Lasagna Soup

This delicious and comforting lasagna soup is an easy, one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna with less effort. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s hearty, saucy, and sure to please everyone at the table. The standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity—it’s a warm hug in a bowl that combines all your favorite lasagna ingredients into a delightful soup.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is not just any soup; it’s an experience!

• Comforting flavors: Enjoy the rich taste of classic lasagna in a cozy soup form.
• Quick and easy: With simple steps and one pot, you can have a homemade meal ready in under an hour.
• Versatile toppings: Customize each bowl with your choice of cheeses and herbs for extra flavor.
• Perfect for leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on traditional lasagna.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious lasagna soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the entire batch in one go, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while sautéing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or tomato puree
• 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1-2 cups water (or more as needed to adjust consistency)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked; see notes for substitutions)

For Garnish

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, shredded, or grated
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Heat the Pot

Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Add the ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and uncooked pasta.

Step 4: Boil the Soup

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together until it’s cooked to your liking.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

Adjust the soup’s consistency by adding more water or broth if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve with toppings of your choice: either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into the entire pot or serve them on the side for individual servings. Garnish with fresh parsley before enjoying!

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic approach or want to add a twist, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal and impress your family and friends.

Classic Toppings

• Ricotta Cheese: Stir in creamy ricotta for a rich texture that mimics traditional lasagna.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Add mozzarella on top for a melty finish, giving it that comforting cheese pull.
• Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan for an added depth of flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Garnish with fresh parsley to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
• Basil: A few fresh basil leaves can elevate the flavor profile and provide an aromatic touch.

Accompaniment Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping; it complements the soup beautifully.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Pair with buttery garlic breadsticks for a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.

How to Perfect Lasagna Soup

To achieve the ultimate lasagna soup, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly textured every time.

• Bold Flavoring: Enhance flavors by using fresh herbs and spices. Fresh basil and oregano make all the difference.
• Right Pasta Choice: Use sturdy pasta like bowtie or penne to hold up during cooking and reheating.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup thickens too much while sitting, add water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
• Layering Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant before adding other ingredients to build a solid flavor base.

Best Side Dishes for Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with lasagna soup can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that’s perfect for soaking up every delicious drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
3. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the flavors beautifully.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a nutritious balance to your hearty soup.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil creates a delightful appetizer before diving into the soup.
6. Cheesy Spinach Dip: Serve this creamy dip with tortilla chips as an indulgent starter that pairs well with lasagna flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lasagna soup, there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using the wrong pasta – Choosing fragile pasta can lead to mushy results. Stick with sturdy options like bowtie or penne.
• Not adjusting the consistency – Forgetting to add water or broth may result in a dry soup. Always check and adjust as needed while cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long will make it gummy. Monitor closely and aim for al dente for the best texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments – Undersalting can leave your soup bland. Taste and season throughout the cooking process for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring storage guidelines – Improper storage can spoil your leftovers. Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lasagna soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

• Use a freezer-safe container or vacuum seal for longer shelf life.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 90 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot and simmer over medium heat, adding water or broth as necessary to achieve desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup is a hearty one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting soup form.

Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.

What toppings go well with Lasagna Soup?

Popular toppings include ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for added flavor and freshness.

How do I customize my Lasagna Soup?

You can swap out ground beef for turkey or sausage, use different pasta shapes, or add extra vegetables based on your preference.

Is Lasagna Soup healthy?

This dish can be made healthier by using lean meat options and incorporating more vegetables, making it a nutritious family meal.

Final Thoughts

This lasagna soup recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With its comforting flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for any family dinner. Give it a try and feel free to modify it to suit your taste!