Lasagna Soup Recipe – A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish
If you love lasagna but want a lighter, easier version, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is for you! It combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying bowl of soup without the layering and baking of a traditional lasagna.
This recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious recipes. It’s made for one, but you can easily double (or triple) this recipe for company or leftovers! If you didn’t get a copy yet, our book is on Amazon right here!
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Here are the key ingredients for this delicious soup and what makes each one essential:
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into smaller pieces, these give the soup its lasagna-like texture. The noodles are the foundation of this soup, offering heartiness and substance.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients provide the base flavors for the soup. They add a sweet and savory depth that complements the tomatoes and beef.
- Ground Beef: A classic lasagna ingredient that brings richness and a meaty texture to the soup. You can also use ground turkey or Italian sausage as a variation.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat to balance out the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Dried Oregano: A staple in Italian cooking, oregano adds an earthy, herbaceous flavor.
- Tomato Paste and Tomato Sauce: These provide the tomato base for the soup, giving it that signature lasagna flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the soup while keeping it from being too thick. You can use beef broth for a heartier flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess to the soup, making it feel rich without being overwhelming.
- Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses melt into the soup, creating a velvety texture and adding that classic lasagna cheesiness.
- Fresh Basil: Optional but recommended for a fresh, herbal garnish.
Instructions
When it comes to making this soup, it’s all about combining the classic flavors of lasagna with a simplified cooking approach. You’ll start by cooking broken lasagna noodles until they’re al dente – just like you would with regular lasagna. Once the noodles are ready, set them aside while you prepare the base of the soup.
In the same pot, sauté chopped onions in a little oil until they’re softened and aromatic. Adding minced garlic to the onions infuses the soup with that delicious, savory flavor. After that, you’ll brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. This is where you’ll sprinkle in a little red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt to season the meat.
With the beef cooked, it’s time to stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. This combination creates a rich and flavorful base that captures the essence of lasagna. Bringing the soup to a gentle simmer lets the flavors meld together.
To give the soup a creamy texture, you’ll add heavy cream and let it come to a brief boil. This step is key to making the soup feel indulgent without all the layers of traditional lasagna. At this point, the cooked noodles go back into the pot, and you’ll stir in shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until it melts into the soup, giving it that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect lasagna soup:
- Switch Up the Protein: You can easily swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Make It Spicy: If you like your lasagna with a bit of a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Leftover Noodles: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover lasagna noodles that you might have from another meal.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a few classic sides:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious broth.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the rich and cheesy soup beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for an Italian-inspired side dish.
Leftovers & Storage
Lasagna soup tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you’re freezing the soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Lasagna Soup Recipe, try these other comforting dishes:
- Pasta Primavera Recipe – A simple and fresh pasta dish loaded with colorful vegetables.
- Lasagna Recipes to Satisfy Everyone! – A collection of lasagna recipes to fit every taste.
- Bison Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta – A hearty lasagna dish made with lean bison, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta.
- Chicken Parmesan Soup: from Delish, another great soup dish with pasta.
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is a comforting twist on a classic dish that brings all the best parts of lasagna into a simple, satisfying soup. It’s perfect for when you’re craving the flavors of lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try and let the warm, cheesy goodness brighten your day.
