Lasagna Soup Recipe

Imagine the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna transformed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. That’s exactly what Lasagna Soup delivers—a quick and delicious dish that combines the best parts of lasagna with the simplicity of a one-pot meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful Lasagna Soup to life. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a robust, savory bowl of goodness.

Main Ingredients:

• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil).
• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage).
• 1 large onion, diced.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice).
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (or tomato puree).
• 3 ounces tomato paste (about ¼ cup).
• 4 cups chicken broth.
• 1-2 cups water (adjust consistency as needed).

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste).
• Black pepper, to taste.

Pasta:

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (uncooked).

Suggested Toppings:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese.
• 2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about ½ cup).
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

In a 4.5-quart soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy broth.

2. Add the Tomato Base

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth and water, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

4. Cook the Pasta

Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Stir in the bowtie pasta and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked to your preferred texture.

Tip: If the soup becomes too thick, add small amounts of water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Adjust the Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes if necessary.

6. Serve with Toppings

You can either stir the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses directly into the soup or serve them on the side for individual customization. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Choosing the Right Pasta

While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can also use alternatives like macaroni, rigatoni, or penne. Avoid lasagna noodles as they tend to break apart and become mushy when reheated.

Cooking in a Pressure Cooker

For an even faster preparation, adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker:

1. Select the “Sauté” function and heat the olive oil. Add beef, onions, and garlic, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, remaining broth, seasonings, and pasta.
4. Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on high for 1 minute.
5. Perform a quick release for al dente pasta or allow a natural release for 10 minutes for softer pasta.
6. Open the lid, stir, and adjust consistency with water or broth if needed.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Stir the soup frequently and cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid it becoming mushy.
2. Greasy Broth: Always drain excess fat after browning the ground beef.
3. Too Thick or Too Thin: Adjust the consistency with small amounts of water or broth as needed.
4. Lack of Flavor: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning for a well-balanced flavor.

Suggested Toppings and Garnishes

Elevate your Lasagna Soup with these delicious additions:

• A dollop of creamy ricotta cheese.
• A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan.
• Freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
• For extra heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.

Equipment You’ll Need

• A 4.5-quart soup pot or a 6-quart pressure cooker.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or silicone spatula).

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve Lasagna Soup hot in deep bowls, topped with your choice of cheeses and fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side salad for a complete meal. For a more elegant presentation, use individual soup crocks and let guests add their preferred toppings tableside.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To Store:

Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 90 days (longer if vacuum sealed).

To Reheat:

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding small amounts of water or broth as needed to loosen the consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as the pasta can overcook and become mushy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

1. Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even plant-based crumbles.
2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
4. Thicker Soup: Use canned crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a heartier texture.

FAQs About Lasagna Soup

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! The flavors improve over time. Store the soup base and cooked pasta separately to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.

What if I don’t have all the canned tomato products?
You can substitute with a 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce and 1 cup of water.

How do I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the beef and onions.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna—hearty, cheesy, and comforting—served in a simple, flavorful soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving a crowd. Give it a try today, and let us know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas!

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