Ah, comfort food! Is there anything better than a warm bowl of something that wraps you in a cozy hug? That’s exactly what my lasagna soup does! It takes all those classic lasagna flavors—rich meat, tangy tomatoes, and gooey cheese—and turns them into a delightful soup that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. I love whipping this up for family gatherings or on those busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have a ton of time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for any occasion! So, let’s dive into this deliciousness together and make some magic happen in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Lasagna Soup
Now, let’s get cooking! This part is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming bowl of lasagna soup ready in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, heat that tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Oh, and here’s a little tip: be careful not to burn the garlic when you add it next! Once the onion is ready, throw in those minced garlic cloves and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. You want to smell that deliciousness wafting through your kitchen!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Next, it’s time for the ground beef! Add it to the pot and mix it with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as you go. About 6-8 minutes should do the trick. Just keep an eye on it—you don’t want to overcook it and dry it out. We’re going for savory and juicy here!
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Now, let’s bring in the flavors! Pour in that can of crushed tomatoes and the 4 cups of broth. Sprinkle in your dried basil and oregano, and give it a good stir! Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil. Just wait until you see those bubbles popping up; it’s a sign that all those flavors are mingling together!
Step 4: Incorporate Lasagna Noodles
Here’s where it gets fun! Break your lasagna noodles into pieces—about 2-3 inches each works well—and stir them into the soup. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is key, as it allows the noodles to soak up all that delicious broth and get tender. You’ll want to check and stir occasionally to make sure everything’s cooking evenly.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Finally, it’s time to add the creamy goodness! Stir in the ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is super important—don’t forget to taste! You want it to be just right before serving. Once everything is well combined and heated through, top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. There’s nothing better than that melty goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
- All the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy soup form.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Healthy ingredients make it a satisfying meal without the guilt.
- Customizable for various diets—easy to make vegetarian or gluten-free.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you want to make this lasagna soup vegetarian, you can easily swap out the ground beef for mushrooms or lentils. They add a great texture and flavor without missing out on that heartiness!
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to play with the seasonings! If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes along with the basil and oregano. Just start with a small pinch and taste as you go!
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the noodles as they cook! Depending on how you like your pasta, you might want to reduce the simmering time to 15 minutes if you prefer a bit more bite in your noodles.
- Adding Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Toss in some spinach or zucchini when you add the broth! They’ll cook down beautifully and add more flavor and texture to your soup.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know that the noodles may soak up more broth as they sit, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are just estimates. Here’s a general breakdown for one bowl of my delicious lasagna soup:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
These numbers give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying in each cozy bowl. So, go ahead and indulge a little—you deserve it!
FAQ Section
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Making this lasagna soup vegetarian is super easy. Instead of using ground beef, you can substitute it with mushrooms or lentils. Just chop up some mushrooms and sauté them with the onions and garlic until they’re nice and tender, or you can use cooked lentils for a hearty texture. Either way, you’ll still get all those comforting flavors without the meat!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which I hope you do because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 days. Just remember that the noodles might soak up some of the broth as they sit, so you might need to add a little splash of broth when you reheat it. I usually just pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this lasagna soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of broth to get that perfect consistency back. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my lasagna soup, I love to pair it with a few simple sides that really enhance the meal! Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm, toasty garlic bread! It’s perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad adds a nice crunch and freshness to balance the hearty soup. Just toss some romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!
- Caprese Salad: If you’re in the mood for something bright and refreshing, a Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze complements the flavors beautifully.
- Light Dessert: To finish off the meal, consider a simple dessert like sorbet or fruit salad. It’s a sweet ending that won’t weigh you down after such a comforting soup!
Feel free to mix and match these options based on what you’ve got on hand or what your family loves. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Lasagna Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort Food Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm and comforting lasagna soup that combines all your favorite lasagna flavors in a simple bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned.
- Add crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Mix in ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with mozzarella cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or lentils.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lasagna soup, easy soup recipe, Italian soup
