Introduction
Lasagna soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. It’s a popular recipe because it takes the essence of a beloved dish and simplifies it into an easy, weeknight-friendly meal. The rich combination of meat, tomatoes, and cheese brings a sense of comfort, while the soup format allows for quicker preparation and a lighter, yet satisfying, dish.
One of the key reasons this recipe stands out is its simplicity. Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires careful layering and baking, lasagna soup is a one-pot wonder. It delivers the same indulgent flavors but without the time-consuming process. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without compromising taste. Moreover, by using broken lasagna noodles, there’s no need to worry about perfectly layering pasta sheets.
Lasagna soup is also highly customizable. You can adjust the level of spice, change the type of protein, or even swap in vegetables for a vegetarian version. If you’re looking to simplify mealtime, this recipe is a great way to enjoy Italian flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. For tips on achieving the perfect pasta texture, check out cooking pasta to perfection and enhance your lasagna soup game with ease.
Ingredients Breakdown
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage
Both ground beef and Italian sausage work wonderfully as the base protein in lasagna soup, but each offers different benefits:
- Ground Beef: Provides a leaner option, making the soup lighter in calories.
- Italian Sausage: Offers a richer, spicier flavor, especially when using sausage with herbs and spices.
Choosing between the two depends on personal preference. If you prefer a mild base, opt for ground beef. For those who love a bit of kick, Italian sausage brings an extra depth of flavor.
Onions, Garlic, and Herbs
The onion and garlic are essential for building the aromatic base of the soup. Sautéing them ensures that the soup is infused with rich, savory flavors. Adding dried oregano and basil further elevates the Italian essence of the dish, while a sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a subtle heat.
Tomato and Beef Broth
The crushed tomatoes provide a tangy, robust backbone to the soup, while the beef broth adds depth and richness. Using a high-quality broth is essential for balancing the flavors of the soup. It ties everything together, allowing the meat, pasta, and cheese to blend harmoniously.
- Crushed tomatoes add a subtle sweetness and acidity.
- Beef broth gives the soup a hearty, full-bodied flavor that complements the meat.
Pasta Choice
For this recipe, broken lasagna noodles are the ideal choice because they mimic the texture and look of traditional lasagna but in soup form. They’re easy to cook and don’t require the delicate handling that full lasagna sheets need.
If lasagna noodles aren’t available, other pasta options like penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni can work well in the soup. These shapes are sturdy and won’t get mushy in the broth.
Cheese Selection
The finishing touch in lasagna soup comes from a combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses:
- Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, rich texture that mimics the filling found in traditional lasagna.
- Mozzarella cheese, melted on top, gives that gooey, stringy texture we all love in lasagna.
Both cheeses play crucial roles in adding richness and authenticity to the soup. The mozzarella melts perfectly over the soup, while ricotta blends in smoothly, giving every bite a velvety mouthfeel.
By carefully selecting these ingredients and following this recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Browning the Meat
To start, heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and break it up with a spatula. Let the meat cook without moving it for a few minutes to develop a deep brown color, which will add richness to the soup. Stir occasionally, allowing all sides of the meat to brown evenly. If there is excess fat after browning, carefully drain it off to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
Tip: For the best flavor, avoid stirring the meat too often in the beginning. Let it brown fully before breaking it up, as this caramelizes the surface and enhances the taste of your soup.
2. Adding the Aromatics
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent and soft. The garlic should be fragrant but not burnt. These aromatics create the foundation of flavor for your lasagna soup, adding a savory depth that balances the richness of the meat.
3. Simmering the Soup Base
Next, stir in one can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of beef broth. These ingredients create the liquid base of your soup, infusing it with a rich, tangy flavor. To season, add 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, and if you like a bit of heat, include ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making your soup more robust and flavorful.
4. Cooking the Pasta in the Soup
Add 2 cups of uncooked, broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook them in the soup, following the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), until they reach the perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Tip: Cooking the pasta in the soup allows it to absorb the delicious flavors of the broth, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy.
5. Incorporating Ricotta
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese. Incorporating the ricotta off the heat ensures that the soup stays creamy without becoming gritty. The ricotta will blend into the broth, giving the soup a luxurious, velvety texture.
6. Finishing Touches
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. The heat of the soup will melt the mozzarella, creating a gooey, stringy topping that mimics the best parts of baked lasagna. Garnish with basil to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Enjoy your easy, comforting lasagna soup—a delicious, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights!
Customizing Your Lasagna Soup
