Okay, picture this: I’m if it’s a chilly evening, you’re craving that warm, comforting hug of lasagna, but the thought of all of it makes you cringe. What are the layers of baking time that make you want to order takeout? I get it! That’s where this **Lasagna Soup** recipe swoops in like a superhero. What is the best lasagna recipe? Think of it like deconstructed lasagna, where every spoonful is packed with flavor and cheesy. I remember my grandma’s Sunday suppers, but it takes a fraction of the time. What are some of the best ways to order pizza?
What is Lasagna soup?
**Lasagna Soup** is exactly what it sounds like: a hearty soup that captures all the essential flavors of classic lasagna. What are some good recipes for ricotta cheese? What is lasagna deconstructed? Is it a great shortcut for busy weeknights? What is the labor-intensive version of lasagna? I love how it brings all those familiar flavors together in a new and exciting way.
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat lasagna soup? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. It’s that classic lasagna taste we all crave. What’s the best ricotta topping you’ve ever had? Is it possible to melt something in your mouth? What I love most is that it’s ridiculously easy to make. What is a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort?
Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective! What are some of the best recipes for feeding a child? If you have leftovers for lunch, why don’t you serve them? What are some of the best soup recipes? Add extra veggies, swap the sausage for Ground Beef or turkey, or even make it vegetarian. What makes this pasta soup different from other pastas? Is it the ricotta dollops that elevate it to lasagna status? What’s a creamy topping? It’s similar to pasta e fagioli, but with a richer, more decadent profile.
How do I make lasagna soup?
Quick Overview
How do I make lasagna soup? What are some good ways to cook Italian sausage, then add your vegetables and simmer them in a pan. What’s a good tomato sauce What is the secret ingredient of lasagna noodles? What is the best way to serve ricotta cheese on top of lasagna? What makes this method special is that it’s all done in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
• 1 pound Italian sausage (I like to use sweet italian sausage, but you can use hot if you prefer a spicy flavor).
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Use a good quality brand for the best flavor!
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth (Low-sodium is always a good idea so you can control the salt level).
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces (I usually break them into 1-inch pieces).
For the Ricotta Topping: How do you
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (Full-fat is my preference for a richer, creamier topping.)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (Adds a nice freshness to the topping.)
• Salt and pepper to taste
How do I follow step
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Make sure to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot and cook until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Where does the aroma start to appear?
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Broth
What are the ingredients for chicken broth? What is the best way to use dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes? Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. What is the best way to get the flavors to meld together?
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Prepare the Ricotta Topping
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta topping. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Mix well until everything is nicely combined.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is lasagna soup? What are some good ideas to get out there?
For a light lunch:What is a good side salad to serve with the soup?
What is a hearty dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with the broth? I love Ciabatta!
For a Cozy Night In:What’s better than a grilled cheese sandwich? Is it a match made in heaven?
What are some good side dishes to serve with steamed green beans? Is it healthy to eat veggies? Is it good with a glass of Chianti?
How do I make Lasagna soup?
Want to make the best **Lasagna Soup** ever? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Sausage Selection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of Italian sausage. Sweet, hot, or even a blend can add a unique flavor profile.
Noodle Prep: Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup helps them cook evenly and prevents them from clumping together. I sometimes use mafalda pasta instead as it is already the perfect size!
Broth Matters: Using a high-quality chicken broth can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the soup. Homemade broth is even better if you have the time.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the lasagna noodles, or they’ll turn mushy. Cook them until they’re just tender.
Ricotta Magic: For the ricotta topping, use full-fat ricotta cheese for the creamiest texture. Adding a little Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the flavor even more.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup or use hot Italian sausage. I accidentally added a whole teaspoon once, and it was a little too much for my kids!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Lasagna Soup** is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl.
Ricotta Consideration: If you’ve already added the ricotta topping, it may change the texture slightly when reheated. I often add a fresh dollop of ricotta when serving leftovers to keep that creamy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This **Lasagna Soup** is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m telling you, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. What makes it special? It’s the combination of rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and that creamy ricotta topping that truly makes it taste like lasagna in a bowl. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try – it’s become a staple in our house, and I think it will become one in yours too! If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Zuppa Toscana recipe. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out – I can’t wait to hear from you! Happy cooking!
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef recommended
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 4 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Dried Basil
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles Broken into pieces
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 0.25 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
