Lasagna Soup

A cozy, hearty twist on classic lasagna—perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights.

Introduction: Why Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna is a beloved Italian comfort food known for its rich layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese. But traditional lasagna can be time-consuming to prepare and bake. Enter Lasagna Soup, an inventive, quick, and delicious alternative that captures all the essence of classic lasagna but in a warming, easy-to-make soup form. This dish combines the flavors of seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, tangy marinara, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses, all simmered together to create a bowl of pure comfort.

Lasagna Soup is perfect for colder months, weeknight dinners, or any time you want the hearty satisfaction of lasagna without the fuss. It’s also a great way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead.

 Ingredients (US Cup Measures)

Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Small mixing bowl

• Ladle and serving bowls

 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Once cooked, drain excess fat from the pot and transfer the browned meat to a plate, leaving any flavorful drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add olive oil to the pot if needed. Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste, Marinara, and Broth

Stir in the tomato paste with the onion and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Return the browned meat to the pot and mix well.

Add dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme here if desired for extra Italian flavor (about 1 teaspoon each, optional). Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add Spinach (Optional)

If using fresh spinach, stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of simmering, allowing it to wilt and incorporate.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix thoroughly. This will add creaminess and cheesy goodness to your soup.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma.

For best results, serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

 Prep & Cook Time

 Servings

This recipe makes approximately 7 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunches.

 Calories

Each serving contains approximately 521 kcal, making this a satisfying meal that balances protein, carbs, and fats.

Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 521 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: 850mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and sauce)

 Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

1. Make Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the soup up to Step 4 ahead of time. Refrigerate without noodles or cheese. When ready to serve, bring to a boil, add noodles, and cook until tender. Add cheese mixture and serve. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

2. Freezing Instructions

Freeze the soup without cheese and noodles. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop. Add fresh noodles and cheese before serving.

3. Vegetarian Variation

Omit the sausage and ground beef. Increase vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add plant-based cheese for a vegetarian-friendly version.

4. Vegan Version

Omit all meats and cheeses. Use plant-based sausage alternatives, vegetable broth, and vegan ricotta or cashew cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.

5. Pasta Alternatives

If you prefer, substitute broken lasagna noodles with any pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta works well too.

6. Boost Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Adding fresh herbs like oregano and thyme along with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance depth and add warmth.

7. Add Vegetables

For added nutrition and texture, stir in diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms with the onions and garlic.

How to Prepare This Recipe:

• Step 1: Gather all ingredients and prepare mise en place (chop onion, garlic, break noodles).

• Step 2: Cook meats and vegetables as per directions to develop flavor base.

• Step 3: Simmer with broth and sauce, allowing flavors to meld.

• Step 4: Cook noodles separately to avoid overcooking.

• Step 5: Prepare cheese mixture and garnish.

• Step 6: Serve soup hot with cheese topping for rich texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
A: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative. You might need to add more seasoning for flavor.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely. Brown the meats and sauté veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add cooked noodles and cheese before serving.

Q: How spicy is the soup?
A: It depends on your sausage choice and whether you add red pepper flakes. Mild sausage creates a mild soup; spicy sausage or flakes adds heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: 50 minutes total is fast for a lasagna-inspired meal.

• Comforting: Warm, hearty, and cheesy — just like classic lasagna but easier.

• Versatile: Adapt to your dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).

• Freezer Friendly: Make ahead and freeze portions for convenience.

• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this flavorful soup.

Summary

This Lasagna Soup recipe transforms classic Italian lasagna into a quick, easy, and comforting meal. Packed with savory meat, tender pasta, robust marinara, and creamy cheeses, it’s a one-pot dinner that fits any weeknight or cozy weekend occasion. With easy prep, adaptable ingredients, and flavorful results, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Enjoy every spoonful of this cheesy, hearty, and satisfying lasagna-inspired soup!