Ah, Lasagna Soup! If there’s one dish that brings me a wave of nostalgia and warmth, it’s this one. Picture this: cozy evenings in, those early days of fall when the air is crisp, and you’re just looking for a reason to wrap your hands around something warm. That’s when this delightful soup comes into play. It combines all the flavors of classic lasagna but with an added comfort of being a soup—what’s not to love?
I first tried Lasagna Soup at a little Italian restaurant tucked away in a small town during a road trip with my family. We were searching for the best local spots and stumbled upon this gem. I couldn’t resist ordering it, and ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that magical experience at home. It’s a whimsical twist on a comfort food favorite, merging the cheesy goodness of lasagna with a simple, hearty broth. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some veggies, making it not just delicious but also a tad more nutritious!
What’s in Lasagna Soup?
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is the meaty base that gives the soup that rich, savory flavor. I generally prefer lean ground beef, but Italian sausage can really amp up the flavor if you’re in the mood.
Onion and Garlic: Okay, can we just agree that onion and garlic are basically a match made in culinary heaven? They form the aromatic backbone of this soup, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: This is the heart of our broth. Use good quality tomatoes to make a difference; I really love San Marzano tomatoes for their flavor.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The broth is the soul of soup, so choose one that complements the flavors—homemade is always divine, but store-bought works too!
Lasagna Noodles: The best part! Break them into pieces and toss them in for that lasagna feel without all the layers. I often go for whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy goodness is what brings the dish together. It’s like the secret ingredient that ties everything back to classic lasagna.
Shredded Mozzarella: Because cheese makes everything better, right? Topping your soup with gooey mozzarella is pure heaven.
Fresh Basil: For garnish and fresh flavor—plus, it makes everything look so fancy!
Is Lasagna Soup Good for You?
You know I’m all about that balance when it comes to cooking! Lasagna Soup strikes a nice balance between comfort and nutrition.
Ground Beef: Using lean beef gives you protein without too much fat, and it keeps you feeling full.
Tomatoes: These juicy red beauties are loaded with antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.
Veggies: You can sneak in zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers to make this dish more colorful and nutrient-dense without sacrificing taste.
That said, if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, the lasagna noodles can be a consideration. You can swap them for zucchini noodles or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb version.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, diced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe will serve about 6 hearty bowls.
How to Make Lasagna Soup?
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and let everything cook together for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Once the noodles are done, ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with a generous scoop of ricotta and a handful of shredded mozzarella.
7. If you like, pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese even more!
8. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Lasagna Soup Love: Tips and Variations
– Don’t hesitate to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of cheesy goodness!
– Feel free to adjust the seasonings—add some Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want that extra kick!
– You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based ground meat and adding in more vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant!
I truly hope you give this Lasagna Soup a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect dish to share with family and friends. And trust me, once you take that first comforting spoonful, you’ll probably find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!). I’d love to hear how yours turns out—share your experiences or any twists you put on this recipe! Enjoy!
