
Now it’s time to build up the base of the soup. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the tomato sauce, followed by the beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and a splash of red pepper flakes if you’re looking for a little extra heat. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to suit your taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This simmering will help meld the flavors together beautifully.
After the soup has simmered, add the broken lasagna noodles to the mix. Cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender but still al dente. While the noodles are cooking, you can prepare the cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well blended.
Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle your delicious lasagna soup into bowls, adding a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top. Finish it off with a scatter of fresh basil leaves for that extra touch of flavor and presentation. Serve your lasagna soup warm and let its comforting aroma fill your home.
How to Serve Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Serving lasagna soup can be as casual or elegant as you’d like it to be. A perfect pairing for this dish is a slice of crusty garlic bread or a side salad to round out the meal. As you present the soup in vibrant bowls, you can add extra toppings such as a sprinkle of additional Parmesan or even some mozzarella cheese for a cheesy finish. This not only enhances the taste but also adds to the overall visual appeal of the dish.
When sharing this soup with friends or family, consider garnishing each bowl individually with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. For an extra layer of flavor, you may also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. Each bowl serves as a warm hug, bringing everyone together to enjoy this delightful dish.
Expert Tips: Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Creating the perfect lasagna soup takes just a few expert tips for a result that’s even more satisfying:
- Meat Choices: While ground beef is a classic choice, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. This can lighten the dish while keeping it flavorful.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to your soup. These veggies can enhance the flavor profile and add some color.
- Pasta Cooking: If you prefer your noodles to maintain a firmer texture even after cooking, consider cooking them separately and adding them to each bowl just before serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft in the broth.
- Cheese Balance: For an extra cheesy soup, mix in more Parmesan or sprinkle some mozzarella on top before serving. Broiling the bowls briefly until the cheese is melty can create a delightful topping.
- Flavor Enhancements: Don’t hesitate to adjust the herbs according to your taste. Adding some fresh parsley or thyme can elevate the dish further.
How to Store Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Storing lasagna soup is simple. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the soup for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just place the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as it may expand. When properly stored, the soup can last in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up on the stovetop. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to restore some moisture, as the noodles will absorb some liquid during storage.
Variation of Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
This lasagna soup recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy a kick in your dishes, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the broth for a spicy twist.
- Vegetable Lasagna Soup: For a vegetarian option, swap ground beef for a mixture of mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils. You can also toss in your favorite vegetables to create a nutrient-packed soup.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in different types of cheese, such as ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone, for a creamy and cheesy sensation throughout the soup.
- Italian Sausage: For a different flavor, replace ground beef with Italian sausage. The spices will add an extra layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Herbed Broth: Instead of plain beef broth, try using a low-sodium broth infused with herbs to subtly change the flavor profile.
FAQ
What makes this the best lasagna soup recipe?
The best lasagna soup recipe combines the rich flavors of a classic lasagna in an easy-to-make, hearty soup. With meat, cheese, and tender noodles simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare lasagna soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for about three days or can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for the noodles accordingly.
How do I store leftover lasagna soup?
To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool and transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use gluten-free noodles in this lasagna soup?
Absolutely! Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve with lasagna soup?
Lasagna soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread, a fresh salad, or even a simple charcuterie board for a well-rounded meal.
Best Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil leaves For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon while it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
- Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Introduce the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pot and let them cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Soup Base
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Stir in oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Season with salt and pepper; bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Cooking Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until tender but al dente.
- Mix the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan in a small bowl until blended.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, adding a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
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