As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth to your home. This lasagna soup combines the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna with the cozy essence of a warm, comforting soup. It’s an easy and satisfying one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Why Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup offers all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. It’s rich, and filling, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up on chilly days, making it the ultimate comfort food for soup season.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
Spinach or kale for added greens
Zucchini or mushrooms for extra veggies
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat
Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the Noodles
Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Serve
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of the ricotta mixture to each bowl and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the lasagna soup hot, and watch as everyone digs in. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Lasagna soup is a deliciously comforting meal that captures the essence of soup season. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you warm on those chilly autumn nights. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup is a perfect choice.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and embrace the warmth and comfort of lasagna soup this season. Happy cooking!
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