When you think of lasagna, it’s likely the image of a layered pasta dish, bubbling with cheese and sauce, comes to mind. But what if you could take all the comforting flavors of this classic Italian dish and turn them into a warm, hearty soup? Lasagna soup is a deliciously easy twist on the original, combining everything you love about lasagna into a single bowl. It’s perfect for colder weather and for those days when you want something cozy yet quick to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make lasagna soup, explore some variations, and provide a list of equipment, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to get you started.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Making lasagna soup is surprisingly simple. The base of the soup usually starts with browning Italian sausage or ground beef, adding onions, garlic, and a rich tomato sauce, and then simmering with broth and herbs. The pasta is cooked directly in the broth, making it a one-pot wonder. In no time, you’ll have all the flavors of a traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. What’s even better is that this recipe can be adjusted to your preferences, whether you want it vegetarian, extra cheesy, or even with a spicy kick.
Other Variations of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a flexible recipe, allowing for numerous delicious variations. Here are some popular ideas to customize your bowl:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Substitute the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based ground meat for a veggie-friendly option that’s just as hearty.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: For an extra touch of richness, add a splash of heavy cream or dollop of ricotta at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a creamier, more luxurious texture.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Love a bit of heat? Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the broth for a spicy twist on the classic.
- Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup: Simply swap the pasta for gluten-free noodles or rice, and you have a gluten-free version of this cozy meal.
- Cheesy Topper: While lasagna soup typically has cheese stirred in, you can top your bowl with a sprinkle of mozzarella, ricotta, or parmesan just before serving, giving it that melted, gooey lasagna topping.
Lasagna Soup
Equipment
To make lasagna soup, you’ll need the following basic kitchen equipment:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This will be used to brown the meat and simmer the soup.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the soup as it cooks.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To chop the onions, garlic, and any other vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
- Ladle: To serve the soup once it’s ready.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic lasagna soup recipe:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess grease.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes, along with the broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and let cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Allow the cheeses to melt into the soup, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Grab a spoon and dig into this warm, cheesy, comforting bowl of lasagna soup!
Lasagna soup is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna with a lot less work and in less time. Whether you stick with the classic version or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a cozy favorite. So next time you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time or energy for layers, give lasagna soup a try.
