Hearty Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days. This dish combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a delicious soup form. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. With its rich, savory broth and cheesy goodness, this hearty meal will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavor: Hearty Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage and ground beef with aromatic spices, creating a warm and satisfying meal.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just 55 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
- Serves a Crowd: With 10 servings, this soup is perfect for feeding a large family or hosting friends without breaking a sweat.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- One-Pot Meal: All the cooking happens in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy—just what you need after enjoying a hearty bowl of soup!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Hearty Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: This is crucial for cooking your soup evenly and allows enough space for all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: A sturdy spoon helps you mix ingredients thoroughly without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you make this dish.
Ingredients
Hearty rich lasagna soup is a cold-weather favorite.
Meat
- 1 pound hot sausage (Italian sausage may be used as well)
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 small onions, chopped into ½ pieces (about 2 cups worth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Base Ingredients
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes with garlic (fire-roasted tomatoes are great if you can find them)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta or an alternate curly pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese (about 1 cup)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup)
- 2 ounces freshly shredded Mozzarella (about ½ cup)
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic to cook along with the meat. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes as everything cooks.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well and increase heat to high. When the soup begins to simmer, reduce heat back to medium-high. Then add the pasta. Stir occasionally until noodles are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust spices as needed.
Step 3: Prepare Cheese Mixture
Remove from heat when noodles are tender but still chewy. While the pasta cooks, stir together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Mozzarella cheese in a small mixing bowl until combined.
Step 4: Serve
Scoop the hearty lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture for added creaminess.
Enjoy your deliciously comforting Hearty Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Serving Hearty Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various toppings and accompaniments. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Oregano: A light dusting of dried oregano adds an authentic Italian touch.
Add Extra Cheese
- Mozzarella: A few extra shreds of mozzarella melted on top will make it even creamier.
- Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan over the soup just before serving for added richness.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Pair your soup with warm garlic bread for dipping, enhancing the meal experience.
- Baguette: A sliced baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Include a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the hearty soup nicely and balances the meal.
- Mixed Greens: A simple side salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette can lighten up the dish.
How to Perfect Hearty Lasagna Soup
To elevate your Hearty Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips that will ensure every bowl is delicious.
- Flavors: Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky taste that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Pasta Choice: Opt for mafalda pasta or any curly variety to hold onto more sauce and flavors.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese blends in your mixture for unique flavors each time you make it.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Slow Cook Option: For deeper flavors, let the soup simmer longer or use a slow cooker to meld the ingredients well.
- Freezing Tips: This soup freezes beautifully; store it in airtight containers for quick meals later.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Lasagna Soup
Completing your Hearty Lasagna Soup with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft inside; perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Simple Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens tossed in vinaigrette to counteract the richness of the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, olives, and cheeses that pairs beautifully with Italian flavors.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a colorful side.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and breadcrumbs add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
- Polenta Fries: Crispy polenta sticks offer a tasty crunch alongside your comforting bowl of soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hearty Lasagna Soup can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.
- Using the wrong sausage: Choosing a mild or low-fat sausage can lead to bland flavor. Opt for hot Italian sausage for a robust taste.
- Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in a dull soup. Don’t be shy with spices; taste as you go and adjust as needed.
- Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Add it during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor and freshness. Consider adding basil or parsley just before serving.
- Not using enough broth: A hearty soup needs ample broth for richness. Adjust the amount based on your preference for soup thickness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 4 days.
Freezing Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hearty Lasagna Soup.
What makes Hearty Lasagna Soup different from traditional lasagna?
Hearty Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup form, making it easier to prepare and enjoy.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While mafalda is great, you can substitute with any curly pasta like rotini or even macaroni.
How spicy is Hearty Lasagna Soup?
The spice level depends on the amount of crushed red pepper flakes you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and adjust to taste.
Can I customize my Hearty Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients for personalized flavors. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Hearty Lasagna Soup
Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a warm, satisfying bowl. This easy-to-make soup features ground beef and spicy Italian sausage simmered in a rich tomato broth, combined with tender pasta and creamy cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this one-pot dish is not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 small onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta
- Cheese mixture: ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, cook and crumble the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until combined.
- Serve the soup hot with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
