Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup is a delightful blend of comforting flavors, bringing together all the best elements of traditional lasagna in a cozy, one-pot meal. The rich tomato broth, hearty ground beef, and perfectly al dente pasta create a soup that’s warming, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility – whether you’re enjoying it as a simple weeknight dinner or a heartwarming weekend lunch, it’s bound to please all taste buds. Top it off with a dollop of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch, and you have yourself a bowl of pure comfort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, minced
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced (about 3 cloves)
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes (low or no sodium)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 cups beef stock or broth (low or no sodium)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for serving)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 10 minutes until browned.
  2. Add onion and garlic to the pot, sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried herbs, black pepper, red pepper flakes, stock, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in raw pasta. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook uncovered until pasta is al dente, about 4-6 minutes. (Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook after removing the pot from heat.)
  5. Once cooked, discard the bay leaf. Serve with a topping of parmesan cheese and ricotta. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 4 (2 cups each)

A Cozy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of classic Italian cuisine, particularly lasagna, then Lasagna Soup is a must-try recipe that combines all the familiar, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick, simple, and warming bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving the heartiness of pasta without all the fuss of layering and baking, this soup offers all the best elements of lasagna – a flavorful tomato-based broth, tender pasta, savory ground beef, and of course, that irresistible cheesy goodness.

The Essence of Lasagna in a Bowl

Traditional lasagna is a labor of love – it requires assembling layers of pasta, sauce, meat, cheese, and sometimes vegetables before baking everything into a bubbly, golden, and deliciously comforting dish. While undeniably delightful, it can be time-consuming and a bit overwhelming to make from scratch on a busy weeknight. Lasagna Soup is the solution to satisfy those lasagna cravings without the extensive prep and long baking times.

The soup offers a well-balanced combination of rich tomato flavor, herbs, tender pasta, and ground beef, all mingling together in one pot. The cheesy finish of ricotta and parmesan mirrors that classic lasagna flavor in a way that’s hearty, filling, and simply irresistible. With only 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time, this soup delivers the same warm, comforting feeling as lasagna but with minimal effort.

What Makes Lasagna Soup Unique?

Lasagna Soup stands out for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pot meal, which means you can make the entire recipe in one single pot, reducing the cleanup time and effort. Second, it’s an adaptable and forgiving recipe that allows for customization based on dietary needs, personal tastes, or even what’s available in your pantry. From swapping out the type of pasta to substituting ground beef with another protein or plant-based alternative, the possibilities are endless.

Additionally, Lasagna Soup is great for meal prep. It reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for lunches or dinners. By slightly undercooking the pasta, the soup retains its perfect texture even after being stored in the fridge or freezer.

Variations and Ingredient Substitutions

One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is how versatile it is. If you’re looking to make adjustments to suit different preferences or dietary restrictions, here are some variations you can try:

  • Protein Alternatives: While the recipe traditionally uses ground beef for its hearty flavor and protein content, it can easily be swapped out for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even Italian sausage for a different taste profile. For those who are vegetarian, replacing the meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute like tofu crumbles provides a satisfying texture and flavor.
  • Pasta Flexibility: While reginetti pasta or broken lasagna noodles are a great choice for a soup that mimics traditional lasagna, other pasta shapes like mafalda, farfalle, or even macaroni can be used. The key is to choose pasta that can hold its shape and texture in the soup while offering those familiar “lasagna-like” bites.
  • Herb and Spice Customization: The recipe calls for dried herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, which give the soup its classic Italian flavor. However, if fresh herbs are on hand, you can use double the amount for a more vibrant flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices – a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat, or a dash of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile.
  • Cheese Choices: While ricotta and parmesan are recommended for a creamy and savory finish, other cheeses like mozzarella or even a sprinkle of pecorino can bring different flavors and textures. For a dairy-free option, vegan cheese substitutes can easily be used to mimic the creaminess without the lactose.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Lasagna Soup is already a well-rounded meal on its own, but a few thoughtful sides and garnishes can elevate the experience.

  • Bread for Dipping: A crusty loaf of bread, breadsticks, or garlic toast pairs perfectly with the soup, offering a delightful way to soak up the flavorful broth and add a satisfying crunch. The combination of warm soup and fresh bread creates a comforting, homestyle feel that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
  • Fresh Greens: Balance the rich flavors of the soup with a light salad on the side. A simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, an apple walnut salad, or a bright strawberry goat cheese salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup.
  • Garnishes for Extra Flavor: Freshly grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, or cracked black pepper make beautiful garnishes for the soup, adding both flavor and visual appeal. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can provide an extra kick.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

Lasagna Soup is a great dish for leftovers, and it keeps well for up to four days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. For meal prepping or extended storage, it can be frozen for up to three months. To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft when storing, you can cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This method also makes reheating the soup easier, as the pasta won’t soak up too much broth.

When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through or in the microwave for a couple of minutes. If the soup thickens after storing, adding a bit of broth or water will bring it back to the desired consistency.

A Perfect Comfort Food for All Occasions

Whether you’re making dinner for the family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of comfort food, Lasagna Soup is a versatile recipe that suits any occasion. The flavors of rich tomato, tender pasta, and creamy cheese come together to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s perfect for cold weather, but just as enjoyable year-round when you need a comforting, one-pot meal.

Conclusion:

Lasagna Soup is the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience. It embodies all the classic elements of lasagna but in a quicker, more accessible format that fits well into busy lifestyles. The soup is easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and offers the flexibility to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Its cozy, hearty nature makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just treating yourself to a comforting bowl.

The next time you’re craving the cozy flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy to bake the traditional dish, give Lasagna Soup a try. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender pasta, and cheesy finish, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household – one that warms your heart and your belly.

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