Lasagna Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna soup combines the classic flavors of traditional lasagna—savory ground beef, hearty tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses—into a simplified, one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is:

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• Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes.
• Customizable: Adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To make this lasagna soup, gather the following tools:

• 4.5-quart soup pot: For cooking the soup.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir ingredients evenly.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For precise measurements.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: For chopping onions and garlic.
• Ladle: For serving the soup easily.

Importance of Each Tool

• A large pot ensures even cooking and avoids spills.
• A ladle helps serve the perfect portion while keeping toppings intact.

Preparation Tips

• Prep ingredients beforehand: Dice onions, mince garlic, and measure seasonings to streamline cooking.
• Choose quality ingredients: Opt for fresh herbs and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Use sturdy pasta: Bowtie, macaroni, or rigatoni work best, as lasagna noodles may break apart during storage.

Ingredients List

For the Soup

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey or Italian sausage)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
• 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1–2 cups water (adjust as needed)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta (or substitute macaroni, rigatoni, etc.)

Suggested Toppings

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shaved, shredded, or grated)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the Soup Pot
   • Place the pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Warm until shimmering.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
   • Add ground beef, onions, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
   • Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Pasta and Simmer
   • Increase the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Add uncooked pasta, then reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Adjust Consistency
   • If the soup becomes too thick, add more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Prepare the Toppings
   • For a creamy texture, stir ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan directly into the soup before serving. Alternatively, serve them on the side for customizable bowls.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • Sprinkle fresh parsley over individual bowls and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty lasagna soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the experience. Here are some complementary sides to consider:

1. Garlic Bread
   • Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
   • Try topping with Parmesan or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
2. Caesar Salad
   • A crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
   • Add croutons and freshly grated Parmesan for texture.
3. Caprese Salad
   • The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complements the Italian flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   • Oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers add a healthy, flavorful side.
5. Breadsticks
   • Soft, buttery breadsticks pair beautifully with the creamy cheeses in the soup.
6. Antipasto Platter
   • Serve an assortment of olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for an Italian-style starter.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
   • Cheesy, breadcrumb-stuffed mushrooms provide a bite-sized appetizer to enjoy alongside the soup.
8. Pesto Pasta Salad
   • A light, refreshing pasta salad with pesto complements the soup without overwhelming the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcooking the Pasta
   • Mistake: Cooking pasta too long results in a mushy texture.
   • Solution: Add pasta during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking and taste-test for doneness.
2. Not Adjusting the Consistency
   • Mistake: Allowing the soup to thicken too much during cooking or reheating.
   • Solution: Keep additional broth or water on hand to thin the soup as needed.
3. Skipping the Toppings
   • Mistake: Omitting cheese and herbs, which add essential flavor.
   • Solution: Always serve with a generous helping of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
4. Using Weak Tomato Products
   • Mistake: Using low-quality canned tomatoes results in a bland soup.
   • Solution: Opt for high-quality diced tomatoes or substitute with crushed tomatoes for a richer flavor.
5. Not Seasoning Properly
   • Mistake: Forgetting to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
   • Solution: Add salt, pepper, or extra Italian seasoning to taste after simmering.
6. Skipping the Garnish
   • Mistake: Serving without a fresh garnish like parsley or basil can make the dish appear incomplete.
   • Solution: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Recipe Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup

1. Customize the Protein
   • Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage to change the flavor profile.
2. Make It Vegetarian
   • Omit the meat and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Boost the Flavor
   • Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the broth for extra depth.
4. Cheese Blend Options
   • Experiment with cheese varieties like provolone, Asiago, or Gouda for a unique twist.
5. Add Heat
   • For a spicy version, include red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
6. Use Fresh Herbs
   • Incorporate fresh basil or oregano in addition to dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant taste.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

1. Refrigeration
   • Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing
   • For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 90 days.
   • Note: Pasta may absorb the broth and soften during freezing. To prevent this, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating.
3. Reheating Instructions
   • On the stove: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add water or broth as needed to adjust the consistency.
   • In the microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.

FAQs About Lasagna Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes! Lasagna soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
2. What’s the best pasta to use for lasagna soup?
   Sturdy pasta shapes like bowtie, rigatoni, or macaroni hold up well. Avoid long or delicate noodles like lasagna sheets.
3. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the tomato products and broth are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
   Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything except the pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding the pasta during the last 30 minutes.
5. What’s the best way to serve the cheese toppings?
   You can either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan directly into the soup or serve them on the side for individual customization.
6. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
   Yes, but you’ll need to peel and dice them. Use about 4–5 fresh tomatoes to replace a 15-ounce can.
7. Is this soup spicy?
   No, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
8. Can I use a plant-based ground meat alternative?
   Absolutely! Plant-based ground “meat” works well in this recipe for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

This lasagna soup is a versatile and satisfying meal that delivers the essence of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a foolproof way to bring comfort and flavor to your table. Pair it with your favorite sides, customize the toppings, and enjoy this warm, hearty dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.

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Lasagna Soup

This delicious and comforting lasagna soup is an easy, one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna with less effort. It’s hearty, saucy, and perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 9

Calories: 195kcal

Ingredients

• 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 (do not drain)
• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce or tomato puree
• 3 ounces tomato paste about ¼ cup
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water or more as needed to adjust consistency
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or more to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta uncooked; see notes for substitutions
• Suggested toppings:
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shaved, shredded, or grated
• ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

• Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
• Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.
• Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
• Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth, if needed.
• Serve with toppings of your choice: either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire soup or serve them on the side for individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Storage Instructions:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).

Reheating Instructions:

• When reheating, add small amounts of water or broth as needed to adjust the consistency, as the noodles will absorb some of the broth during storage.

Notes

Use sturdy pasta like bowtie, macaroni, rigatoni, or penne, as lasagna noodles tend to break apart by the second or third day.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
For a thicker broth, you can use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes.
If you don’t have canned tomato products on hand, replace them with a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water.
Pressure Cooker Instructions:

Select “Sauté” mode and heat olive oil in the pressure cooker.
Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic; sauté until cooked through. Drain excess fat, then deglaze the pot with a splash of broth. Press “Cancel.”
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 1 minute. For al dente pasta, perform a quick release. For softer pasta, allow natural release for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Stir the soup and adjust the consistency with additional water or broth, if needed. Follow the serving instructions above.