Lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, inviting soup. I remember the first time I made it on a chilly evening, craving something hearty and familiar. The aroma of simmering spices and melting cheese filled my kitchen, making it an instant favorite in my home. It is a dish that brings smiles and warmth to the table, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
This lasagna soup is not only simple to prepare, but it also allows for variations with your preferred ingredients. The smooth texture of the pasta, paired with rich meat and flavorful cheese, results in a satisfying dish that everyone loves. Get ready to embrace a bowl of deliciousness that will leave your kitchen smelling amazing!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: Experience the delightful taste of lasagna in a soothing soup form that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap meats or pasta shapes to suit your family's preferences and pantry staples.
- One-Pot Meal: Save time on cleanup with this delicious dish that cooks everything in just one pot.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors improve the next day, making this recipe a fantastic option for lunch or dinner later in the week.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Hot sausage – 1 pound. This adds a spicy kick and rich flavor to the soup.
- Ground beef – 1 pound. It provides a hearty texture and protein base.
- Onions – 2 small, chopped. These enhance the soup's flavor and aroma.
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced. This adds an irresistible depth to the dish.
- Italian seasoning – 2 tablespoons. A perfect blend of herbs that brings authenticity to the soup.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ – 1 teaspoon. This ingredient adds warmth and spice to the dish.
- Tomato paste – 6 ounces. It thickens the soup and boosts the tomato flavor.
- Diced tomatoes – 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) with garlic. They add sweetness and freshness to the soup.
- Chicken broth – 8 cups. This serves as the flavorful liquid base of the soup.
- Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon. Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Freshly ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon. This adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Mafalda pasta – 6-8 ounces, or an alternate curly pasta. It holds the soup's flavor well while providing a delightful texture.
- Ricotta cheese – 8 ounces. Adds creaminess and richness to every bowl of soup.
- Parmesan cheese – 2 ounces. This introduces a savory depth to the cheese mixture.
- Freshly shredded Mozzarella – 2 ounces. A melty topping that completes the dish with gooey goodness.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the hot sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes into the pot. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the spices as everything cooks together for another minute.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with garlic, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well and raise the heat to high until the mixture begins to simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once the soup comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the mafalda pasta, stirring occasionally, and let it cook until the noodles are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning
Taste the broth and adjust spices as necessary. You may want to add more salt or red pepper flakes for extra flavor depending on your preference.
Step 7: Check the Noodles
Remove the pot from heat once the noodles are tender but still chewy. This ensures a perfect texture for your soup.
Step 8: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the pasta is cooking, stir together the ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese in a small bowl. This mixture will create a creamy topping for your soup.
Step 9: Serve the Soup
Scoop the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. This adds a layer of delicious creaminess to each bowl.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Use fresh herbs – Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor of your lasagna soup, adding freshness when sprinkled on top just before serving.
✓ Adjust spice levels – If you prefer a milder soup, use mild sausage or reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add more if desired.
✓ Incorporate vegetables – Feel free to toss in some chopped spinach or zucchini during cooking for added nutrition and flavor without compromising the recipe.
✓ Make it vegetarian – Substitute the sausage and beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian version of lasagna soup.
✓ Garnish it right – Top your bowls with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for a polished finish that adds visual appeal and flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The combination of sausage and ground beef creates a rich and hearty base for the soup. This blend of flavors results in a satisfying dish that resembles traditional lasagna.
- Cooking the pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors, enhancing the overall taste. The pasta adds a comforting texture that makes this dish feel complete.
- The addition of three types of cheese creates a creamy and cheesy topping. This not only adds richness to the soup but also mimics the beloved layers of cheese found in classic lasagna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of hot sausage for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian choice while still maintaining great flavor.
The pasta typically cooks for about 8 to 10 minutes until it's soft yet firm. Make sure to check the texture a minute or two before the time is up to prevent overcooking.
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth as the pasta may absorb some liquid as it sits.
If your soup is too thick, it may be due to the pasta absorbing too much liquid. You can easily fix this by adding more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Lasagna soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine would also complement the flavors nicely.
Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Hot sausage
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 small Onions, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 ounces Tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) Diced tomatoes with garlic
- 8 cups Chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces Mafalda pasta or an alternate curly pasta
- 8 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces Freshly shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the hot sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes into the pot. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute the spices as everything cooks together for another minute.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with garlic, chicken broth, kosher salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well and raise the heat to high until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Once the soup comes to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the mafalda pasta, stirring occasionally, and let it cook until the noodles are soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Taste the broth and adjust spices as necessary. You may want to add more salt or red pepper flakes for extra flavor depending on your preference.
- Remove the pot from heat once the noodles are tender but still chewy.
- While the pasta is cooking, stir together the ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese in a small bowl.
- Scoop the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor, adjust spice levels to preference, incorporate vegetables for nutrition, and make it vegetarian with lentils.
- Serve with crusty bread or salad.
Leave a Reply