Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food recipe, you absolutely have to try my lasagna soup! It takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and wraps them up in a warm, hearty soup that just hugs you from the inside out. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly evening; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. It’s such a perfect dish for cozy nights or when you just want something that feels like a warm blanket. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this lasagna soup, it’ll become a cherished favorite in your house too!
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this lasagna soup come to life! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey if you prefer!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (trust me, don’t skimp on the garlic!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes (the more flavorful, the better!)
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (I love using campanelle or rotini for that perfect bite!)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (this is where the magic happens!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (for that creamy lasagna feel)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because what’s soup without cheese?)
- Fresh basil for garnish (it brightens everything up!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for a smooth cooking experience. You’ll be so glad you did!
How to Prepare Lasagna Soup
Preparing this lasagna soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma! Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a bowl of comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks, and once it’s nice and brown, drain any excess fat.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes. The smell at this point will have you drooling!
- Now, stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, it’s time to add the uncooked pasta. Stir it in and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
- Once your pasta is ready, stir in the ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where it starts to get really creamy and delicious!
- Serve the soup hot, ladling it into bowls and topping each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Enjoy every comforting bite!
And there you go! You’ve just made a warm, hearty lasagna soup that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna soup is not just delicious; it’s loaded with benefits that will make you fall in love with it even more! Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:
- Quick preparation: It comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Hearty flavor: All the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna packed into a warm, cozy bowl.
- One-pot wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the protein for a personal touch.
- Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will be asking for seconds!
- Leftover magic: It tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it again!
Trust me, once you try this lasagna soup, it’ll become a staple in your home!
Tips for Success
Want to take your lasagna soup to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for making it absolutely perfect! First off, don’t hesitate to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even Italian sausage for a flavor boost! You can also sneak in some veggies like spinach or zucchini—just toss them in when you add the broth for extra nutrition without sacrificing taste.
If you want that authentic lasagna vibe, consider adding a dash of red wine to the broth for a richer flavor. And remember, the type of pasta matters! Short shapes like fusilli or shells hold onto the broth beautifully. Lastly, let your soup sit for a few minutes after cooking; it thickens up nicely and allows the flavors to meld together. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Variations on Lasagna Soup
One of the best things about this lasagna soup is how versatile it can be! If you want to switch things up, consider using different proteins like ground chicken or even crumbled sausage for that extra kick of flavor. You could also go meatless and use lentils or chickpeas for a hearty veggie version.
Don’t stop there—add in some colorful veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can add a delightful touch and boost the nutrition factor. For a spicy twist, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also experiment with different types of pasta; try using whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary needs. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this soup your own!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing what you’re consuming can help you enjoy it even more! This lasagna soup is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying balance of nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g (Fiber: 3g)
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every bite of this hearty soup while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ about Lasagna Soup
Got questions about making the best lasagna soup? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This lasagna soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Just prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat it on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.
Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
What type of pasta works best?
I love using campanelle or rotini, but really, any short pasta will do! Just avoid using long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t quite fit the soup vibe. Plus, short pasta holds onto the broth nicely!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Of course! Just skip the meat and use vegetable broth instead. You can add hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
What toppings should I use?
The classic choice is shredded mozzarella and fresh basil, but you can get creative! Try adding grated Parmesan, a dollop of pesto, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for some heat. Enjoy customizing!
Serve Your Lasagna Soup
Serving up your lasagna soup is half the fun! I love pairing it with a crispy garlic bread or some warm, buttery breadsticks to soak up every last bit of that delicious broth. You can even throw together a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty soup.
Feeling fancy? Top your soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for that extra touch of flavor. And don’t forget a few fresh basil leaves on top; they not only look gorgeous but also add a burst of freshness. Trust me, these little additions elevate the whole meal experience! Enjoy your comforting bowl of lasagna soup surrounded by loved ones—it’s a moment worth savoring!
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Lasagna Soup: 7 Reasons It’s Your Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil and add the uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lasagna soup, comfort food, Italian soup, hearty soup
