Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on traditional lasagna. This hearty soup is packed with ground beef, a rich tomato base, and lasagna noodles, then topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Itโ€™s a cozy, one-pot meal that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna in a more convenient and delicious soup form.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, hand-crushed
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 8 ounces lasagna noodles, roughly broken
  • 8 ounces whole milk ricotta
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, to serve

Directions

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion.
  2. Cook the Onion:
    • Sautรฉ the onion until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic:
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Tomato Paste:
    • Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a brick-red color, about 2 minutes.
  5. Cook the Beef:
    • Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and rosemary. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add Tomatoes:
    • Hand-crush the whole tomatoes and add them along with the tomato juice from the can.
  7. Add Stock:
    • Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a low boil, stirring to combine.
  8. Cook Noodles:
    • Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
  9. Prepare Cheese Mixture:
    • While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mozzarella in a small bowl.
  10. Serve:
    • Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top with the cheese mixture and fresh basil leaves.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
  2. Top with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for added richness.
  3. Pair with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
  4. Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
  5. For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the soup.

Cooking Tips

  • For a richer broth, use beef stock instead of chicken stock.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the noodles a bit longer to let them absorb more liquid.
  • Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • You can also freeze the soup (without the cheese mixture) for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Ground beef provides protein and essential nutrients such as iron and zinc.
  • Tomato paste is a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health.
  • Cheese adds calcium and helps support bone health.

Dietary Information

  • Contains dairy (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano).
  • Gluten content: Contains gluten (lasagna noodles).
  • Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets due to the meat and cheese content.

Nutritional Facts

  • Calories: ~450-500 kcal per serving
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg (varies depending on the stock and cheese used)

Storage

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • For longer storage, freeze the soup (without cheese mixture) for up to 3 months.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe
This Lasagna Soup brings all the comfort and flavor of traditional lasagna without the layers and baking time. Itโ€™s hearty, filling, and full of classic Italian flavors. The combination of beef, tomatoes, and cheese makes it a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, itโ€™s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!


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Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. With its rich, savory broth and melty cheese, itโ€™s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Itโ€™s easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices. Enjoy this comforting soup thatโ€™s packed with flavor and love!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
    Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option.
  2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
  3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
    Yes, simply substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta.
  4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
    Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them down into a sauce.
  5. Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
    Yes, freeze the soup (without cheese) for up to 3 months. Add the cheese mixture when reheating.
  6. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
    Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta.
  7. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
    Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
  8. Can I skip the cheese topping?
    Yes, you can skip the cheese topping if you prefer a lighter version of the soup.
  9. How can I make the soup spicier?
    Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
  10. What can I serve with Lasagna Soup?
    Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides to complement the soup.