Imagine it’s a cold evening, and you’re hungry for something warm. You want lasagna, but making it seems like too much work. That’s where the best lasagna soup recipe comes in. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.
This soup turns lasagna into a simple, comforting dish. It’s filled with savory meats, tender pasta, and melted cheese. It’s a hit with 27 home cooks, earning a 5-star rating.
In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a delicious, warming soup. It’s perfect for families or for meal prep, making 8 servings. Each serving has 28g of protein and 525 calories, making it a satisfying meal.
Are you ready for a bowl of comfort? Let’s make this lasagna soup that everyone will love.
The BEST Lasagna Soup Recipe: A 30-Minute Wonder
Craving lasagna but short on time? Our lasagna soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines the taste of lasagna with the ease of a quick soup.
This soup is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful meal with 450 calories per serving. It makes 4 servings, great for family dinners or meal prep.
Here’s what makes this lasagna soup special:
- Quick prep time: 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more enjoyment
- Balanced nutrition: 23g carbs, 6g protein, and 14g fat per serving
- Customizable: Easy to adjust for dietary preferences
The secret to this soup’s taste is its ingredients. We use 5 ounces of broken lasagna sheets, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, and a mix of cheeses. We also add 1 1/2 cups of fresh baby spinach for nutrition.
This lasagna soup is more than a quick fix. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings Italian comfort food to your table fast. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a warm, filling dinner without the fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Lasagna Soup
Making the ultimate lasagna soup needs top-notch ingredients. These elements bring together the heart of Italian cooking. They make your soup a real hit.
Premium Meat Options
Start with 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound ground sausage. This mix gives your soup a deep flavor. It’s just like the taste of classic lasagna.
Pasta and Noodle Choices
Break 10 lasagna noodles into small pieces. They add the lasagna feel to your soup. Cook them for 10 minutes until they’re just right.
Cheese and Dairy Components
Richen your soup with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Add 8 ounces of ricotta for that extra cheesy taste. These ingredients make your soup taste like true Italian cuisine.
Herbs and Seasonings
Boost the flavor with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. These add a special touch to your lasagna soup. It’s a comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
- 1 diced onion
- 24 ounces tomato sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these ingredients, you can make a hearty lasagna soup for 4. It has 23g of protein per serving. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings Italian flavors to your home.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making this easy weeknight dinner is simple. You’ll have a family favorite ready in just 30 minutes. Let’s go through the easy steps to make this tasty lasagna soup.
Preparing the Meat Base
Begin by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Then, add 1 cup of diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until the onions are soft and smell good.
Building the Soup Base
Next, pour in two 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, and 1/4 cup of tomato paste. Stir well. Add 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and let it simmer. This mix makes a rich, tasty base for your soup.
Adding Pasta and Final Touches
Break 6 uncooked lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until they’re tender. For the cheese topping, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt. Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
This one-pot wonder serves 8 and has 322 calories per serving. It’s packed with 29g of protein and 22g of carbs, making it a filling meal for everyone. Enjoy your homemade lasagna soup, a true comfort food that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Three Cooking Methods Compared
Lasagna soup is a versatile one-pot meal. You can make it in different ways. Each method has its own benefits, letting you pick based on your schedule and what you have.
Stovetop Method
The stovetop method is quick and great for a last-minute dinner. You can have a tasty meal in about 30 minutes. Start by browning the meat, then add vegetables and broth. Simmer until it’s ready.
Just before serving, add pasta to avoid it getting mushy.
Slow Cooker Instructions
The slow cooker is perfect for a make-ahead meal. Mix all the ingredients in the morning. By evening, you’ll have a ready-to-eat dinner.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes to keep it just right.
Instant Pot Directions
The Instant Pot is fast and convenient. Brown the meat using the sauté function, then pressure cook for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure and add pasta.
This method makes a flavorful soup in under an hour.
Lasagna soup is a comforting meal that’s easy to customize. Try different cooking techniques to find your favorite way to make this hearty dish.
Customization Options and Variations
Lasagna soup is a versatile dish that you can make your own. Try different pasta shapes to find your favorite. Use mafalda pasta for a traditional look or rotini for easier eating. You can also break lasagna noodles into pieces.
For a leaner option, swap ground beef with turkey or chicken. Italian sausage, without its casing, adds a tasty twist. Vegetarians can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a plant-based choice.
Adding extra veggies boosts the nutritional value. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, carrots, celery, or bell peppers are great additions. They enhance the flavor and make the soup more filling and healthy.
- Pasta variations: mafalda, rotini, broken lasagna noodles
- Meat options: ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage
- Vegetable add-ins: mushrooms, spinach, carrots, celery, bell peppers
Remember, cooking times may vary with different ingredients. Adjust the liquid to get the soup consistency you like. With these options, you can make a unique lasagna soup that your family will love!
Making it Healthier: Smart Substitutions
Craving comfort food but want to keep it light? Our hearty soup recipe can be tweaked for a healthier spin. You can enjoy this delicious lasagna soup while maintaining your nutritional goals.
Lower-Calorie Alternatives
Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey to cut calories. This change reduces the total fat per serving from 9g to 6g, with only 1g of saturated fat. The protein content remains high at 26g per serving, keeping you satisfied.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Boost the nutritional value by adding more veggies. Try mushrooms, spinach, carrots, or bell peppers. This increases fiber to 4g per serving and bumps up vitamins A and C to 583 IU and 17mg respectively.
Vegetarian Modifications
For a meatless version, use vegetable broth and replace meat with beans or plant-based alternatives. This keeps the protein content high while lowering cholesterol to 42mg per serving. The soup remains a filling comfort food with only 318 calories per serving.
These smart substitutions create a healthier lasagna soup without sacrificing flavor. You’ll still enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in.
Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
Making the perfect lasagna soup is about getting the right mix of textures and tastes. Start with the right pasta, like Mafalda or broken lasagna noodles. Cook it for 10-15 minutes until it’s just right.
To add flavor, brown your meats first. This makes a rich base for your soup. Use ground beef and Italian sausage for a deeper taste. Then, deglaze the pot with broth to get all the tasty bits.
Herbs are key to that classic lasagna flavor. Use 3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, plus fresh basil and parsley. Remember to add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
For the cheesiest top, layer ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Add this just before serving to keep the cheese creamy. Follow these tips for a lasagna soup that’s full of flavor and texture.
- Use mafalda pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- Brown meats for a rich base
- Balance herbs and seasonings
- Layer cheeses for ultimate creaminess
Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines
Lasagna soup is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s great to make ahead and can last for weeks or even months.
Refrigeration Tips
Keep your lasagna soup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store the noodles separately to keep them from getting soggy. This makes reheating easy for a quick dinner.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion. Label each container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Methods
To reheat, thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. For a quick option, microwave portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add fresh noodles just before serving for the best texture.
Follow these tips to make lasagna soup a convenient meal. Enjoy a homemade dinner even on your busiest nights!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Lasagna soup is a comfort food loved by many. It’s great on its own, but adding the right sides can make it even better. Let’s look at some tasty options to go with your soup.
Garlic bread is a classic pick. Its crispy outside and soft inside are perfect for dipping into the soup. For a quicker option, try crostini. You can make these in just 10 minutes with bread, olive oil, and salt.
Salads provide a cool contrast to the soup’s warmth. An Italian chopped salad with fresh veggies, salami, and mozzarella adds a tangy flavor. For a lighter choice, consider a peppery arugula salad or a crunchy shaved Brussels sprout salad tossed in red wine vinaigrette.
- Cherry tomato salad with roasted lemons
- Kale Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Simple green salad with your favorite dressing
If you want more veggies, sautéed zucchini is quick to make, taking just 7 minutes. Garlic Parmesan asparagus or Mediterranean roasted vegetables are also great, ready in 15-20 minutes.
Remember, balance is important. Choose one light, refreshing side to go with your rich, savory soup. This mix will make a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
Conclusion
The best lasagna soup recipe is a mix of classic lasagna flavors and a simple one-pot meal. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for any busy day. With lean ground beef, pasta, and three cheeses, it’s a filling meal.
This dish is also very flexible. You can change the thickness by adding more or less water. For a veggie version, use mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of ground beef. Each serving has 21 grams of protein and only 390 calories, making it a healthy choice.
Lasagna soup is great for feeding family or friends. Serve it with crusty bread for a full meal. Don’t forget to add fresh parsley for extra taste and color. You can also store leftovers for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. So, get your pot ready to make this new comfort food favorite!