Lasagna Soup Recipe

This incredible Lasagna Soup transforms everything you love about traditional lasagna into a hearty, comforting bowl of deliciousness. With all the classic Italian flavors melding together in a rich broth, this soup delivers the satisfaction of lasagna without all the layering and long baking time. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something warm and filling!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Italian sausage: Provides that rich, savory base flavor that makes this soup so satisfying. You can use mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle richness to the soup.
• Onion: Creates a flavor foundation and adds sweetness as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Brings that essential aromatic punch that’s crucial in any good Italian-inspired dish.
• Beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the soup, adding depth and richness.
• Crushed tomatoes: Provides body and that classic tomato flavor essential to lasagna.
• Petite diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor throughout the soup.
• Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that captures that authentic Italian flavor profile.
• Lasagna noodles: The star ingredient that makes this uniquely lasagna soup rather than just an Italian soup.
• Cheese mixture (mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan): Creates that quintessential lasagna experience when dolloped on top of the hot soup.
• Fresh basil: Brightens everything up with its aromatic freshness and provides a beautiful color contrast.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some tasty options:

• Protein Swap: Try ground beef, turkey, or chicken instead of Italian sausage. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or add extra vegetables.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Pasta Alternative: Can’t find lasagna noodles? Substitute any short pasta like bowtie, rotini, or penne.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat in your soup.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the pan and drain the excess grease, but keep those flavorful browned bits at the bottom.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add olive oil to the same pot and toss in your chopped onion. Cook until the onions become translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until it becomes fragrant and golden (careful not to burn it!).

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir everything together. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodle pieces to the soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 13-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Topping

While the soup simmers, combine the grated mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese in a small mixing bowl. This creates that amazing cheesy layer that makes lasagna so special.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with fresh sliced basil leaves. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating that perfect lasagna experience.

How to Serve

Lasagna soup is practically a meal in itself, but here are some perfect pairings:

Bread Companions

Serve with garlic bread, crusty Italian bread, or breadsticks for dipping into that flavorful broth.

Simple Sides

A crisp green salad with Italian dressing makes the perfect light side to balance the hearty soup.

Wine Pairing

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato and herb flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the soup and cheese mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb more broth as they sit, so your leftovers will be thicker.

Freezing

For best results, freeze the soup base without the noodles or cheese. When ready to eat, thaw completely, reheat, and cook fresh noodles directly in the soup. Add the cheese mixture just before serving.

If you anticipate leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual servings instead of cooking them directly in the soup.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water as the noodles will have absorbed some liquid. Top with fresh cheese mixture after reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup brings all the comfort and flavor of traditional lasagna to your table in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. The combination of savory broth, tender noodles, and that incredible cheese topping creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try tonight – your family will be asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bowl!

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