In this article, you will learn about a delicious and comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, lasagna. Called “Lasagna Soup,” this recipe features all the flavors of lasagna with layers of cheesy goodness, but in a hearty broth. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Get ready to dive into a bowl of this mouthwatering soup.
Ingredients
To make a delicious lasagna soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Ground beef
Ground beef is the base of this soup and adds a hearty and savory flavor.
Onion
Onions add a delicious aroma and sweetness to the soup.
Garlic
Garlic adds a bold and aromatic flavor to the soup.
Dried oregano
Dried oregano adds a herbal and earthy taste to the soup.
Dried basil
Dried basil adds a sweet and slightly minty flavor to the soup.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the soup.
Crushed tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes provide a rich and tomatoey base for the soup.
Beef broth
Beef broth adds depth and richness to the soup.
Lasagna noodles
Lasagna noodles are broken into smaller pieces to mimic the layers in traditional lasagna.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese adds a creamy and silky texture to the soup.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the soup.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey and cheesy texture to the soup.
Fresh basil
Fresh basil adds a bright and aromatic flavor to the soup.
Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious lasagna soup:
Cook the ground beef
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Saute the onion and garlic
Add the onion and garlic to the pot with the ground beef and saute until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the spices and tomato paste
Sprinkle the dried oregano and dried basil over the onion, garlic, and ground beef. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add crushed tomatoes and broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Cook the lasagna noodles
While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Assemble the soup
To assemble the soup, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the pot with the soup. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Top with cheese
Sprinkle the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese over the top of the soup. The cheeses will melt and create a deliciously cheesy layer on top.
Bake the soup
If you want to achieve a bubbly and golden cheesy crust on top of your lasagna soup, you can transfer the pot to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra indulgent touch.
Garnish with fresh basil
Before serving, garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves. The freshness of the basil will add a burst of flavor and elevate the dish.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making your lasagna soup:
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can replace the ground beef with Italian sausage. This will add an extra layer of flavorful spices to the soup.
Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini
To make your soup more nutritious and vibrant, you can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Simply saute them with the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients.
Make it vegetarian by substituting with plant-based meat
If you prefer a vegetarian version of this soup, you can swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative. There are many options available on the market that can provide a similar texture and flavor.
Make it spicy with red pepper flakes
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the soup. Just sprinkle them in according to your desired level of spiciness.
Try different cheese combinations
While the traditional combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses works great, you can experiment with different cheese combinations. For example, you can try adding cheddar or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
Freeze leftovers for later
If you have leftovers, you can freeze them in individual portions for a quick and easy meal in the future. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain freshness.
Serving
Here are some serving suggestions for your lasagna soup:
Serve hot
Lasagna soup is best enjoyed hot, so make sure to heat it up before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top of the soup. The aroma and taste of fresh basil will elevate the flavors of the dish.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread
To complete the meal, serve the lasagna soup with some crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread can be used to scoop up the soup and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Pair with a side salad
For a well-rounded meal, serve the soup alongside a fresh side salad. The crisp and refreshing salad will complement the rich and hearty flavors of the soup.
Enjoy as a main dish or appetizer
Lasagna soup can be served as a main dish for a comforting and satisfying meal. It can also be served as an appetizer before a larger meal.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for lasagna soup per serving:
Calories:
The number of calories will depend on the serving size and specific ingredients used in the recipe.
Fat:
The amount of fat will depend on the type and quantity of meat and cheese used in the soup.
Carbohydrates:
The amount of carbohydrates will depend on the quantity of tomatoes and noodles used in the soup.
Protein:
The protein content will depend on the amount of meat and cheese used in the soup.
Calcium:
The calcium content will depend on the type and quantity of cheese used in the soup.
Iron:
The iron content will depend on the ingredients used in the soup.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about lasagna soup:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you find that your soup is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the soup to thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the soup to thicken it.
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use oven-ready lasagna noodles in this soup. Just make sure to to break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
Can I use homemade tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use homemade tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. Just adjust the seasoning and thickness of the soup accordingly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the other flavors in the soup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lasagna soup is a delicious and comforting twist on a classic Italian dish. It brings together all the flavors of lasagna in a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for cold weather or cozy nights at home. With layers of cheesy goodness and tender noodles, this soup is sure to satisfy any craving. You can also get creative with different variations and add your own personal touch to make it your own. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or appetizer, don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!