Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Easy Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a hearty, one-pot soup that’s ready in less time and with far less hassle. Imagine the richness of tomato sauce, savory ground meat, pasta, and creamy cheese in every bite—perfect for warming up on a chilly day or satisfying a craving for Italian-inspired comfort food. This recipe is both flavorful and adaptable, making it a great weeknight dinner option or a delicious leftover lunch!
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
If using bell pepper, add it with the onions for a slightly sweet, aromatic base.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken or beef broth, stirring well to deglaze the pot and bring all the flavors together.
- Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning depending on your preferences.
Step 3: Simmer and Add Pasta
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: Once the soup is boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir to prevent sticking, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender: Let the soup cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Topping
- Mix Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture will add the creamy, cheesy flavor to each serving of soup.
- Season: Add a small pinch of salt and pepper to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Ladle the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls.
- Add a Dollop of Cheese Mixture: Top each bowl with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture, allowing it to melt slightly into the soup.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve this lasagna soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the noodles when the soup is nearly ready, as they will continue to soften after cooking.
- Season the Soup Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to avoid an overly salty or spicy dish.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese will melt better and add a smoother, creamier texture.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Replace the meat with additional vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili pepper to the pot for extra heat.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving for a creamier consistency.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles or skip the pasta and add extra veggies.
Conclusion
This Easy Lasagna Soup is a quick, comforting dish that combines the best of lasagna’s flavors into a hearty, satisfying bowl of soup. With fewer steps and less cleanup than traditional lasagna, it’s a fantastic option for busy evenings or when you’re in the mood for something cozy and filling. The flavors of tomato, cheese, and pasta blend beautifully, making this a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy this one-pot wonder with friends, family, or simply by yourself—no layers or extra baking required!
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. - Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the broth, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. - Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. - Prepare the Cheesy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. - Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Noodle Substitute: Use any pasta shape you like, or use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.