There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of lasagna soup on a chilly day. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel all cozy inside, you know? I remember the first time I ever had it – my grandma whipped it up for our family one Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs just filled the whole house.
As soon as I took that first spoonful, I was hooked. The flavors were so rich and satisfying, with that classic lasagna taste we all know and love. But what really set this lasagna soup apart was the perfect balance of textures – the tender noodles, the creamy ricotta, the tender bites of ground beef. It was like eating lasagna, but in soup form. And let me tell you, it hit the spot big time.
Ever since then, lasagna soup has become a go-to comfort food for me. Whenever I need a little pick-me-up or I’m craving something hearty and satisfying, this is the recipe I turn to. And let me tell you, this particular lasagna soup recipe is about to become your new favorite, too.
Why This Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect lasagna soup
What makes this lasagna soup recipe so special, you ask? It all comes down to the little details – the techniques and ingredients that take this dish from good to absolutely amazing. For starters, we’re using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage to really amp up the flavor. And instead of just throwing the noodles in at the end, we’re actually cooking them right in the soup itself, which helps them soak up all those delicious juices.
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Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and melted cheese, this soup is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 4 cups beef broth
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes.
2. 2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. 3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. 4. Add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. 5. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese.
6. 6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
For a creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the pot before serving. You can also customize the soup by adding other vegetables, such as spinach or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
But perhaps the biggest secret is in the way we build the base. We start by sautéing onions, garlic, and herbs in a bit of olive oil, then we deglaze the pan with some red wine. This adds an unbelievable depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way. And of course, we’re using high-quality canned tomatoes and a blend of cheeses to make the whole thing creamy and indulgent.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this lasagna soup, you’ll need:
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Red wine
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step lasagna soup Instructions
Preparing Your lasagna soup
This lasagna soup comes together in about an hour, start to finish. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to make it all happen. Let’s get started!
1- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat, making sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol.
4- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Finally, remove the pot from the heat and stir in dollops of ricotta cheese. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Success
A few pro tips to ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfectly:
– Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for maximum flavor.
– Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with red wine – it adds an incredible depth of flavor.
– Be sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup. This helps them cook evenly.
– Keep an eye on the noodles and don’t let them overcook, or they’ll become mushy.
– Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking by adding more or less broth.
Serving and Storing Your lasagna soup
Perfect Pairings for lasagna soup
This lasagna soup is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect accompaniment, as does a crusty loaf of garlic bread for sopping up all that delicious broth.
And of course, no bowl of lasagna soup is complete without a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. For a beverage, a glass of red wine or a cold beer would be the ideal pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Lasagna soup is one of those dishes that actually gets better the next day. The flavors have a chance to meld and the noodles soak up even more of that rich, tomato-y broth. You can store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out slightly.
This lasagna soup also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for lasagna soup
Creative lasagna soup Variations
While this classic lasagna soup is already pretty darn delicious, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and put your own spin on it. For a heartier version, you could add in some sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers.
And for a touch of freshness, try stirring in some chopped fresh basil or spinach at the end. You could even swap out the ground beef for Italian turkey sausage or use a blend of cheeses instead of just ricotta and mozzarella.
Making lasagna soup Diet-Friendly
To make this lasagna soup a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few easy swaps you can make. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or even zucchini ribbons in place of the pasta.
For a low-carb take, skip the noodles altogether and serve the soup over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. And for a vegan lasagna soup, use plant-based ground “meat” and cashew or almond ricotta instead of the dairy products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
A: Absolutely! While lasagna noodles work great, you can also use other short, tubular pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker or creamier?
A: To thicken up the soup, you can blend a portion of the ricotta cheese with a ladle or two of the hot broth, then stir it back into the pot. For an even creamier texture, you can also add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
Q: Can I make this lasagna soup in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for the slow cooker or pressure cooker. For the slow cooker, simply brown the meat, sauté the veggies, and then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat and veggies, then pressure cook the soup for 10-15 minutes.
Q: How many servings does this lasagna soup recipe make?
A: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings of lasagna soup, depending on the portion size. It’s a hearty, filling dish, so a nice big bowl is usually plenty satisfying.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate, can’t-miss lasagna soup that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of rich, meaty flavors, tender noodles, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below! And don’t forget to share your creation on social media using the hashtag #LasagnaSoupPerfection. Enjoy!