Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Lasagna Soup is a comforting blend of classic Italian flavors, perfect for anyone who loves the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna but in a lighter, more convenient soup form. It’s a dish packed with ground beef, tomatoes, bowtie pasta, and topped with a trio of cheeses that melt beautifully into the soup. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the same flavors of lasagna with much less effort.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

This recipe brings the warm, cozy feeling of lasagna to your table but takes much less time to prepare. Here’s why it’s so great:

• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of pasta, meat, and cheese.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to make it lighter, vegetarian, or gluten-free.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is perfect for busy weeknights.

Let’s explore how you can make this delicious lasagna soup at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lasagna Soup

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for a rich, flavorful soup that yields about 12 cups:

• Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons for sautéing the meat and onions.
• Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound, providing a hearty base to the soup.
• Onion: 1 large onion, diced to add sweetness and flavor.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced for an aromatic punch.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (15-ounce) can, including the juices to enrich the broth.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15-ounce) can, or you can substitute with tomato puree for a smoother texture.
• Tomato Paste: ½ (6-ounce) can, thickening the soup and enhancing the tomato flavor.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups plus 1 additional cup of water, providing the soup’s base.
• Water: 1-2 cups as needed to adjust the consistency of the broth.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for a classic herb blend.
• Sea Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
• Bowtie Pasta: 8 ounces, uncooked, adding a hearty texture. (You can also use other pasta shapes like lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces.)

this RECIPE

Toppings for Lasagna Soup

• Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup for that signature creamy lasagna texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 ounces, shredded (about ½ cup), which melts beautifully over the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, shaved or shredded for extra flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, adding freshness and color to each serving.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lasagna Soup

Making Lasagna Soup is straightforward and simple. Here’s how you can recreate this comforting dish in your kitchen:

1. Heat the Olive Oil
   Begin by heating 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for sautéing.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Vegetables
   Add the lean ground beef to the pot along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it from the pot.
3. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. These ingredients will form the flavorful, hearty base of your soup. Then, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Add the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring everything together.
4. Bring to a Boil and Add Pasta
   Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, add in your uncooked bowtie pasta (or your preferred pasta shape). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and reduce the heat to medium. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
5. Adjust Consistency
   As the pasta cooks, you may find that the soup thickens. Add 1-2 cups of water as needed to adjust the broth consistency. Stir well, then remove from heat.
6. Serve and Add Toppings
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The hot soup will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, delicious topping.

Toppings to Elevate Your Lasagna Soup

While the cheese and fresh herbs are traditional toppings, here are a few other ideas to personalize your soup:

• Crushed Red Pepper: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some over the top.
• Fresh Basil: Swap out parsley for fresh basil to give it a brighter flavor.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Add for an earthy twist, especially if you’re making a vegetarian version.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid even after the soup is off the heat. Be sure to check the pasta often to avoid mushiness.
2. Not Adjusting the Broth Consistency: Adding water towards the end helps keep the soup from becoming too thick, especially after the pasta absorbs the liquid.
3. Forgetting the Toppings: The cheeses are an essential part of this dish. Don’t skip them—they transform the soup into a lasagna-like experience!

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your lasagna soup look as good as it tastes, try these tips:

• Serve in wide, shallow bowls to show off the pasta and toppings.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a fresh parsley sprig for an elegant touch.
• Use a drizzle of olive oil or a balsamic glaze for a restaurant-style finish.

Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta or a vegetable-based noodle.
• Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms into the soup.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This lasagna soup stores well and tastes even better the next day!

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. For best results, store the soup without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add additional broth or water, as the pasta will continue to soak up the liquid while stored.

FAQ: Lasagna Soup Recipe

• Can I use other types of pasta?
  Absolutely! You can use lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces), rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time to match the pasta.
• How can I make the soup thicker?
  If you prefer a thicker consistency, add less broth or water. You can also use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup without altering the flavor.

Conclusion

This Lasagna Soup Recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal without the hassle of making a full lasagna. It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you love—tomato, cheese, and pasta— in a convenient, one-pot dish. Give this recipe a try, and let the warm, rich flavors of lasagna soup bring comfort to your dinner table.

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