Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup is the perfect marriage of comforting Italian flavors and the simplicity of a one-pot meal. It captures the essence of traditional lasagna, but with a twist—it’s served up in a hearty, flavorful soup form that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat. Whether you're craving a warm, cozy dish for a cold day or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this lasagna soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading to discover how to make this delicious soup from start to finish, including tips for variations, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid.

this Recipe

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup is essentially a deconstructed lasagna turned into a soup. It’s packed with all the classic lasagna ingredients—ground beef, rich tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and gooey cheese—but served in a bowl with a spoon instead of on a plate. This dish is perfect for those who love the flavors of lasagna but want something a bit lighter or quicker to prepare. The soup is loaded with bowtie pasta that mimics the texture of lasagna noodles, and each bowl is topped with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh parsley, bringing together all the elements of traditional lasagna in a single, satisfying soup.

Ingredients List for Lasagna Soup

To create a delicious lasagna soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: For sautéing the meat and vegetables.
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef: This adds a hearty and flavorful base to the soup.
• 1 large Onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory undertone to the soup.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the soup with aromatic depth.
• 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunks of tomato that burst with flavor.
• 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree: Creates a rich and smooth base for the soup.
• ½ (6-ounce) can Tomato Paste: Thickens the soup and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 4 cups Chicken Broth plus 1 cup water: Provides a savory liquid base for the soup.
• 1-2 cups Water: Adjusts the broth consistency to your preference.
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to flavor the soup.
• 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Black Pepper to taste: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
• 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked): Acts as the lasagna noodle substitute, offering texture and substance to the soup.

Lasagna Soup Toppings

• ½ cup Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to each serving.
• 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup): Melts into the soup for gooey deliciousness.
• ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or freshly grated: Adds a salty, umami-rich flavor.
• ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped: Brightens the soup with freshness and color.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about lasagna soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Meat Substitutes: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Ground turkey offers a leaner option, while Italian sausage brings a spicier, more robust flavor to the soup.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat altogether and add a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You could also use plant-based ground meat alternatives for a similar texture and flavor.
• Pasta Choices: While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can also use other types of sturdy pasta like macaroni, rigatoni, or penne. Avoid using traditional lasagna noodles as they tend to become too soft in the soup.
• Tomato Options: If you prefer a thicker broth, substitute the diced tomatoes with crushed tomatoes. You can also use a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce in place of the canned tomato products for a richer flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. For example, using a smoked mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your broth and tomato products are also gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and potential variations in mind, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this comforting lasagna soup.

1. Heat the Pot: Start by heating a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. If you’re using a pressure cooker, use the sauté function.
2. Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Add the olive oil to the pot, followed by the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
3. Add the Tomato Products: Stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato sauce or puree, and tomato paste. These ingredients form the rich tomato base of your soup.
4. Incorporate the Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and water, followed by the Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the pot. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to your preferred texture.
6. Adjust the Consistency: If the soup seems too thick, add more water in small amounts until you reach your desired consistency. The soup should be hearty but still have enough broth to classify as a soup.
7. Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked and the soup is the right consistency, remove the pot from the heat.

How to Cook Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking lasagna soup is straightforward, but here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get it just right:

• Step 1: Heat your pot and sauté the ground beef with onions and garlic until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. This step builds the foundation of flavors.
• Step 2: Add your tomato products—diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. The combination of these three elements creates a rich, flavorful tomato base.
• Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the flavors.
• Step 4: Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the pot. This pasta will absorb the flavors of the broth as it cooks, creating a hearty and satisfying soup.
• Step 5: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pot.
• Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add additional water or broth to reach your preferred consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this lasagna soup recipe is easy to follow, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta can quickly become mushy if overcooked, especially in soup. Keep a close eye on it and cook just until al dente.
• Not Adjusting the Broth Consistency: Lasagna soup can thicken as it cools, so it’s important to add extra broth or water as needed to maintain a soup-like consistency.
• Using Lasagna Noodles: While it might be tempting to use actual lasagna noodles, they often overcook and become too soft in the soup. Stick to a sturdy pasta like bowtie, penne, or rigatoni.
• Forgetting to Season: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little more salt or pepper can make a big difference in the flavor.
• Skipping the Toppings: The toppings—ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh parsley—are essential for replicating the taste of traditional lasagna. Don’t skip them!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Lasagna soup is a meal in itself, but a few extra touches can make it even more enjoyable:

• Garnish Generously: When serving, top each bowl with a spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan, and a handful of fresh parsley. These toppings not only add flavor but also enhance the presentation.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad to round out the meal.
• Individual Portions: If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a toppings station where everyone can customize their soup with the cheese and herbs they prefer.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Serving lasagna soup is as simple as ladling it into bowls and adding your favorite toppings. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Ladle the Soup: Spoon the hot soup into individual bowls, filling each about three-quarters full.
2. Add Ricotta: Place a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of the soup in each bowl. This adds a creamy texture and a rich flavor.
3. Sprinkle with Mozzarella: Next, sprinkle a small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the mozzarella, creating a gooey layer.
4. Garnish with Parmesan and Parsley: Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly chopped parsley. The parmesan adds a sharp, salty note, while the parsley provides a fresh, herbal contrast.
5. Serve Immediately: Lasagna soup is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately after adding the toppings.

Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Soup

For a visually appealing presentation, consider these ideas:

• Rustic Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls that complement the hearty nature of the dish.
• Cheese Melting Moment: For an Instagram-worthy moment, serve the soup with the mozzarella cheese just starting to melt, capturing that delicious gooeyness on camera.
• Family-Style Serving: If you’re serving a group, consider placing the pot of soup in the center of the table with a selection of toppings on the side. Let everyone ladle their soup and customize their toppings.

Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips

• Adjusting Thickness: Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup cools. If you plan to store leftovers, make the soup slightly thinner by adding extra broth or water.
• Flavor Boost: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine when sautéing the ground beef and onions. It adds depth and richness to the soup.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano, use them in place of dried Italian seasoning for a more vibrant flavor.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat gently and add extra broth or water to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze lasagna soup?
A: Yes, lasagna soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add extra broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat lasagna soup?
A: Reheat lasagna soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore the soup’s consistency, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. Just avoid traditional lasagna noodles, which can become too soft in the soup.

Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: To add a kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, bringing all the flavors of lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a delicious bowl of lasagna soup tonight!

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