The Ultimate Guide to Making Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup combines the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease and warmth of a soup. Perfect for cold weather, this dish is a delightful twist on classic Italian cuisine that offers a cozy meal for any day of the week.

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna with the warmth and ease of a soup. This innovative lasagna soup recipe deconstructs the classic layered pasta dish into a delicious broth-based soup that’s perfect for cold weather or any time you crave the taste of lasagna soup recipe without the effort of baking.

The soup typically features ground beef or Italian sausage, garlic, onions, and a tomato-based broth infused with herbs like basil and oregano, mirroring the flavors found in lasagna. Broken lasagna noodles are added to the soup, providing the essential pasta element. Cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are either stirred into the soup for a creamy texture or, alternatively, added as a dollop on top of each serving, thereby ensuring that cheesy, gooey lasagna experience.

Lasagna Soup is not only a creative twist on a beloved Italian dish, but also, importantly, a practical and versatile meal. It can be easily adapted to include different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses based on personal preference or dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to warm you up or, alternatively, a fun new way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna, Lasagna Soup offers a delicious and satisfying solution. Moreover, this adaptability makes it an ideal choice for families with varied tastes and dietary restrictions. In essence, Lasagna Soup embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine while providing the flexibility needed in modern cooking.

For an authentic and flavorful marinara sauce, consider using a homemade recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch. Their guide provides an easy-to-follow recipe that elevates the soup to new heights.

Ingredients for a Perfect Lasagna Soup

To create this comforting dish, you’ll need:

Proteins

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty base. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Italian Sausage: Adds depth and spice. Choose between sweet or spicy depending on your preference.

Vegetables

• Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that form the flavor foundation.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or a good quality marinara sauce create the tomato base characteristic of lasagna.
• Spinach: Optional, but adds color, nutrition, and texture.

Pasta

• Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces, they mimic the traditional lasagna layers.

Broth

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Serves as the liquid base, making the soup savory and sippable.

Cheeses

• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and authentic lasagna flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the soup for a stretchy, cheesy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that’s sprinkled on top before serving.

Herbs and Spices

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that brings the classic Italian flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a spicy kick.

Garnish

• Fresh Basil: For a fresh, aromatic finish.
• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating Lasagna Soup is a delightful process that combines the essence of traditional lasagna with the comforting warmth of soup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:

1. Brown the Meat

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, initially cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. As soon as they start to cook, you’ll notice they begin to brown and are no longer pink. Concurrently, it’s essential to stir occasionally, ensuring that the meat cooks evenly on all sides. Subsequently, once fully cooked, the meat should exhibit a uniformly browned exterior, signifying that it’s ready for the next steps in the recipe. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and set aside. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Stir in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, to incorporate the classic lasagna flavors.
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Return Meat to the Pot

• Add the browned meat back into the pot. This reintroduces the rich, meaty flavors into the soup.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup, and as you do so, the noodles will gradually soften. This process should take about 10-15 minutes. However, it’s important to note that the exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of the noodles. Consequently, keep a close eye on the pot, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. In essence, achieving the perfect noodle texture is key to the overall success of the dish.

6. Add Spinach and Cheeses

• If using spinach, add it to the pot and stir until it wilts into the soup.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and some of the Parmesan cheese. This mixture can be added into the soup to melt or placed on top of each serving for a cheesy dollop.

7. Final Seasoning and Garnish

• Taste the lasagna soup recipe and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with a spoonful of the cheese mixture, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.

8. Enjoy!

• Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of meat, noodles, and broth. Enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in every spoonful.

For those interested in exploring more unique takes on lasagna soup recipe, The Girl Who Ate Everything provides an easy lasagna soup recipe that’s perfect for any cook looking to simplify their dinner routine.

Nutritional Information

This lasagna soup recipe is not only delicious, but it also offers a good balance of nutrients. Consequently, it provides both taste and health benefits in one dish, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to enjoy a flavorful meal while also taking care of their nutritional needs.

• Protein-Rich: The ground beef and Italian sausage provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Calcium: The cheese in the soup contributes to the calcium content, important for bone health.
• Vitamins: Ingredients like tomatoes and spinach add vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function and vision.

Lasagna Soup is not only a delicious and comforting meal, but it also serves as an excellent option for make-ahead dinners and freezer-friendly cooking. Moreover, here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can effortlessly prepare this dish in advance. Subsequently, this allows you to conveniently store it for later enjoyment, ensuring a delightful meal is always within easy reach.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

1. Prepare the lasagna soup recipe Base: Initially, cook the soup following the recipe meticulously. As a matter of fact, proceed up to the point before adding the lasagna noodles. Concurrently, ensure that all the flavors meld together beautifully, setting the stage for the noodles to be introduced. In essence, this step lays the foundation for the rich, comforting essence of the lasagna soup, allowing for a seamless transition to the next phase of cooking. The meat, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings can be combined and cooked together.
2. Cool Down: Allow the soup base to cool to room temperature after cooking. Allowing the soup to cool down before freezing is crucial because it effectively prevents condensation and, consequently, ice crystals from forming during the freezing process.
3. Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled soup base to an airtight container and refrigerate if you plan to use it within 3-4 days. This makes it easy to reheat and finish the soup with fresh noodles and cheese.

Freezing Instructions:

1. Prepare for Freezing: If you want to freeze the lasagna soup recipe, skip adding the noodles and cheese. These ingredients are best added fresh to maintain the best texture and flavor.
2. Portion the Soup: Divide the soup base into freezer-safe bags or containers. Consider portioning the soup into individual servings for easier thawing and reheating.
3. Label and Freeze: Write the date and contents on the containers or bags. Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months.
4. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, start by thawing the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can also use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker solution.

To Finish Cooking After Thawing:

1. Reheat the Soup Base: Transfer the thawed soup base to a pot and reheat on the stove over medium heat until it simmers.

2. Add Noodles: Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Add Cheese: If you’ve prepared a cheese mixture or plan to use shredded cheese, add it to the soup just before serving or as a garnish on top of each bowl.

4. Serve: Adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot with your desired garnishes.

Tips for Best Results:

• Avoid Freezing Noodles: Freezing the lasagna soup recipe with noodles can result in a mushy texture when reheated. Consequently, it’s best to cook them fresh when you’re ready to serve. To clarify, by preparing the noodles separately and adding them to the soup upon reheating, you ensure that they maintain their ideal texture and consistency. In essence, this approach not only preserves the quality of your meal but also enhances the overall dining experience.

• Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses after reheating the soup base and not before freezing. To emphasize, not only should you incorporate these cheeses for their rich and creamy qualities, but also to ensure that the soup maintains its delightful consistency and depth of flavor. Consequently, by adding the cheeses afterward, you not only preserve their texture but also enhance the overall taste experience of the soup. To summarize, for an optimal culinary delight, it’s crucial to add these cheeses post-reheating, ensuring that each spoonful is both flavorful and satisfying.

• Maximize Flavor: Consider adding a fresh touch with basil or extra cheese when serving the reheated soup to refresh the flavors.

Variations of Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup recipe is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and tastes. Here are some delicious variations of Lasagna Soup to explore:

1. Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

• Substitute the Meat: Use plant-based ground meat substitutes or increase the amount of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty texture.

• Cheese Options: Use vegetarian-friendly cheeses that do not contain animal rennet.

2. Vegan Lasagna Soup

• Meat and Cheese Substitutes: Opt for vegan ground meat alternatives and vegan cheeses. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

• Vegan Ricotta: Make a vegan ricotta cheese substitute using blended tofu, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and seasonings for the creamy component.

3. Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Choose gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta that suits your dietary needs. Ensure all other ingredients, like broth and sauces, are gluten-free.

4. Low-Carb/Keto Lasagna Soup

• Noodle Alternatives: Replace lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or use shirataki noodles for a low-carb version.

• Cheese and Cream: Use full-fat cheeses and consider adding heavy cream to the soup to increase the fat content for a keto-friendly meal.

5. Spicy Lasagna Soup

• Add Heat: Incorporate red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup base to kick up the heat.

• Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, for not only does it add an extra layer of spice, but also, it significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup. Whether you prefer a subtle warmth or a more pronounced heat, adjusting the type of sausage accordingly can transform the dish, making it as mild or as fiery as desired. In essence, the choice of sausage not only influences the soup’s spiciness but also its depth of flavor, thereby catering to a wide range of taste preferences.

6. Seafood Lasagna Soup

• Seafood Selection: Add shrimp, scallops, or crab meat to the soup for a seafood twist. Incorporate seafood towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

• Broth Choice: Use a seafood stock or broth to enhance the oceanic flavors.

7. Creamy Lasagna Soup

• Add Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese into the soup base for a richer, creamier texture.

• Cheese mixture: consider either increasing the amount of ricotta or, alternatively, adding a béchamel sauce to the soup just before serving. Doing so will introduce an added layer of creaminess to the dish..

8. Chicken Lasagna Soup

• Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or diced cooked chicken breast in place of beef and sausage for a lighter version.

• Broth Selection: Opt for chicken broth to complement the chicken flavor.

9. Sausage and Pepper Lasagna Soup

• Sausage Variety: Use a mix of sweet and spicy Italian sausages for depth of flavor.

• Peppers Galore: Add a variety of bell peppers for sweetness and color, sautéing them with the onions and garlic.

10. Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Soup

• Vegetable Focus: Emphasize mushrooms and spinach as the main ingredients, using different types of mushrooms for complexity.

• Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch that complements the mushrooms and spinach.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Indeed, you are free to use any pasta you prefer. However, for an optimal experience that closely mimics the traditional dish, lasagna noodles are highly recommended.

• How can I make it creamier? Increase the amount of ricotta cheese or add a splash of cream to the soup.

• Can I make it in a slow cooker? Absolutely, just brown the meat beforehand and let the lasagna soup recipe cook on low for 4-6 hours.

• How long does it last in the fridge? When properly stored, lasagna soup can comfortably last 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring that you can enjoy its flavors over several meals.

Lasagna soup recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.Whether you’re in search of a new weeknight favorite or, alternatively, seeking a cozy meal to share with friends and family, this soup is, without a doubt, guaranteed to impress. Not only does it offer the comforting flavors of a classic dish, but it also provides the flexibility to adapt to various dietary needs. Moreover, with its straightforward preparation process, it’s an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. In essence, this Lasagna Soup stands as a testament to the fact that comfort food can be both delicious and simple to make, ensuring that it will, unquestionably, become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.