Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, making it perfect for any gathering or cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this dish captures the essence of classic lasagna while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or at a festive occasion, this soup will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This lasagna soup comes together in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Comfort: Enjoy the hearty flavors of lasagna without the layering hassle. It’s packed with delicious ingredients.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup with different meats, pastas, or cheeses based on what you have at home.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family meals.
• Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal later on.

Tools and Preparation

To create this flavorful Lasagna Soup, having the right tools in your kitchen will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking soups evenly and allowing ample space for all ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

This delectable lasagna soup recipe is an easy way to enjoy all the comfort of lasagna with minimal work. It’s saucy, cozy, and family-loved!

For the Base

• 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or preferred oil)
• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 large Onion (diced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes (don’t drain)
• 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce (or tomato puree)
• 1/3 cup Tomato Paste (about half of a 6-ounce can)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 1-2 cups Water (to adjust consistency)

Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (or more as needed to adjust flavor)
• Black Pepper (to taste)

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked) (see footnote)
• 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
• 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved, shredded, or fresh grated)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta

Once simmering, add the uncooked bowtie pasta. Stir well to combine and let it cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 5: Finish with Cheeses

When the pasta is cooked through, reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta cheese until melted into the soup. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Ladle your warm lasagna soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor! Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. A warm baguette or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with lasagna soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each bowl with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor. This adds freshness and elevates the presentation of your dish.

Accompanied by Salad

• A light side salad works well to balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

With Cheese Toast

• Create cheese toast by broiling slices of bread topped with mozzarella or parmesan. This crispy addition complements the soup perfectly.

As a Family-Style Meal

• Serve lasagna soup in a large pot on the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. This creates a warm, communal atmosphere during dinner time.

Paired with Wine

• Consider pairing your meal with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, which complements the hearty flavors of lasagna soup.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Lasagna Soup

To ensure your lasagna soup turns out amazing every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use quality ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes, high-quality ground beef, and good cheeses. Quality ingredients significantly enhance the overall flavor of your lasagna soup.

• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the water added during cooking. For a brothier version, add more water or chicken broth as needed.

• Season wisely: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper based on personal preference and enhance flavors with additional Italian seasoning if desired.

• Cook pasta separately: If you plan on storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. This prevents it from soaking up too much broth over time.

• Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for added depth of flavor. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics to the dish.

• Add vegetables: Incorporate chopped spinach or zucchini into your soup for extra nutrition and texture without sacrificing flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with your lasagna soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is an excellent choice for dipping into your lasagna soup.

2. Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess that complements the hearty nature of the soup.

3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side dish.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition alongside your comforting bowl of lasagna soup.

5. Italian Antipasto Platter: Offer a platter filled with cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables for an appetizer-style side.

6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed with Italian dressing provides a nice contrast to hot lasagna soup while being easy to prepare ahead of time.

7. Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make an elegant yet simple appetizer to serve alongside.

8. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that balances out savory flavors in the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lasagna soup, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt or spices can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheap cheese may not melt well and can affect flavor. Choose good quality mozzarella and Parmesan for a creamy finish.
• Ignoring broth consistency: Adding too much water can dilute flavors. Start with less water and adjust as needed to achieve your desired thickness.
• Not letting it sit: Serving immediately after cooking might not allow flavors to meld. Letting the soup rest for a few minutes enhances its taste.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lasagna soup in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lasagna Soup

• Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about lasagna soup that you may find helpful.

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines all classic lasagna flavors into a hearty soup form, perfect for colder days.

How do I customize my Lasagna Soup?

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, use different types of cheese, or even swap out ground beef for turkey or sausage based on your preference.

Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Lasagna soup is great for meal prep since it stores well and can be reheated easily throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup recipe delivers all the warmth and comfort of traditional lasagna but with less hassle. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to satisfy!