Lasagna Soup
A comforting twist on a classic Italian favorite, Lasagna Soup delivers all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna in a bowl. This one-pot wonder features savory ground beef, a rich tomato broth, perfectly broken lasagna noodles, and a melty medley of cheeses—finished with a burst of fresh basil. It’s a warming meal ideal for cool evenings and busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For browning the meat and simmering the soup.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For dicing onions, carrots, celery, and mincing garlic.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure out liquids and seasonings.
- Stirring Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and stirring the ingredients.
- Ladle: For serving.
- (Optional) Immersion Blender: For a smoother broth if desired.
Ingredients
- Protein & Base:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, or a mix
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 celery stalk diced
- Herbs & Spices:
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil or 1 tsp if you love basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- Liquid & Base:
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Pasta & Greens:
- 6 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach or kale
- Cheese & Garnish:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese for dolloping on top
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves roughly chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it is evenly browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta:
- Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles.
- Continue to simmer for about 10–12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender (they’ll break down slightly to thicken the soup).
- Finish with Greens:
- Stir in the chopped spinach. Allow it to wilt into the soup (about 2 minutes).
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a dusting of grated Parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Optionally, add an extra crack of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Italian-Inspired
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian / Italian-American
- Diet: Hearty / Family-Friendly (Note: Contains gluten from traditional lasagna noodles)
- Keywords
- Lasagna Soup, Italian soup, comfort food, hearty soup, pasta soup, ground beef soup, tomato broth, family meal, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot soup
- Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Serving Size: ~1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Note: Nutrition values are estimated and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.
Notes
Variations:
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese toward the end of cooking.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Adjusting Consistency:
If you prefer a thicker soup, use a little less broth or allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Storage & Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened due to the pasta absorbing liquid.
Serving Tip:
For an extra touch of indulgence, offer additional grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the table.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese toward the end of cooking.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Adjusting Consistency:
If you prefer a thicker soup, use a little less broth or allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Storage & Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened due to the pasta absorbing liquid.
Serving Tip:
For an extra touch of indulgence, offer additional grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the table.