Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: How to Make the Ultimate Lasagna Soup
Cozy Comfort in a Bowl: How to Make the Ultimate Lasagna Soup
Lasagna is one of those timeless comfort foods that never fails to bring joy to the dinner table. But sometimes, we crave that rich, cheesy, savory flavor without the time-consuming layering and baking. Enter Lasagna Soup—a hearty, delicious one-pot meal that delivers all the classic flavors of lasagna in a warm, comforting bowl.
Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re short on time, lasagna soup is a fun, easy way to enjoy the magic of lasagna with half the effort. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will soon become one of your go-to meals. Let’s dive into why lasagna soup is a must-try, and how you can make it with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Why Lasagna Soup?
When it comes to lasagna, there’s no denying the irresistible combination of savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese. But traditional lasagna often involves multiple layers, a long baking time, and a hefty cleanup. That’s where lasagna soup saves the day.
Lasagna soup delivers the same bold flavors but in a fraction of the time. It’s all cooked in one pot, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Plus, this soup is incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different proteins, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste preferences. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies or make use of leftover pasta sauce.
The Secret to Great Lasagna Soup
What makes lasagna soup so special is the careful layering of flavors. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the rich marinara sauce and hearty ground meats to the creamy dollop of cheese that melts beautifully into the hot soup. Here are some key tips to ensure your soup is as satisfying as the real thing:
- The Meat Blend: Using both ground beef and Italian sausage adds depth and a hint of spice. The sausage brings extra flavor with its blend of herbs and spices.
- Tomato Base: A combination of marinara sauce and tomato paste creates a rich, robust base. Using a high-quality marinara sauce can make a big difference.
- Cheese Mixture: The star of the show is the creamy cheese mixture made with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This blend provides the signature lasagna taste and texture.
- Broken Lasagna Noodles: Instead of layering sheets of pasta, breaking lasagna noodles into smaller pieces gives the soup its unique twist.
- Fresh Spinach: While optional, adding spinach not only enhances the nutritional value but also adds a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients at a Glance
This straightforward recipe uses pantry staples, making it accessible and budget-friendly. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need:
For the Soup:
- Ground Beef & Italian Sausage: A classic combination for the base.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that add flavor to the soup.
- Tomato Paste, Marinara Sauce, and Broth: The foundation of the soup’s flavor.
- Seasonings: Basil, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into smaller pieces for easy cooking and eating.
- Spinach: A nutritious addition that pairs well with the other ingredients.
For the Cheese Mixture:
- Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan: A creamy, cheesy blend that melts beautifully into the soup.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s a detailed guide to making the ultimate lasagna soup, complete with tips to ensure perfection every time.
1. Cook the Meat
Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning—season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming too oily, and set the meat aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in the same pot. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Build the Soup Base
Stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to develop its flavor. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and broth, stirring well to combine. Add the dried basil, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Return the cooked meat to the pot, and give everything a good stir.
4. Cook the Noodles
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the broken lasagna noodles and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles should be tender and cooked through in about 10–12 minutes.
5. Add Spinach (Optional)
If you’re using spinach, stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. The heat of the soup will wilt the spinach quickly, adding both flavor and nutrients.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This cheesy blend is what makes lasagna soup truly decadent.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of meat, noodles, and broth. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture—it will melt into the soup for a creamy, cheesy experience. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lasagna soup checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. It’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, with minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot preparation.
- Customizable: Swap out proteins, experiment with different cheeses, or add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The soup reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Tips for Success
To make your lasagna soup truly outstanding, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on simple components, using the best-quality marinara sauce and cheeses will make a noticeable difference.
- Cook Noodles Separately for Leftovers: If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl when serving. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Adjust Consistency: Prefer a thicker soup? Use less broth or simmer longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner soup, add a splash of extra broth or water.
Serving Suggestions
Pair lasagna soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors beautifully.
A Final Note
Lasagna soup is a testament to how creativity in the kitchen can transform a classic dish into something new and exciting. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or as a comforting meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Its warm, hearty flavors bring a sense of comfort and joy—everything you want from a bowl of soup.
So, next time you’re craving lasagna but short on time, give this lasagna soup a try. It’s quick, delicious, and destined to become a family favorite. Happy cooking! 🍲
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 tbsp Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce or 24 ounce marinara sauce
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves optional,
Cheese mixture
- 10 oz ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil for serving
Instructions
Cook the meat
- Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming too oily, and set the meat aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add a diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
Build Soup Base
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, letting it cook briefly to develop its flavor. Then, pour in a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 6 cups of beef or chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if you enjoy a bit of heat). Return the cooked meat to the pot, and give everything a good stir.
Cook the Noodles
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into fourths, and simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles should be tender and cooked through in about 10-12 minutes.
Add Spinach
- If you’re using spinach, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The heat of the soup will wilt the spinach quickly, adding both flavor and nutrients.
Prepare the Chhese Mixture
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheesy blend is what makes lasagna soup truly decadent.
Server and Garnish
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of meat, noodles, and broth. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture—it will melt into the soup for a creamy, cheesy experience. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.