Easy Lasagna Soup

A warm bowl of Easy Lasagna Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This delightful dish combines the flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty soup that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a cozy night in, this recipe will delight your taste buds and fill your home with an inviting aroma. With tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and a creamy three-cheese topping, it’s an irresistible meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This soup can be ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that leaves you satisfied.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of spices and cheeses creates a rich flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize it by adding more vegetables or using different types of cheese.
• Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it perfect for family gatherings or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items to have on hand when making Easy Lasagna Soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot ensures all ingredients cook evenly without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring, it won’t scratch the pot surface while mixing ingredients.
• Chopping knife: A sharp knife helps chop vegetables quickly and safely.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to prep your ingredients efficiently.

Ingredients

A comforting soup that transforms traditional lasagna into a bowl of warmth with tender noodles, meat sauce, and a creamy three-cheese topping.

Meat

• 1/2 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Sauces & Broth

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 24 ounce marinara sauce
• 7 cups low sodium chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

Noodles & Cheese

• 9 lasagna noodles, broken
• 10 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

For Serving

• Fresh basil

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage. Season with salt and pepper. After cooking, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Sauces & Broth

Add tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and chicken broth to the pot. Return the cooked meat to the mixture. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Once boiling, add broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer until noodles are tender—around 12-15 minutes. If using spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture and garnish with fresh basil before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Easy Lasagna Soup!

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup

Serving Easy Lasagna Soup can be a delightful experience, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your meal.

Add a Bread Side

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly with the soup, perfect for dipping.
• Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft and cheesy, these sticks make every bite more enjoyable.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness and color to your bowl.
• Fresh Basil: Adding fresh basil enhances the Italian flavors of the soup.

Include Toppings

• Croutons: For added crunch, top your soup with store-bought or homemade croutons.
• Extra Cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella or parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.

Serve with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad: Light and refreshing, a mixed green salad balances the hearty soup.

How to Perfect Easy Lasagna Soup

To achieve the best results with Easy Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh herbs and high-quality cheeses for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more noodles.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like thyme or fennel for a unique twist.
• Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together; store in the fridge overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Lasagna Soup

Pairing side dishes with Easy Lasagna Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots flavored with garlic make a tasty addition.
2. Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella creates a light counterbalance to the rich soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an extra layer of flavor to your dining experience.
4. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offers variety alongside your soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add nutrients and color to your meal.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the meat properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always brown your ground beef and sausage until they are well-cooked before adding them to the soup.

• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season your soup adequately will result in a bland dish. Be sure to taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you go.

• Using Regular Lasagna Noodles: If you use regular lasagna noodles instead of broken ones, they may not cook evenly in the soup. Always break them into smaller pieces for better texture.

• Not Adding Fresh Ingredients: Omitting fresh ingredients like spinach or herbs can make your soup less vibrant. Consider adding fresh spinach or basil for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Overcooking Noodles: Leaving the noodles in too long can make them mushy. Cook until just tender to maintain the right texture.

• Neglecting Cheese Mixture: Skipping the cheese topping can leave your soup lacking creaminess. Always mix ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan for that rich finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Lasagna Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Easy Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Easy Lasagna Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered:

How can I make Easy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

You can substitute the meat with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Using store-bought marinara sauce can save time while still delivering great flavor in your Easy Lasagna Soup.

What toppings go well with Easy Lasagna Soup?

Consider topping with extra cheese, fresh basil, or even crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and texture.

How do I customize my Easy Lasagna Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or swap out cheeses based on your preferences!

Final Thoughts

Easy Lasagna Soup is a fantastic twist on traditional lasagna that brings comfort in every spoonful. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients while remaining quick and straightforward. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!