This Viral Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl. With tender noodles, flavorful beef, creamy cheeses, and a touch of herbs, this dish is a quick and easy version of a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a cozy, satisfying meal without all the effort of traditional lasagna.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
- ½ an onion, diced (about 75g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 6g)
- 250g ground beef (about ½ lb)
- 150g pasta sauce (about ¾ cup)
- 500ml water (about 2 cups)
- 50ml heavy cream (about ¼ cup)
- 15g Parmesan cheese (about 2 tbsp)
- 50g mozzarella cheese (about ½ cup shredded)
- 150g lasagna noodles (about 6 oz, broken into smaller pieces)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef in the pot, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the pasta sauce and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Let the soup simmer for 3-4 minutes until the cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a slice of garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with extra shredded mozzarella and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.
- Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for an extra creamy texture.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Cooking Tips:
- Use a high-quality pasta sauce for the best flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the noodles directly in the soup to absorb more flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For a richer broth, substitute half the water with beef or vegetable broth.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Ground beef provides a good source of protein and iron.
- Cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health.
- Onions and garlic offer antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.
- Tomatoes in the pasta sauce are rich in vitamins A and C.
- Fresh herbs like parsley provide additional vitamins and a fresh burst of flavor.
Dietary Information:
- Not suitable for vegetarians.
- Contains dairy (mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream).
- Gluten-containing (lasagna noodles).
- Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 4g
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if needed.
- This soup is not recommended for freezing due to the cream and pasta, which may change texture upon thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All the delicious flavors of lasagna, without the layers or long cook time.
- It’s a cozy, one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold evenings.
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable with different meats, cheeses, or even vegetarian options.
- A family-friendly recipe that pleases both kids and adults.
Conclusion:
This Viral Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick, convenient dish perfect for weeknights. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness that the whole family will enjoy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is bound to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage work well as alternatives to beef. - Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, but the noodles may absorb more liquid over time. Add a bit of extra broth when reheating. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the ground beef with a meatless option or extra veggies like mushrooms. - Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best to avoid freezing due to the dairy and noodles, which may not reheat well after thawing. - What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative if needed.