Description
It was a chilly evening, the kind where you can see your breath in the air and the cozy blankets are calling your name. I stood in my kitchen, rummaging through the pantry, trying to conjure something warm and comforting. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of Lasagna Soup—a brilliant mashup of my all-time favorite dinner, but in hearty, slurpable form! The rich aroma of ground beef and Italian sausage simmering with garlic and herbs filled the air, instantly transporting me to a rustic Italian kitchen.
What I adore about this comforting dish is its effortless charm; it brings all the classic lasagna flavors—think creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara—right into a bowl. It’s versatile too—you can make it vegetarian or even vegan. Perfect for those cold nights when you want to cuddle up with something hearty and satisfying, this Lasagna Soup quickly became a family favorite in our home, and I just know it will be in yours too! So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups homemade marinara sauce (or store-bought)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
Instructions
- Start by browning the meats. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meats are browned and no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to drain and discard any excess grease, ensuring a rich, flavorful base for your Lasagna Soup.
- Next, sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and the diced yellow onion. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The warm aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the cozy mood for your Lasagna Soup.
- Now it’s time to build the flavors. Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and low sodium chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Return the browned meats to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for about 10 minutes.
- Cook the noodles next. Bring the soup to a rolling boil and add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the noodles soften, they will absorb the flavors of the soup. If you’re using fresh spinach, add it in the last couple of minutes to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.
- While the noodles cook, prepare the cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined. This creamy concoction will be the final touch to your Lasagna Soup, enhancing its comforting profile.
- Finally, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot and bubbly Lasagna Soup into bowls. Generously dollop the cheese mixture on top, allowing it to soften and melt into the soup. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This delightful bowl of comfort is ready for your family to enjoy, bringing warmth and joy to your chilly evening!
Notes
- Proper Meat Browning: Ensure the ground beef and Italian sausage are browned thoroughly. This enhances the flavor of the soup, creating a richer base.
- Pasta Cooking Time: Add the lasagna noodles according to the soup’s simmering time; overcooking can make them mushy. Keep the focus on your tasty Lasagna Soup!
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil as a garnish; it brightens the soup and adds a fragrant touch. Dried herbs can lose potency, affecting flavor.
- Creamy Cheese Blend: Mix cheese just before serving. This retains its creamy texture and ensures maximum flavor in every bowl.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or swapping noodles. This Lasagna Soup recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
Keywords: Lasagna Soup