Lasagna soup is the cozy, comforting hug in a bowl that your taste buds have been dreaming of. Picture layers of rich, savory flavors mingling together, with gooey cheese stretching like a warm embrace around each spoonful. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the dinner table as if it were a siren’s call.
This dish isn’t just for cold winter nights; it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, your family will think you’ve turned into a gourmet chef overnight, and you’ll be left basking in the glory of their compliments.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lasagna soup is simple to prepare and packed with flavor that appeals to all ages
- Its vibrant colors make it visually enticing and a feast for the eyes
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary needs
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends!
I still remember the first time I made lasagna soup. My kids literally danced around the kitchen, chanting, “Soup day! Soup day!” It was like they had discovered treasure in a bowl!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose lean meat for less grease while keeping it flavorful; both options work wonderfully.
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Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they’ll caramelize beautifully in the pot.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
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Canned Tomatoes: Opt for crushed tomatoes to create that lovely sauce consistency we crave in lasagna soup.
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Beef or Vegetable Broth: Choose broth based on your preference to enhance flavor depth and richness.
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Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni for easy eating and maximum broth absorption.
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Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and brings that classic lasagna vibe right into your soup bowl.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty goodness that pulls apart in strings as you serve it up.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs will elevate flavors; it’s like an Italian nonna sprinkled her magic dust on your meal.
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Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds brightness; use it if you’re feeling fancy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
**Sauté the Aromatics**: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling, about 5 minutes.
**Brown Your Meat**: Add ground beef or sausage to the pot. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary—nobody wants greasy soup!
**Stir in Garlic & Spices**: Toss in minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until fragrant, about 30 seconds—your kitchen should start smelling like an Italian trattoria by now!
**Add Tomatoes & Broth**: Pour in crushed tomatoes along with broth. Bring this glorious concoction to a simmer; let those flavors mingle for about 10 minutes.
**Incorporate Pasta**: Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Keep an eye on it so you don’t end up with mushy noodles—nobody likes that!
**Finish with Cheese**: Once pasta is cooked perfectly, stir in ricotta cheese until melted throughout. Serve hot, topped generously with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil if desired.
And there you have it! A heartwarming bowl of lasagna soup ready to warm your soul and impress anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner.
Enjoying this delightful dish brings joy not just from its taste but from knowing you’ve created something special without too much fuss. So grab your bowls and spoons—it’s time to dig into this cheesy goodness!
You Must Know
- Lasagna soup combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna, creating a comforting bowl that’s perfect for busy nights
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist
- This dish is hearty and satisfying, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and onions first, then add your broth and pasta simultaneously for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses or add vegetables like spinach for a personal twist on this lasagna soup.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your lasagna soup, consider using homemade stock for deeper flavor
- Don’t forget to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning as needed
- Always let it simmer; that’s when magic happens in the pot!
Cooking this lasagna soup reminds me of cozy evenings with friends who can’t resist seconds. Their smiles are my favorite feedback!
FAQ
Can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and swap meat for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How can I thicken my lasagna soup?
For a thicker consistency, add more pasta or a splash of cream towards the end of cooking.
What toppings pair well with lasagna soup?
Consider topping with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or even croutons for added crunch!
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Warm up with this delicious lasagna soup, where the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna come together in a hearty bowl. Rich ground beef or sausage is combined with aromatic onions, garlic, and crushed tomatoes, while small pasta shapes absorb all the savory goodness. Finished with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, this dish is perfect for any gathering and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 cups small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot and cook until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in ricotta until melted; serve hot topped with mozzarella and fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
