Growing up, my mom always had the most comforting soup recipes on hand. Her Healthy Lasagna Soup was my absolute favorite – it just had this amazing way of warming me up and filling me with pure joy. I can still remember the aroma of the simmering tomatoes and herbs, the way the noodles would soak up all that rich, flavorful broth. It was like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
Whenever I was feeling under the weather or just needed a little pick-me-up, that’s the first thing I’d ask her to make. And to this day, nothing quite compares to a steaming hot bowl of her Healthy Lasagna Soup. The balance of the hearty tomato base, the melty cheese, the tender noodles – it’s just perfection. I love how it hits all the same comfort food notes as classic lasagna, but in an easier, lighter soup form. Plus, it’s loaded with veggies, so I never feel guilty indulging.
Why This Healthy Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Healthy Lasagna Soup
Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of Healthy Lasagna Soup recipes, but my mom’s version will always be the gold standard. The secret is in the slow-simmered tomato base, which develops the most incredibly rich and complex flavor. And she has a special trick for getting the perfect cheesy, noodley texture in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to comfort food soup.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground turkey – for a healthier protein boost
– Onion – adds savory depth of flavor
– Garlic – brings aromatic notes
– Tomato paste – helps thicken the broth
– Canned crushed tomatoes – the base of the soup
– Beef or chicken broth – provides the liquid
– Dried oregano – an essential Italian seasoning
– Fresh basil – adds bright, herbaceous notes
– Whole wheat lasagna noodles – for hearty texture
– Shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully into the soup
Step-by-Step Healthy Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Healthy Lasagna Soup
This Healthy Lasagna Soup is surprisingly easy to make, with just a handful of simple steps. In about an hour, you can have a big batch of this comforting, nutritious soup ready to enjoy. All you need is one pot and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Start by browning the ground turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked through, transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.
2- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
3- Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4- Once simmering, break the lasagna noodles into 1-inch pieces and add them to the pot. Let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5- Finally, stir the cooked turkey back into the soup, along with the oregano and chopped basil. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6- Ladle the Healthy Lasagna Soup into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Healthy Lasagna Soup is all about building layers of flavor. Take the time to properly brown the turkey and sauté the aromatics – that’s what gives the broth its rich, robust taste. And be sure not to overcook the noodles, or they can turn mushy.
Another pro tip is to reserve a bit of the basil to garnish each serving. The fresh herbal notes really complement the tomato-y goodness. And don’t be afraid to customize the soup to your liking – you can easily swap in different veggies, beans, or Italian seasonings.
Serving and Storing Your Healthy Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Healthy Lasagna Soup
This Healthy Lasagna Soup is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with lots of delicious sides. A fresh garden salad or some garlic bread would be wonderful accompaniments. And for a drink, I love to serve it with a crisp white wine or a cold glass of iced tea.
It also makes a great appetizer or first course for an Italian-themed dinner party. The bold flavors and comforting nature of the soup are sure to delight your guests.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Healthy Lasagna Soup holds up incredibly well in the fridge and freezer. Simply let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. The noodles may soak up a bit more liquid as it sits, so feel free to thin it out with a splash of broth or water if needed.
Healthy Lasagna Soup is also a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prep all the ingredients in advance, then quickly assemble and simmer it when you need a comforting dinner. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Healthy Lasagna Soup
Creative Healthy Lasagna Soup Variations
There are so many delicious ways to put your own spin on Healthy Lasagna Soup. You could try using Italian sausage instead of ground turkey, or swap in cheese-filled ravioli for the lasagna noodles. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would also be a tasty addition.
For a heartier version, stir in some white beans or lentils. And if you want to make it spicy, just add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño. The possibilities are endless!
Making Healthy Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
This Healthy Lasagna Soup recipe is already pretty nutritious, but there are a few simple tweaks you can make to adapt it for specific dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini noodles instead.
To make it vegan or dairy-free, omit the cheese and use a plant-based milk or cream to achieve that creamy, cheesy texture. You can also sub in plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
And for a low-carb or keto-friendly Healthy Lasagna Soup, skip the noodles altogether and serve it over zucchini noodles or riced cauliflower. The rich, tomatoey broth is delicious no matter how you customize it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this Healthy Lasagna Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground beef would work great in this soup. The flavor profile will be a bit richer, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef.
Q: How long does this Healthy Lasagna Soup take to make?
A: Start to finish, this Healthy Lasagna Soup recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare. The active cooking time is around 30 minutes, with the rest of the time devoted to simmering the soup to allow the flavors to develop.
Q: Can I freeze Healthy Lasagna Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes incredibly well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How many servings does this Healthy Lasagna Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe will yield 6-8 servings of Healthy Lasagna Soup, depending on portion size. It’s a hearty, filling soup, so a bowl with a side salad or some crusty bread makes a complete and satisfying meal.
Q: What if my Healthy Lasagna Soup turns out too thick or too thin?
A: If your soup ends up being too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. And if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the broth to reduce and thicken up. The noodles will also continue to absorb liquid as the soup cools.
Print
Healthy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6
Description
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna in a simple, healthy soup! This Healthy Lasagna Soup is packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains for a nourishing one-pot meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef or chicken broth
– 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. – Add the onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
3. – Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, lasagna noodle pieces, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. – Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
5. – Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted.
6. – Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil.
Notes
– For a thicker soup, use less broth.
– Swap in different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or ricotta, for variety.
– Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
This Healthy Lasagna Soup is truly a family favorite that I just know you’re going to love. It’s comforting, nutritious, and so incredibly flavorful. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable to suit any dietary needs.
I hope this recipe brings you the same sense of warmth and joy that it’s always brought me. Go ahead and give it a try – I promise it’ll become a new go-to in your regular dinner rotation. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
