Lasagna Soup

Experience the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, hearty soup form! This Lasagna Soup is perfect for busy weeknights and cold days, offering all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles. Loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, this dish is easily customizable and can be topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm your soul.

Ingredients:
(Serves approximately 12 cups)

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or tomato puree)
  • 3 ounces tomato paste (equivalent to ¼ cup)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1-2 cups water (or more as needed to adjust broth consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Suggested Toppings:

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or freshly grated
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Pot:
    In a 4.5-quart soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
    Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked, stirring as necessary. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
  3. Combine the Ingredients:
    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and bowtie pasta.
  4. Bring to a Boil:
    Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Simmer the Soup:
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Cook the soup for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. During this time, add water in small amounts to adjust the broth consistency as needed.
  6. Serve:
    There are two options for serving the cheese:

    • Option 1: Stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan directly into the entire pot of soup.
    • Option 2: Serve the cheeses on the side, allowing everyone to add their desired amount to individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  7. Store Leftovers:
    Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 90 days (or longer if vacuum sealed).
  8. Reheat:
    When reheating, be sure to add more water or broth as needed, since the noodles will have absorbed some of the broth during storage.

Cooking Tips:

  • Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for different flavor profiles.
  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
  • Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese toppings based on your preferences. Cream cheese can also be added for extra creaminess.
  • Pasta Variations: While bowtie pasta is used here, you can easily swap it for other small pasta shapes like fusilli or shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Rich in Protein: This soup is a great source of protein from the ground beef and cheese, supporting muscle growth and repair.
  • Vegetable Boost: The diced tomatoes and onions contribute vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health.
  • Fiber Content: The inclusion of pasta and tomatoes provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: With a combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, this soup is a balanced meal option that satisfies hunger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Lasagna Soup brings the comforting taste of lasagna into an easy-to-make, one-pot meal. The familiar flavors and aromas will remind you of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your liking by adjusting the seasonings or toppings. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep and leftovers, making it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Dietary Information:

  • Nut-Free: This recipe does not contain any nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
  • Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • High in Calcium: The addition of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses enhances the calcium content, beneficial for bone health.
  • Moderate Carb Content: While it contains pasta, you can control the carbohydrate intake by adjusting the amount of pasta used.

Why This Recipe Works:
This Lasagna Soup recipe works beautifully because it combines all the beloved flavors of lasagna into a hearty soup format. The key is in layering flavors—starting with sautéing the beef and aromatics to build a flavor base, followed by incorporating tomatoes and broth for depth. Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb all the savory flavors, creating a cohesive dish that satisfies cravings. The optional cheese toppings add creaminess and richness, making each bowl comforting and delicious.

Conclusion:
Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish for those who crave the flavors of lasagna but want a quicker, easier option. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup will not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart. Enjoy a bowl of this deliciousness with your favorite bread for a truly comforting meal!

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Lasagna Soup


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45mins

Description

Experience the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, hearty soup form! This Lasagna Soup is perfect for busy weeknights and cold days, offering all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles. Loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, this dish is easily customizable and can be topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will warm your soul.

 


Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients:
(Serves approximately 12 cups)

  • 12 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or tomato puree)
  • 3 ounces tomato paste (equivalent to 1/4 cup)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 cups water (or more as needed to adjust broth consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked)

Suggested Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Heat the Pot:
    In a 4.5-quart soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  • Cook the Beef and Vegetables:
    Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked, stirring as necessary. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
  • Combine the Ingredients:
    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and bowtie pasta.
  • Bring to a Boil:
    Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
  • Simmer the Soup:
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Cook the soup for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. During this time, add water in small amounts to adjust the broth consistency as needed.
  • Serve:
    There are two options for serving the cheese:

    • Option 1: Stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan directly into the entire pot of soup.
    • Option 2: Serve the cheeses on the side, allowing everyone to add their desired amount to individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15mins
  • Cook Time: 30mins