Lasagna Soup

Why Lasagna Soup is the Perfect Comfort Food

Lasagna Soup combines the best parts of lasagna – savory ground beef, tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese – into a warm, cozy soup. It’s quicker to make than traditional lasagna, easier to serve, and just as satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or something to meal-prep for the week, Lasagna Soup checks all the boxes.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Lasagna Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Lasagna Soup

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, remove any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onions and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened.

3. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.

4. Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Let them cook directly in the soup for about 10 minutes or until tender.

5. Cheesy Goodness: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Serve the soup in bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture.

6. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Lasagna Soup vs Traditional Lasagna: Key Differences

The key difference between Lasagna Soup and traditional lasagna is the format. Lasagna Soup gives you all the rich, layered flavors of lasagna, but in a fraction of the time. Instead of carefully layering noodles and sauce in a baking dish, everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s much easier to serve – just ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Can You Make Lasagna Soup in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?

Absolutely, To make Lasagna Soup in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for browning the beef and cooking the onions and garlic. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles) and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick-release the pressure, stir in the noodles, and cook for a few more minutes until tender.

For a slow cooker version, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove. Transfer everything (except the noodles) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles about 30 minutes before serving.

Lasagna Soup Toppings and Garnishes for Extra Flavor

For added richness, top your Lasagna Soup with extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley brightens up the dish, while red pepper flakes add a bit of heat if you like things spicy.

Storing and Reheating Lasagna Soup: Tips for Leftovers

Lasagna Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You might need to add a splash of water or broth, as the noodles can soak up some of the liquid while sitting.

Can You Freeze Lasagna Soup? A Complete Freezer Guide

Yes, Lasagna Soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. For best results, you might want to cook the noodles fresh when serving, as they can become mushy after freezing.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup Options

To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available in most grocery stores.

How to Pair Lasagna Soup with the Perfect Side Dishes

Garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs beautifully with Lasagna Soup, offering a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or even a side of Caesar salad for a full meal.

Lasagna Soup Recipe Variations for Every Palate

If you’re looking for a twist, try adding Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or mix in spinach for a boost of greens. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Lasagna Soup

1- Overcooking the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles to make sure they don’t turn mushy. Add them toward the end of cooking.

2- Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t skimp on the herbs and seasonings – they make a big difference in flavor.

3- Skipping the Cheese Mixture: The cheese topping really takes this soup to the next level, so don’t leave it out.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this Lasagna Soup is estimated to have:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 40g

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup has quickly become one of my favorite cozy meals, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, too. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor – the perfect solution when you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time for all the layers. So grab a pot and give this recipe a try.