When I decided to tackle this Lasagna Soup recipe for the first time, I was both excited and a little anxious. Would it turn out like the gorgeous pictures I saw online? Luckily, it didn’t take me long to find out! I nailed it on my first try, and let me tell you, the aroma wafting through my kitchen had me drooling! But of course, I made a couple of tweaks to make it absolutely shine. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zest, and swapped some of the ground beef for Italian sausage (yum!). It was a delightful surprise that added depth to the dish!
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage optional, but adds great flavor
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups pasta any kind—elbow, rotini, or lasagna noodles works fine
- 2 cups spinach or kale feel free to use frozen, just thaw it out
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for some heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese can be swapped in
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil for good measure! Toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) and start browning it until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, and let those savory smells fill the air!
- Sauté the Veggies: Once the meat is browned, add in your diced onion and garlic. Sauté these for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Now, it’s time to add in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. You might want to scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in any flavorful bits that stuck. Yummy!
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in your dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: Now, add in your choice of pasta. If you're using lasagna noodles, break them into smaller pieces before adding. Let everything cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get too mushy!
- Add the Greens: Stir in your spinach or kale and let it cook down for about 2-3 minutes until it's just wilted. This adds a lovely color and boosts the nutrition of your soup!
- Ricotta Time: Next, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese into the soup and swirl it gently to combine. If you like extra cheesiness, toss in some more mozzarella cheese on top to melt in!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your hearty lasagna soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Grab a spoon, a piece of crusty bread, and dig in!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
5 Tips for This Recipe
- Feel free to play with the veggies! Zucchini or bell peppers make great additions.
- Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- If you’re in a hurry, use store-bought pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes.
- Make it vegetarian by using lentils instead of meat and veggie broth.
- Top with extra cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes for a melted, gooey finish!
5 FAQs for This Recipe
- Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it!
- Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorites like feta or gouda.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Gently warm on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
- What can I serve it with? Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad pairs beautifully!
- How can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and add more veggies!
5 Storage Tips
- Cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers, and leave space for expansion.
- Label containers with dates to keep track of freshness.
- For best texture, avoid freezing pasta; add fresh pasta when reheating!
5 Common Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to mushy soup; keep an eye on it!
- Not seasoning enough; always taste as you go to adjust!
- Using low-quality canned tomatoes can affect flavor; opt for San Marzano if possible!
- Skipping the browning step for the meat; that’s where the flavor hides!
- Neglecting fresh herbs or garnishes, which add a pop of freshness!
Final Thoughts
Making Lasagna Soup is like wrapping up in a cozy blanket of flavors. It’s simple, adaptable, and brings a smile to everyone’s face! Whether you’re serving it at dinner or enjoying it as leftovers, this soup has a way of making every meal special.
We had so much fun cooking this together, and I can’t wait for all of you to try it out. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Got some leftovers? Perfect! Just reheat, add a sprinkle of cheese, and you’re golden. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious world of Lasagna Soup!
