Imagine a bubbling pot of goodness filled with rich tomatoes, tender noodles, and melty cheese wafting through your kitchen. That’s right—this is Lasagna Soup we’re talking about! It’s the warm hug your taste buds have been waiting for, all served in a cozy bowl. wild rice soup Whether you’re curling up on the couch after a long day or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish promises to deliver comfort and joy with every slurp.
Now picture this: it’s a Friday night, you’ve just returned from work, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooking. Enter Lasagna Soup—your culinary superhero! This dish takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna but simplifies them into an easy-to-make soup, perfect for weeknights. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delicious adventure!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lasagna Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- Its rich flavor profile combines savory herbs and creamy cheese that everyone adores
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors, it makes for an eye-catching meal on any table
- Enjoy its versatility by serving it as an appetizer or main course, suited for any occasion
I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids were skeptical at first but quickly changed their tune when they tasted it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage for a flavor boost that can’t be beaten. one pan BBQ sausage rice.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed until translucent—absolutely essential for depth of flavor.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic will elevate your soup’s aroma and give it that irresistible kick we all love.
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Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes to add an extra layer of smokiness.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the saltiness in your soup. hearty chicken gnocchi soup.
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Pasta: Any short pasta will do; I recommend using small shells or elbow macaroni that soak up the flavors perfectly.
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Ricotta Cheese: This creamy addition gives the soup its lasagna-like richness—don’t skip it!
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Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top enhances flavor and adds a delightful salty crunch.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme creates that signature Italian taste we crave.
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Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped fresh basil makes a lovely garnish that brightens up both flavor and presentation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, toss in chopped onions and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes.
Browning the Meat: Add your choice of ground beef or sausage to the pot. Cook until browned throughout while breaking it up with a wooden spoon—around 5-7 minutes should do.
Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices; this will form your beautiful soup base.
Pasta Time!: Gradually add chicken broth to the pot while bringing everything to a gentle boil. Toss in your chosen pasta and let it simmer according to package instructions until al dente.
Cheesy Goodness!: While the pasta cooks, mix ricotta cheese with some Italian seasoning in a bowl to create that luscious lasagna filling vibe we love. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy mushroom lasagna recipe.
Finishing Touches!: Once cooked, ladle soup into bowls and dollop ricotta mixture on top followed by grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil if desired for an aromatic touch!
Enjoying this Lasagna Soup means you can have all the classic flavors without dealing with layers of noodles and sauce. It’s comfort food simplified—a delightful twist on our beloved lasagna! For more inspiration, check out this cajun lasagna recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on classic lasagna; it’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make
- The aromatic blend of herbs and cheese fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning ground meat before adding vegetables and broth. This builds deep flavors, ensuring your lasagna soup is rich and satisfying.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the ground meat for veggies or sausage. You can also experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for added creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, always use fresh herbs when possible; they elevate the dish significantly
- Don’t rush browning the meat; this step adds layers of taste that make your soup unforgettable
- Finally, keep some extra cheese handy for topping—it makes everything better!
Sharing this recipe with friends turned into a fun dinner party where everyone raved about how cozy the lasagna soup felt on a chilly evening. zuppa toscana soup.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta in lasagna soup?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking times as needed.
How do I make my lasagna soup thicker?
Add more pasta or reduce the broth during cooking to achieve desired thickness.
Is it possible to freeze lasagna soup?
Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for quick meals later; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy bowl. With tender noodles, rich tomatoes, and creamy cheese, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings at home. In just one pot, you can create a meal that delights the whole family. Get ready to enjoy a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups short pasta (small shells or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until soft (3-5 minutes).
- Add ground beef or sausage; cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juices to form the soup base.
- Gradually add chicken broth, bringing to a gentle boil. Toss in pasta and simmer until al dente per package instructions.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning.
- Once pasta is cooked, ladle soup into bowls and dollop with ricotta mixture. Top with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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