When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of lasagna soup to warm the soul. This recipe has become my go-to for cozy evenings, effortlessly merging the nostalgic flavors of classic lasagna with the comforting embrace of a soup. Picture this: the first time I set out to create it, my kitchen filled with the fragrant aroma of simmering tomato sauce and melting cheese—it felt like a warm hug on a chilly day. Every spoonful is a delightful experience, combining the rich tastes and textures we all love about lasagna in one glorious pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Now, what makes this lasagna soup special? Oh, let me count the ways! First, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning minimal cleanup—who doesn’t love that? Second, the flavors are simply divine. Think of the depth of a slow-cooked marinara, layers of creamy ricotta, and the satisfying twist of al dente pasta, all bubbling together in a single pot. You truly get the best of all worlds here.
And let’s talk about comfort food! This dish has that magic ability to evoke pure joy. It’s one of those dishes that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re entertaining a small crowd. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, which makes it incredibly versatile. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will swiftly grab a top spot in your culinary repertoire!
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s dive into the delightful ingredients that make this dish sing. To create this masterpiece, you’ll need:
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Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I tend to lean towards hot Italian sausage for an added flavor kick, but feel free to use turkey or a meat substitute for a leaner option.
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Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are your flavor foundation. Sauté them until they’re translucent and fragrant—they’re the magic makers that set the stage for the rest of the ingredients.
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Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes; they bring that rich, tangy sweetness. San Marzano tomatoes are a chef’s favorite if you want to go the extra mile.
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Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is the savory bath that helps bring everything together. If you’re looking for a richer feel, use low-sodium broth to control the salt levels.
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Lasagna Noodles: Grab those broken-up pieces from the box—no need for al dente here since they’ll cook right in the soup.
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Ricotta Cheese: For that creamy, luscious layer we all adore in lasagna. You can also substitute cottage cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded is best, but if you have fresh on hand, tear it and mix it in—pure cheese bliss!
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Fresh Basil and Oregano: These herbs add freshness and elevate the dish to new heights. If you’re in a pinch, dried herbs will also work, but adjust the quantity.
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Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of kick to balance the flavors.
The Cooking Process Explained
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking!
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Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground meat. Once browned, toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onion is translucent—around 5 minutes.
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Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in your crushed tomatoes, broth, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This is the moment when things start smelling heavenly.
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Introduce the noodles: Toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they’re submerged; they’ll soak up all that flavor as they cook.
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Simmer away: Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the noodles to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Incorporate ricotta: Just before serving, drop dollops of ricotta into the pot like clouds of creamy goodness—don’t stir just yet, let it sit on top!
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Garnish and serve: Top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil, stirring gently to combine the cheeses—it’s magic in every spoonful!
Best Way to Enjoy It
Serving this lasagna soup is an art in itself. Lace bowls with a sprinkle of fresh basil, perhaps a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and don’t forget a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping. Trust me, it’s the perfect companion; nothing beats that crunchy texture juxtaposed with the creamy, flavorful soup.
Want a bit more zing? A dash of Parmesan on top can take it over the edge into pure indulgence. And if you fancy a side salad, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette will add a refreshing bite to balance the richness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If any soup happens to be left (which I doubt!), here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Storing: Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, where it can keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, divide the soup into meal-size portions in freezer-safe containers. It’ll last up to three months—perfect for a quick meal down the line!
When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to revive it!
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are a few chef-y tidbits to ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfect every time:
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Herb boost: Toast your dried herbs in the pot before adding the tomatoes—this releases essential oils and amps up the flavor.
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Consistent cut: Keep your noodles broken roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
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Spice it up: Not into too much heat? Control the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out or adjust to your liking.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to shake things up:
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Veggie Delight: Replace the meat with a medley of your favorite vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach blend beautifully here.
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Global Flavors: Add a touch of pesto for a fragrant twist, or incorporate some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch.
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Cheesy Addition: Consider adding a layer of cream cheese or switching ricotta with goat cheese for a unique flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes
Directions to Follow
- Brown the ground meat in a large pot.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix in the broken noodles, ensuring they’re submerged.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add dollops of ricotta before serving.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and fresh herbs.
Your Questions Answered
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How long does it take to cook? The total cooking time is about 30 minutes—quick and easy!
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Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the meat for lentils or your favorite veggies.
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What can I serve it with? A side salad and garlic bread are perfect.
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How do I store leftovers? In an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
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Can I freeze this soup? Yes! It freezes well for up to three months.
This lasagna soup isn’t just another recipe to try; it’s an experience, a nourishing treat that encourages you to gather, share, and enjoy. Cooking it isn’t just about the steps; it’s about creating a moment of joy in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and let your culinary adventure begin! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your twists and turns in the comments below! Happy cooking!
BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe!
Description
Hearty lasagna soup combines classic lasagna flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make soup.Ingredients
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.This should take about 5 minutes. -
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, and red pepper flakes. -
Introduce Noodles
Toss in the broken lasagna noodles, ensuring they are submerged. -
Simmer
Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow flavors to meld. -
Incorporate Ricotta
Add dollops of ricotta cheese to the pot before serving, allowing it to sit on top.Do not stir immediately. -
Garnish and Serve
Top the soup with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil. Stir gently to combine.Serve with crusty garlic bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 50mg17%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 4 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 10 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.2 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Phosphorus 250 mg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
