Ah, Homemade Lasagna Soup! Just saying the name makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. The first time I made this delightful dish was during a chilly autumn evening, and let me tell you, it turned my kitchen into a mini Italian trattoria! The aroma of simmering tomatoes, savory meat, and fragrant herbs wafted through the house and had my family gathering around the stove, eager for a taste. It’s perfect for those days when you want the comforting goodness of lasagna but don’t want to deal with layering it up.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s not just delicious; it’s super easy to make, which is a win-win! It combines all the elements of a classic lasagna into a warm and hearty soup. Plus, it’s totally adaptable — you can throw in whatever you have lying around in the fridge. Thinking of a veggie version? Go for it! Craving some extra cheese? Pile it on! Trust me, once you make this soup, you’ll want it on repeat.
What’s in Homemade Lasagna Soup?
Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Here’s a quick rundown of all the ingredients you’ll need:
Lasagna noodles: The heart and soul of this soup, they soak up all those flavors and add that classic lasagna vibe. I like to break them up into smaller pieces for easier serving.
Ground beef or Italian sausage: This adds a rich, meaty flavor to the soup. You can also use turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Onion: Chopped onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish, making it taste all the more comforting.
Garlic: The more, the merrier! I always add an extra clove or two. Garlic just has a way of turning any dish into something magical.
Crushed tomatoes: These are the base of our soup and create that luscious tomato flavor. Make sure to grab a good quality can for the best results!
Beef or chicken broth: This is what gives our soup incredible depth and richness. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine — just look for a low-sodium option.
Dried oregano and basil: Italian herbs are essential for that classic lasagna taste. I love to use fresh herbs when I can, but dried works just as well in this recipe.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy dollops on top are to die for! They mimic that gooey, cheesy layer of lasagna.
Parmesan and mozzarella cheese: Because any good cheese lover knows that you can never have too much cheese. These add a wonderful flavor boost, and who doesn’t love melty cheese?
Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle for color and a fresh finish! It makes everything look fancy.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing those aromatics and adding a hint of richness.
Is Homemade Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Well, when it comes to comfort food, it’s always good to consider the health impact! This soup is a blend of deliciously hearty ingredients, so here’s the scoop:
Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides protein and iron, but if you’re watching your saturated fat intake, leaner options can work just as well.
Lasagna noodles: These carb-packed noodles provide satisfying energy, especially if you’re doing something active. Whole grain options are great if you want a fiber boost!
Canned tomatoes: They’re rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which is great for heart health.
Ricotta cheese: This creamy goodness is a source of calcium and protein, but remember not to overdo it if you’re counting calories.
Overall, this soup is a balanced meal, especially if you load it up with vegetables or enjoy it with a side salad. Just keep in mind the portion sizes, and avoid overindulging if you’re keeping an eye on calorie intake.
Ingredients List
This delicious Homemade Lasagna Soup serves about 6 hearty portions. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 8 oz lasagna noodles
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Olive oil for sautéing
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Soup?
Ready to bring this comforting bowl of goodness to life? Let’s cook!
1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 4-5 minutes. Then add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Toss in the ground beef or sausage. Season with a little salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary because nobody likes greasy soup!
3. Now, stir in those crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, and basil. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.
4. While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them and set aside — nobody likes mushy noodles!
5. After the soup has simmered to perfection, gently fold in the cooked lasagna noodles. Taste a bit and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into rustic bowls. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Top it off with some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
7. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in soup form!
Serving Suggestions & Ideas to Elevate Your Bowl
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider this your inspiration station! For a vegetarian version, swap out the meat for chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers — you won’t miss it! And don’t forget to change up your cheese game! You can add cream cheese for even richer soup or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor twist.
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread. I always serve mine with a fresh, warm baguette for dipping, and let me tell you, it undergoes a delightful transformation as it soaks up the soup.
For a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of homemade croutons or crushed garlic bread on top can add a delightful texture.
I can’t wait for you to try making this Homemade Lasagna Soup! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or you’re just treating yourself to a warm meal, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. Happy cooking, friends!
