Hey there! If there’s one dish that brings back a flood of warm memories, it’s my Homemade Lasagna Soup. I can still remember the first time I made it – it was one chilly evening, and I was determined to whip up something cozy and heartwarming. I ended up with this glorious pot of soup that not only filled my kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also delighted my taste buds and warmed my soul.
You know, we’ve all had those days where we crave the comforting flavors of lasagna but don’t have the energy to layer noodles and bake it for hours, right? This soup is like lasagna in a bowl: rich, cheesy, and easy to prepare! It’s perfect for family dinners, sporting events, or cozy nights in front of the TV. Seriously, if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!
What’s in Homemade Lasagna Soup?
Let’s dive into the heart of the matter and see what makes this dish so special!
Ground Beef: The star of our soup, this gives it that classic meaty lasagna flavor. I usually grab some lean ground beef to keep things a bit healthier, but go ahead and use what you enjoy most!
Onion: Diced up and sautéed until soft, onions add a lovely sweet base to our soup.
Garlic: A couple of minced cloves bring a punch of flavor that’s absolutely glorious and makes your kitchen smell divine!
Crushed Tomatoes: This is where the magic begins! A 28 oz can gives the soup a vibrant color and rich tomato flavor that is essential for any lasagna dish.
Beef Broth: It adds depth and richness to the soup. Fresh or boxed broth works great; just steer clear of low-quality options!
Tomato Sauce: A 15 oz can helps enhance the tomato flavor. It’s always nice to have a bit more tomato goodness, don’t you think?
Dried Basil & Oregano: These herbs bring that classic Italian flavor we all love, lending a delightful aroma to the whole dish.
Salt and Pepper: Key seasonings that help bring all those flavors to life—don’t skimp on these!
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Perfect for this soup! The little bowties soak up the broth while adding a fun twist to the texture.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because what’s lasagna without cheese, right? It makes every bowl creamy and delicious.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley not only makes the bowl look gorgeous but adds a fresh hint at the end.
Is Homemade Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! Let’s chat about the health perks and things to consider.
Ground Beef: It’s a good source of protein and iron. Just remember to choose lean to keep it on the lighter side.
Pasta: Whole grain pasta could be a fantastic alternative for added fiber. Just keep in mind to watch your portion sizes if you’re managing carbs.
Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a good source of calcium, but it can be high in sodium, so just enjoy it in moderation.
While this soup may be hearty and comforting, it’s also pretty straightforward to make it healthier by tweaking a few ingredients. Feel free to add loads of veggies! Zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers work beautifully in the mix. Your body will thank you.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Servings:** This recipe will serve about 6 hearty bowls of deliciousness.
How to Make Homemade Lasagna Soup?
Alright, let’s get our cooking hats on and make some magic!
1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. After simmering, stir in the bowtie pasta and continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Serve the soup warm in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Soup Game!
Now that we’ve finished our soup, let’s take it up a notch! For that extra touch of indulgence, consider topping each serving with a little more mozzarella cheese and popping it under the broiler for a minute. It’ll get all bubbly and delicious! And of course, you can’t go wrong with a side of crusty bread for dipping – trust me, you’ll be mopping up every last drop!
I hope you give this Homemade Lasagna Soup a try. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that is sure to become a favorite in your home. If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
