Lasagna Soup: A Hearty Italian-Inspired One-Pot Meal

The Story Behind Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is a brilliant fusion that takes everything we love about traditional lasagna and transforms it into a comforting, soul-warming bowl of soup. This innovative dish emerged in the early 2000s as home cooks sought ways to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation time.

The genius of lasagna soup lies in its ability to deliver the same satisfying combination of pasta, meat, tomatoes, and cheese that makes traditional lasagna so beloved, but in a fraction of the time. This deconstructed version maintains the authentic Italian flavor profile while offering a lighter, more casual dining experience.

What makes this recipe particularly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner party, lasagna soup delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of traditional lasagna in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

The Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Additional shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Prepare the Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned (8-10 minutes)
3. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (5 minutes)
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute)

Build the Flavors

1. Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth
4. Add bay leaves and red pepper flakes
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring soup to a boil
2. Add broken lasagna noodles
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender
4. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking

Prepare Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella
2. Season with salt and pepper
3. Mix well and set aside

Serve

1. Ladle hot soup into bowls
2. Top with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture
3. Garnish with fresh basil, additional mozzarella, and Parmesan
4. Serve immediately

Nutritional Information Abou Lasagna Soup

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. According to Harvard School of Public Health, pasta-based dishes can be part of a healthy diet when properly portioned and combined with protein and vegetables.

Per Serving (1.5 cups):

• Calories: 425
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 25% DV

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store soup and cheese mixture separately in airtight containers
• Soup base keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
• Cheese mixture stays fresh for up to 2 days
• Freeze soup base (without pasta) for up to 3 months
• Cook fresh pasta when reheating frozen soup

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with mushrooms and zucchini
• Spicy Option: Double the red pepper flakes and add spicy Italian sausage
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles
• Creamy Version: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream at the end
• Different Proteins: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage

Serving Suggestions

Transform your lasagna soup into a complete meal with these complementary sides:

Bread Options

• Garlic bread
• Crusty Italian bread
• Focaccia
• Breadsticks

Salad Pairings

• Classic Caesar salad
• Italian garden salad
• Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
• Caprese salad

Wine Suggestions

• Chianti Classico
• Sangiovese
• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
• Primitivo

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup

Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base up to 3 days in advance. Store the pasta separately and cook fresh when ready to serve to prevent it from becoming too soft.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?

Cook the noodles al dente and store them separately from the soup if not serving immediately. Alternatively, add fresh noodles when reheating the soup.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Yes, but freeze only the soup base without the pasta and cheese mixture. Add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat cheese options, and whole wheat or protein-enhanced pasta for a lighter version.

Time to Get Cooking!

Now that you have all the information needed to create this delicious lasagna soup, it’s time to head to the kitchen! This recipe combines the best of both worlds – the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us in your posts. We’d love to see how your lasagna soup turns out!

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