The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect blend of hearty flavors and comforting textures. It brings all the delicious elements of a traditional lasagna into a warm, satisfying soup. This recipe is not only ideal for family dinners but also great for meal prep or serving at gatherings. With its rich meat, savory cheese, and flavorful tomato sauce, this lasagna soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe allows you to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering.
- Comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family meals, it offers warmth and satisfaction in every bowl.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out meats, making it versatile for any taste preference.
- Cheesy Goodness: With ricotta and mozzarella cheese melted into every serving, it’s a cheese lover’s dream!
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for lunch or dinner leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation. The right equipment can make all the difference in achieving the best results for your lasagna soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heavy bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven-safe bowls or soup mugs
Importance of Each Tool
- Heavy bottomed pot: This ensures even heat distribution for cooking the ingredients properly without burning.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, it helps combine flavors seamlessly.
- Oven-safe bowls or soup mugs: Necessary for broiling the cheese on top of your lasagna soup for that perfect golden finish.
Ingredients
It tastes just like lasagna, but it’s a soup! The hearty meat, the chewy pasta, the delicious tomato sauce and allllll the cheese…it’s all there in this outrageous lasagna soup!
For the Base
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic (small, minced)
- 1 Red Onion (minced)
- 1 Bell Pepper (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Oregano (chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
For the Soup
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 32 Ounces Beef Broth
- 1/2 Cup Ricotta
- 32 Ounces Marinara Sauce (Rao’s is our favorite)
- 14 Ounces Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Parmesan Rind
For Serving
- 2 Cups Lasagna Noodles (broken)
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- Garlic Bread (for dipping)
How to Make The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat, add the olive oil until it just starts to shimmer.
– Add garlic and onion, stirring as you add them. Cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add More Flavor
Add bell pepper, oregano, parsley, and basil; season with salt and pepper.
– Stir to combine and let cook for one minute.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Add ground beef and cook until browned and no longer raw.
– Drain off any grease before proceeding.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
At this point, if desired, add ricotta to melt into the meat mixture.
– Then add beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and parmesan rind.
Step 5: Simmer for Flavor
Let simmer all day for maximum flavor or at least 30 minutes.
– For optimal results, stir occasionally.
Step 6: Cook Noodles
In the last 15 minutes of simmering time, add broken lasagna noodles.
– Cook until tender before removing parmesan rind.
Step 7: Prepare to Broil
Place soup in oven-safe bowls or mugs. Top with mozzarella cheese; optionally add another dollop of ricotta.
Step 8: Broil and Serve
Heat broiler to high heat. Place bowls in the oven until cheese is golden and melted.
– Remove from oven and serve hot with garlic bread for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe!
How to Serve The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Serving lasagna soup can be as delightful as making it! This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some creative ways to serve your lasagna soup for an unforgettable meal.
With Garlic Bread
- A warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich and cheesy lasagna soup.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan on top before broiling for a gooey, golden finish.
Served with Fresh Herbs
- Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A light side salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
In Oven-Safe Bowls
- Serving in individual oven-safe bowls makes for an attractive presentation and keeps the soup warm longer.
Paired with Wine
- A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, can elevate the dining experience alongside this comforting soup.
How to Perfect The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
To achieve the best results with your lasagna soup, follow these tips. They will help enhance flavors and improve texture, ensuring every bowl is delicious.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Select high-quality beef and fresh herbs for a more flavorful broth.
- Simmer Longer for Depth: Allow the soup to simmer longer than 30 minutes to develop richer flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add lasagna noodles towards the end of cooking to avoid mushiness.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for unique flavor twists.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your lasagna soup can create a complete meal. Here’s a list of some excellent options that complement its hearty nature.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with creamy dressing and croutons adds a refreshing crunch.
- Garlic Knots: These buttery, garlicky bread knots are great for mopping up leftover soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender bring vibrant colors and flavors.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light bite.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables makes for a great starter.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs are perfect finger foods alongside the soup.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings contrast in temperature while still keeping it Italian-themed.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomato and basil provides a tasty appetizer that pairs well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong pasta: Ensure you use lasagna noodles for the best texture. Other types may not hold up well in the soup.
- Overcooking the noodles: Add the noodles in the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Neglecting seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper levels during cooking for a well-balanced flavor.
- Skipping the simmer time: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better!
- Not using quality broth: A good beef broth makes all the difference. Choose a brand you trust or make your own.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing to preserve freshness.
Freezing The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative while still keeping great flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What toppings work best with this soup?
Consider adding fresh parsley, extra mozzarella, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna that delivers comfort in every bite. It’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spices according to your taste. Give it a try and enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week!
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, combining all the beloved flavors of this traditional dish into a warm and hearty soup. Perfect for chilly nights or cozy family dinners, this recipe features rich ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese that will satisfy your cravings. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can add your favorite vegetables or swap in different proteins to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this comforting soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Cloves Garlic (small, minced)
- 1 Red Onion (minced)
- 1 Bell Pepper (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Oregano (chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- 32 Ounces Beef Broth
- 1/2 Cup Ricotta
- 32 Ounces Marinara Sauce
- 14 Ounces Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1" Parmesan Rind
- 2 Cups Lasagna Noodles (broken)
- 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- Garlic Bread (for dipping)
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion; sauté until translucent (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in minced bell pepper, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and brown thoroughly; drain excess grease.
- Incorporate ricotta cheese if desired, then add beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and parmesan rind.
- Allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add broken lasagna noodles; cook until tender.
- Serve in oven-safe bowls topped with mozzarella cheese; broil until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
