Lasagna is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. There’s just something about that rich, meaty sauce layered between perfectly cooked pasta and creamy cheese that really hits the spot, you know? But let’s be honest, it can be a bit of a hassle to make traditional lasagna, especially on a busy weeknight. That’s why I’m so excited to share this incredible Lasagna Soup recipe with you. It’s got all the flavors of the classic dish, but it’s so much easier to prepare.
I can still remember the first time I tried Lasagna Soup. It was a chilly fall evening, and I was craving something hearty and comforting. I stumbled upon this recipe online and decided to give it a shot. From the moment I took that first spoonful, I was hooked. The blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and fragrant spices created a flavor that was out of this world. And the way the noodles and cheese melted together to create that signature lasagna texture? Absolute perfection.
What I love most about this Lasagna Soup recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it as a quick weeknight meal or serve it up for a cozy Sunday supper with friends and family. It’s the kind of dish that just makes you feel good, you know? And with a few simple tweaks, you can even make it work for special dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegan. But I’m getting ahead of myself – let me walk you through exactly what makes this Lasagna Soup recipe so incredible.
Why This Lasagna Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Lasagna Soup
The key to making the best Lasagna Soup is all in the details. First and foremost, you’ve got to have the right balance of meat and spices. This recipe calls for a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage, which gives you that classic lasagna flavor. But the real magic happens when you add in a blend of herbs and seasonings, like oregano, basil, and garlic. It’s those aromatic elements that really make this soup sing.
Another secret to perfect Lasagna Soup is how you handle the noodles. Instead of boiling them separately, you’ll actually cook them right in the soup. This allows the pasta to soak up all the rich, tomatoey goodness, and it creates that signature lasagna texture you know and love. Plus, it saves you an extra step in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this incredible Lasagna Soup, you’ll need:
– Ground beef
– Italian sausage
– Onion
– Garlic
– Tomato paste
– Crushed tomatoes
– Beef broth
– Dried oregano
– Dried basil
– Salt and pepper
– Lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– Shredded mozzarella cheese
– Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Lasagna Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Lasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in just about an hour. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven to bring all the flavors together. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to get cooking!
1- Start by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in the pot over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
2- Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute, then pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4- Add the dried oregano and basil, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, then add the broken lasagna noodles.
5- Let the Lasagna Soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
6- Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to making the best Lasagna Soup is to let the flavors meld together. Don’t be tempted to rush the simmering process – take the time to let the noodles cook through and the seasonings to really develop. And be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Another pro tip is to use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The sausage adds an extra layer of flavor that really takes this soup to the next level. And don’t forget to break up the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces – it makes for a much more enjoyable eating experience.
Serving and Storing Your Lasagna Soup
Perfect Pairings for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs perfectly with a fresh, crunchy salad and some warm, crusty bread. The acidity in the tomatoes really complements a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. And you can’t go wrong with a hunk of garlic bread for dipping.
For beverages, I love to serve Lasagna Soup with a bold red wine or a crisp, refreshing beer. But if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade would also be delicious.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store. Simply let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You can also freeze Lasagna Soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. And don’t forget to top it with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan when you serve it – that’s the finishing touch that really makes it sing.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Lasagna Soup
Creative Lasagna Soup Variations
While this classic Lasagna Soup recipe is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are lots of ways to switch it up and make it your own. For example, you could swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian-style chicken sausage. Or, if you’re a fan of spicy food, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dollop of pesto.
Looking to take your Lasagna Soup to the next level? Try layering it with ricotta cheese and fresh basil, just like you would with traditional lasagna. Or, for a twist on the classic, you could swap out the lasagna noodles for tortellini or ravioli.
Making Lasagna Soup Diet-Friendly
Just because you’re watching your diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the deliciousness of Lasagna Soup. To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage. You can also opt for whole-wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles to make it work for a gluten-free diet.
For a low-carb version, skip the pasta altogether and serve the meaty, tomatoey soup over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. And for a vegan take on Lasagna Soup, swap the meat for plant-based crumbles and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of breaking them up?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer larger noodle pieces, you can absolutely use regular lasagna noodles in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup.
Q: How can I make this Lasagna Soup recipe in the slow cooker?
A: To make Lasagna Soup in the slow cooker, simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Q: Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Lasagna Soup is the perfect make-ahead meal! Simply let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How can I adjust the serving size of this Lasagna Soup recipe?
A: This recipe makes about 6 servings, but it’s easy to scale up or down as needed. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double or triple all the ingredients. And if you’re just cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the recipe.
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, satisfying soup form. This Lasagna Soup is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups beef or chicken broth
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
2. – Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. – Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. – Add the broken lasagna noodles and continue simmering for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. – Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
7. – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. – Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side.
Notes
– For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella.
– Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
– Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Conclusion
There you have it – my foolproof Lasagna Soup recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This hearty, comforting dish has all the flavors of classic lasagna, but it’s so much easier to make. Plus, with all the customization options, you can truly make it your own.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your soup pot and get cooking! I promise, one spoonful of this Lasagna Soup, and you’ll be hooked. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
