Picture this: it’s a chilly evening. The wind is howling outside. You want that cozy, comforting feeling of a hearty lasagna. But, let’s be honest, layering noodles, cheese, and sauce can feel like a massive undertaking. That’s where this lasagna soup recipe comes in! It delivers all those rich, layered flavors of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time, all in a delicious, slurptastic soup. I discovered this gem years ago while trying to recreate the magic of my Nonna’s lasagna on a weeknight. It’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe
Forget spending hours in the kitchen! This soup is a weeknight winner. Here’s why:
- Speedy Prep: It’s ready in about 45 minutes. Seriously!
- Maximum Flavor: We’re building layers of rich, Italian flavors – just like lasagna.
- Kid-Friendly: Most kids adore pasta and cheese. This soup is almost guaranteed to be a hit.
- Uses Pantry Staples: You likely have many of these ingredients already.
- Freezable: Leftovers freeze beautifully – perfect for future busy nights.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Nothing beats a warm bowl of comforting soup on a cold day!
The Ingredient List: What You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, they’re mostly simple!
For the Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, see variations below)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
For the Pasta & Cheese:
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inch pieces)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make some soup? It’s much easier than you think!
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, until fragrant. This step is crucial for building that authentic Italian flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquids & Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir well to ensure they’re submerged. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to become mushy! Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This creates a creamy, cheesy element, just like in traditional lasagna!
Step 6: Add the Ricotta & Mozzarella
Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the top of the soup. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Final Simmer & Serve
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s personalize your lasagna soup! Here are some ideas:
- Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add 1-2 cups of chopped vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Brown the veggies instead of the meat.
- Italian Sausage Power: Substitute the ground beef with hot or sweet Italian sausage for a more robust flavor. Remember to remove the casings.
- Creamier Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for extra richness.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or oregano for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Serve it with: A side of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment! A simple green salad also provides a nice contrast.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the soup base (up to Step 3) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the noodles and cheese when you’re ready to serve.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients used.
We hope you love this lasagna soup recipe as much as we do! It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations and make it your own. Grab your apron, round up the family, and get ready for a delicious, heartwarming meal. Happy cooking!
