It’s that time of year again when the air gets crisp and the leaves turn to shades of pumpkin spice. Cue the nostalgia! Remember those cozy nights snuggled up on the couch with a blanket and a warm bowl of something delicious? Enter Lasagna Soup – it’s like your favorite Italian dish threw a party in a pot! With layers of flavor dancing around like they’re auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars,” this dish brings comfort to new heights.
Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you simmer tomatoes and spices together. It’s enough to make even your most reluctant family members abandon their video games for a taste. If there’s anything better than traditional lasagna, it’s definitely this easy-to-make version that warms your soul.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious lasagna soup blends all the classic flavors with minimal fuss.
- You can customize it easily based on what you have at home.
- The vibrant colors and aromas create an inviting atmosphere at any dinner table.
- Perfect for chilly evenings but versatile enough for any occasion.
Family gatherings are always filled with laughter and love. I made this lasagna soup for a family reunion once; everyone went back for seconds… and thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat to keep it healthier without sacrificing flavor.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; chop it finely for even flavor distribution.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give depth; one clove per serving is usually perfect.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed or diced tomatoes; they form the flavorful base of your soup.
- Beef or Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Pasta: Any small pasta works well; try ditalini or elbow macaroni for fun shapes.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs adds authentic Italian flair; don’t skimp on this!
- Cheese (Ricotta and Mozzarella): Creamy ricotta gives richness while mozzarella tops off each bowl perfectly.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Use these herbs as bright garnishes; they elevate presentation and flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Let’s dive right into crafting this cozy bowl of goodness together!
Sautéing Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about one minute.
Brown the Meat: Push aside the aromatics and add ground beef or turkey to brown. Break up any large chunks as it cooks until fully browned, approximately five minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes along with broth; stir well to combine all ingredients seamlessly into a rich base.
Season Up!: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as you let this mixture come to a gentle boil. Allow flavors to meld beautifully for about 10 minutes.
Add Pasta: Stir in your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes—keep an eye on it!
Melt Cheese Goodness: Before serving, swirl in dollops of ricotta cheese until melted slightly but still visible. Top each bowl generously with shredded mozzarella before serving hot.
This lasagna soup will warm not just your belly but also your heart! Gather everyone around the table as you serve bowls filled to the brim with cheesy goodness topped off with fresh basil or parsley.
Enjoy sharing stories over this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the comforting texture of a warm soup, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings.
- It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd while embracing your creative culinary side.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor before adding ground meat and tomatoes. Simultaneously, cook pasta until al dente to prevent mushiness in your Lasagna Soup.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also swap out the cheese varieties based on your preference—mozzarella and ricotta are always great choices!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Lasagna Soup, ensure you cook the pasta separately to keep it from soaking up all the liquid.
- Use fresh herbs like basil for vibrant flavor enhancements.
- Avoid overcooking the meat; it should remain juicy and tender.
Sharing a pot of Lasagna Soup with friends sparked laughter and delightful memories, reminding me that food brings people together in such a special way.
FAQ
Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just replace the meat with hearty vegetables or lentils for protein.
How long does it take to prepare Lasagna Soup?
Preparation typically takes about 15 minutes, with cooking time around 30 minutes.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Ricotta and mozzarella are classic choices that melt beautifully into the soup.
Lasagna Soup
Warm up with a bowl of Lasagna Soup that combines all your favorite lasagna flavors in a hearty, easy-to-make dish perfect for chilly evenings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Push the aromatics aside and add ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces (approximately 5 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, mixing well to create a rich base.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle boil for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8–10 minutes).
- Before serving, swirl in ricotta cheese until slightly melted and top each bowl with shredded mozzarella.
Notes
- For added nutrition, consider including vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- Feel free to swap cheeses based on your preference; try using cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
