Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, combining all of its rich flavors into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this dish brings together the hearty ingredients we love, like ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, all in a convenient, easy-to-make format. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious lasagna soup that everyone will enjoy.
A Personal Story Behind My Lasagna Soup Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for hearty meals. Lasagna was always a favorite, but the preparation could be time-consuming. One day, I decided to simplify the process by transforming it into a soup. The first time I served it, my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! It quickly became a staple in our home, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it has brought to my family.
What Makes This Lasagna Soup Recipe Special?
This lasagna soup recipe stands out because it captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the need for layering noodles and baking. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a robust flavor profile, while the addition of pasta noodles makes it filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and herbs, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
The Full Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved or shredded
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is cooked through and browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta noodles. Mix well to combine.
- Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
- If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding water or more broth in small amounts until it reaches your desired thickness.
- For serving, you can add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the whole soup after it cools slightly, or serve the cheeses on the side for individual portions. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- To store leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 90 days. If vacuum sealed, it may last even longer.
- When reheating, add more water or broth as desired since the noodles will have absorbed much of the broth.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. For added flavor, consider topping it with fresh herbs such as basil or oregano. You can also modify the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can sauté the beef and vegetables first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Is it possible to freeze lasagna soup? Absolutely! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It can be stored for up to 90 days.
What type of pasta works best? Any small pasta works well, such as rotini, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- 4.5-quart soup pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion diced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can Tomato Sauce
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta uncooked
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese shaved or shredded
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta noodles.
- Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring frequently.
- Adjust the soup consistency by adding water or more broth in small amounts as needed.
- For serving, add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the whole soup or serve on the side.
- To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 90 days.
- When reheating, add more water or broth as desired since the noodles will have absorbed much of the broth.