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. It’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
- 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.
- Cook the Onion:
- Sauté the onion until softened and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Tomato Paste:
- Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns a brick-red color, about 2 minutes.
- 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.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Hand-crush the whole tomatoes and add them along with the tomato juice from the can.
- Add Stock:
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a low boil, stirring to combine.
- Cook Noodles:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and mozzarella in a small bowl.
- Serve:
- Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top with the cheese mixture and fresh basil leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Top with extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for added richness.
- Pair with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.
- 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 You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lasagna Soup brings all the comfort and flavor of traditional lasagna without the layers and baking time. It’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, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is a breeze!
Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. With its rich, savory broth and melty cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices. Enjoy this comforting soup that’s packed with flavor and love!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. - 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. - Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to cook them down into a sauce. - Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, freeze the soup (without cheese) for up to 3 months. Add the cheese mixture when reheating. - What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. - 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. - Can I skip the cheese topping?
Yes, you can skip the cheese topping if you prefer a lighter version of the soup. - How can I make the soup spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for more heat. - What can I serve with Lasagna Soup?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables make great sides to complement the soup.