This delectable Lasagna Soup recipe is an easy way to enjoy all the comfort of lasagna with minimal work. It’s saucy, cozy, and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The rich flavors of Italian herbs and cheeses come together beautifully in this dish, making it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Lasagna Soup can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy the rich, savory taste of classic lasagna without all the layers and fuss.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty flavors, this soup is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Lasagna Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A sturdy pot allows for even cooking and ample space for ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware, ensuring even mixing of flavors.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or preferred oil)
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce (or tomato puree)
- 1/3 cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or more as needed to adjust flavor)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) (see footnote)
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, about 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved, shredded, or fresh grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add uncooked bowtie pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses
Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta cheese until melted through. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese just before serving.
Step 6: Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. From garnishing with fresh herbs to pairing with crusty bread, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the Italian flavors.
Add Extra Cheese
- Mozzarella: Top each bowl with additional shredded mozzarella for a melty finish.
- Parmesan: A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese enhances the soup’s richness.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping into the savory broth.
- Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks provide a delightful accompaniment.
Offer Toppings Bar
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like heat, offer crushed red pepper flakes on the side.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess.
How to Perfect Lasagna Soup
Creating the perfect lasagna soup requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh produce and high-quality canned tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, gradually add water or broth until it reaches your desired texture.
- Cook Pasta Separately: For best results, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Adjustment: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and spices according to your preference for a well-balanced flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Lasagna Soup
Serving lasagna soup is even better with complementary side dishes. Here are some favorites that pair well.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing balances the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Knots: Soft knots brushed with garlic butter are perfect for soaking up leftover broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and vibrant colors to your meal.
- Antipasto Platter: Include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables for a savory starter.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making lasagna soup, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the browning step – Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful soup. Take time to brown the meat properly for a richer taste.
- Using low-quality ingredients – Inexpensive or canned ingredients can compromise flavor. Opt for high-quality tomatoes and cheese for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta – Adding pasta too early can make it mushy. Cook it just until al dente for the right texture in your lasagna soup.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste as you go and add salt or spices as needed.
- Ignoring consistency – Not adjusting the liquid can cause your soup to be too thick or thin. Use water or broth to find your desired consistency before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store lasagna soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Lasagna Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags; it lasts up to 3 months.
Reheating Lasagna Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about lasagna soup that many cooks have.
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty soup form. It’s perfect for cozy dinners!
How do I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
To make lasagna soup vegetarian, simply replace ground beef with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I customize my Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables, use different types of pasta, or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.
How long does Lasagna Soup last in the fridge?
Lasagna soup will last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze leftover Lasagna Soup?
Yes! You can freeze lasagna soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
Final Thoughts
This lasagna soup recipe is not only easy but also offers fantastic comfort food vibes. With its rich flavors and warm textures, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at your dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a unique spin!
Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty soup. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for family dinners, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish. With tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and an aromatic blend of Italian herbs and cheeses, each bowl is a cozy hug for your taste buds. Plus, it’s customizable—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the cheese for a personal touch. Ideal for gatherings or simple weeknight meals, this Lasagna Soup is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved, shredded, or fresh grated)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add uncooked bowtie pasta and simmer until al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until melted through. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
