Lasagna Soup

If you’re a fan of traditional lasagna but don’t always have the time for all the layering and baking, then Lasagna Soup is your new best friend. This comforting, flavorful dish captures all the classic tastes of lasagna—savory meat, aromatic herbs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese—but in a quick and easy soup form. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe takes the best parts of lasagna and transforms them into a one-pot meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a way to enjoy lasagna without the fuss, this Lasagna Soup delivers big on flavor and comfort. Grab a spoon and get ready to enjoy all the cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Soup:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, sausage, or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4-5 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (lasagna noodles broken into pieces or any short pasta)
• For Serving and Toppings:
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat & Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula. Once browned, add the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Season the meat mixture with salt, dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to combine. Then add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more broth as needed.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup becomes too thick, add a bit more broth or water.
4. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or herbs.
5. Prepare the Cheese Toppings:
   • In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Serve the Soup:
   • Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt into the hot soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, preferably with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast.

Notes & Tips:

• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• If you’re storing leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately to avoid it absorbing too much broth over time.

Storage & Reheating:

• Store leftover soup (without the pasta if possible) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• To reheat, warm the soup over medium heat on the stove. Add a little broth or water if it has thickened.
• The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Origin of Lasagna Soup:

Lasagna Soup is inspired by the traditional Italian lasagna but is adapted to be a simpler, quicker version that captures all the familiar flavors of the layered dish. Unlike the classic baked lasagna, which involves careful layering and long baking times, the soup version transforms the ingredients into a one-pot meal, making it an easier alternative while still bringing the comfort of the original dish. This adaptation is particularly popular in the United States, where families look for quick yet flavorful meals.

Tips for Making the Best Lasagna Soup:

• Use Fresh Herbs for Better Flavor: While dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are convenient, adding fresh herbs like basil and parsley towards the end of cooking can brighten up the flavor.
• Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer a bit longer. For a more brothy soup, add extra stock or water.
• Cook Pasta Separately for Storage: If you’re making a large batch and plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft or absorbing too much broth in storage.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, you can mix things up by adding other cheese varieties like provolone or fontina for a richer taste.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations:

• Meat Options: The recipe traditionally calls for ground beef, sausage, or turkey, but you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your other ingredients (like broth and tomato paste) are gluten-free.
• Vegan Variation: To make it vegan, use plant-based meat alternatives, and replace the cheese with vegan cheese or a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce for that creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnishes: Serve the lasagna soup with fresh basil, parsley, or even a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and presentation.
• Bread Pairing: Pair it with crusty garlic bread, baguette slices, or even breadsticks to make it a complete meal. The bread can also be used to soak up the delicious broth.
• Make It Spicy: If you prefer some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or serve with a side of hot sauce to let guests adjust the spiciness to their liking.

Nutritional Benefits:

Lasagna Soup contains protein from the meat and cheese, making it a filling dish. Tomatoes, which form the base of the soup, are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Using whole-wheat pasta can add fiber to the dish, making it a more balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

• Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If storing the pasta separately, keep it in a separate container to avoid it absorbing too much liquid.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and when reheating, add cooked pasta before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If it has thickened too much, add a bit of broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Creative Twists:

• Mexican Lasagna Soup: Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and top with cheddar cheese for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• White Lasagna Soup: Use a creamy base made of chicken broth and heavy cream or a roux. Add cooked chicken, spinach, and use white cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Versions: Lasagna soup can easily be adapted to pressure cookers or slow cookers. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for browning and then pressure cook for a shorter time. For a slow cooker, brown the meat first and then cook all ingredients (except pasta) on low for 6-8 hours before adding the pasta at the end.

History and Popularity:

Lasagna soup gained popularity as a part of the broader movement toward “deconstructed” dishes, where classic meals are reimagined in new formats. The simplicity and comfort factor of this soup have made it a popular dish for families and home cooks who want to enjoy the taste of lasagna without the labor-intensive preparation. It’s especially loved during colder months, as the warm, hearty flavors provide comfort and warmth.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is a delicious, comforting twist on the classic lasagna dish that’s much easier and quicker to prepare. With its rich tomato base, flavorful meat, aromatic herbs, and cheesy toppings, it brings together all the familiar flavors you love in lasagna but in a warm, hearty soup format. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a cozy meal on a cold day, or any time you’re craving something filling and flavorful without the hassle of traditional lasagna layering. Versatile, customizable, and easy to make, this Lasagna Soup will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your home.