Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a cozy, broth-based soup. With savory ground beef, cheesy mozzarella, and tender pasta, it’s the perfect meal for a chilly day. Easy to make and full of flavor, this lasagna soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Key Benefits of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is not just another bowl of comfort food – it’s a complete meal that delivers all the flavors you love about classic lasagna but in a warm soup form. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef, pasta, and plenty of cheese, lasagna soup is incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for those days when you need a meal that sticks with you.
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the lasagna process into a one-pot wonder. No layering or baking is required; just cook everything in one pot for an easy, stress-free dinner.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version or want to use different meats, this recipe adapts to any taste.
- Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness, lasagna soup is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy dinner together.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe cuts down on cleanup time. Everything cooks in one pot, making both preparation and cleaning a breeze.
- Full of Flavor: With a mix of savory ground beef, aromatic Italian seasoning, and rich tomato broth, each bite is packed with layers of deliciousness. The melty mozzarella and creamy ricotta add that perfect cheesy finish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Lasagna soup is easy to make in big batches, and it keeps well for leftovers. Store it in the fridge or freeze it for later – it’s just as tasty the next day.
By the time you’re done making this dish, you’ll be enjoying a comforting, flavorful meal that’s not only satisfying but also easy to prepare and clean up.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna noodles – Essential for texture and broth absorption; other pasta may alter the dish.
Ground beef – Adds richness; turkey or chicken can be used but will have a milder taste.
Onion – Enhances the savory depth, with yellow or white onions being ideal.
Garlic – Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, though pre-minced or powdered can be used.
Tomato sauce – Forms a rich base; homemade or store-bought options both work.
Diced tomatoes – Adds texture and tanginess; fire-roasted tomatoes deepen the flavor.
Chicken broth – Creates a flavorful base, with beef broth offering a richer alternative.
Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that brings out the classic lasagna soup taste.
Salt – Enhances all flavors and can be adjusted to taste.
Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess; cottage cheese works but changes the texture.
Mozzarella cheese – It melts well, making the soup extra cheesy.
Parmesan cheese – Provides a nutty, salty balance to the soup’s richness.
Instructions for Lasagna Soup
Making this lasagna soup is simple, and the best part is that it all comes together in one pot. Here’s how to do it:
Cook the Ground Beef – Brown the beef in oil over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic – Cook the onion until soft, then add garlic for extra flavor.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth – Mix in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, then simmer.
Season the Soup – Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the taste.
Add the Noodles – Break and add lasagna noodles, cooking until tender.
Finish with Cheese – Mix in ricotta and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Serve – Garnish with Parmesan and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
To make sure your lasagna soup turns out absolutely delicious every time, here are some expert tips and tricks:
Brown the Beef Well: When cooking ground beef, make sure to let it get a nice brown color. This caramelization adds extra depth of flavor to the soup base.
Break the Noodles into Smaller Pieces: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes them easier to eat and creates a more comforting texture.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles as they simmer. Overcooking them can make the soup too starchy and mushy. They should be al dente, with a little bite left to them.
Add Extra Cheese for Creaminess: If you love a richer, creamier soup, feel free to add more ricotta or mozzarella when finishing the soup. You can also swirl in a little heavy cream for extra indulgence.
Use Fresh or Dried Herbs: Fresh Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can elevate the flavor of your soup, but dried herbs will work just as well if you don’t have fresh on hand.
Customize the Meat: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Or, for a heartier option, add sausage or a mix of ground meats for a more complex flavor.
Make It Ahead: Lasagna soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Top with Fresh Basil: For a pop of freshness, top your soup with a few fresh basil leaves before serving. It adds color and enhances the Italian flavors.
These tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture, making your lasagna soup an instant hit at the dinner table.
Variations of Lasagna Soup
One of the best things about lasagna soup is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the flavor or make it suit your dietary preferences, here are some delicious variations you can try:
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the ground beef and use extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a hearty, plant-based version. You can even add a can of beans (like kidney or white beans) for extra protein.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a kick of heat by stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions and garlic. For even more spice, use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Creamy Lasagna Soup: For an extra rich and creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup once the noodles are cooked. This will make your soup even more indulgent and comforting.
Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage (mild or spicy). The sausage will infuse the soup with a deeper, savory flavor, making it even more satisfying.
Low-Carb Lasagna Soup: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, simply replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. You’ll still get that lasagna feel without the carbs!
Serving Suggestions for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make your meal even more satisfying:
Garlic Bread: Pair your lasagna soup with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy soup and adds a classic Italian touch to your meal.
Side Salad: A light, refreshing salad works beautifully with lasagna soup. Try a simple mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or a Caesar salad for a tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Crusty Bread: If you’re looking for a rustic option, serve your soup with a thick slice of crusty sourdough or Italian bread. The bread will soak up all the delicious broth, creating a satisfying combination.
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FAQs About Lasagna Soup
Here are some common questions about lasagna soup to help you perfect your dish:
Why is it called lasagna?
Lasagna soup gets its name because it combines the comforting elements of traditional lasagna—like the rich, savory tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and hearty meat or vegetables—but in a soup form. The lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces, mimic the layers you’d find in classic lasagna, making it a cozy twist on the classic dish.
What seasonings go in lasagna soup?
Lasagna soup is full of Italian-inspired seasonings. Common seasonings include garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients bring out the authentic Italian flavors, ensuring every bite tastes like comfort in a bowl.
Where did lasagna soup come from?
While the exact origin of lasagna soup is unclear, it’s believed to be a modern take on the classic lasagna, created by home cooks who wanted a quicker, more casual version of the dish. It likely gained popularity in the U.S. due to its simplicity and hearty nature, becoming a go-to comfort food.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes! Lasagna soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Lasagna soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to make sure they’re submerged in the broth. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese until fully combined, then add the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a final burst of flavor. Serve hit ot, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!