Before we dive into the delicious world of lasagna soup, let’s chat about what to enjoy with this comforting dish. Pair it with a crisp garden salad—think mixed greens with tomatoes and cucumbers. Or, if you’re in the mood for bread, garlic bread or some warm, crusty baguette can elevate the meal to the next level.
A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or a Montepulciano, will complement the richness of the soup beautifully. Finally, don’t overlook dessert; a light tiramisu will provide a satisfying finish. Now, let’s get down to the details and stories behind this incredible dish!
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of layering pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce, everything is combined into a single, hearty soup. You’ll find broken lasagna noodles swimming in a savory tomato broth, mingling with ground meats, Italian seasonings, and luscious cheeses. It’s the ultimate homage to comfort food, serving up a warm hug in a bowl.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the rich, hearty flavor of a well-made lasagna, combined with the comforting essence of a thick, savory soup. The balance of spices works harmoniously, while the cheeses offer creaminess that ties each bite together. The freshness of herbs rounds out the dish, making your taste buds sing.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Convenience: All the tasty components of lasagna come together in one pot, making it easier to prepare. You don’t have to layer anything; just stir and serve. This is great for a busy weeknight when your time is limited, yet you crave something fulfilling.
2. Versatility: You can tailor this recipe to your taste. Want to skip the meat? Use mushrooms or more vegetables instead. Prefer a different cheese? Swap ricotta for cottage cheese. The choice is yours, meaning it can fit almost any dietary need or palate preference!
3. Flavor Depth: This recipe packs a punch with layers of flavor. The use of garlic, onion, and spices like oregano and red pepper flakes adds complexity. Each spoonful delivers a rich taste experience, reminiscent of a meal that’s been carefully prepared for hours.
4. Comfort Factor: With its warm, hearty nature, lasagna soup provides a sense of comfort that few dishes can match. Served hot, it warms you up from the inside out. It’s an instant mood-lifter after a long day!
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
You’ll need the following ingredients to create a delicious lasagna soup:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian-style sausage
- 2 tablespoons concentrated tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or a 24-ounce jarred marinara)
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into chunks
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Meat
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. You’ll want to stir that in for about 30 seconds to get the aroma going, but be careful not to burn it! Then, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned—about 6-7 minutes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper while it cooks.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste
Mix in the concentrated tomato paste. Stir it well to coat the meat and onion, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This step enhances the dish’s flavor profile and makes the base richer.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce and Stock
Pour in your marinara sauce and the chicken or vegetable stock. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. This creates the foundation of your soup, rich and inviting.
Step 5: Include the Noodles
Once simmering, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Let them cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until tender. This is where you start to see the soup take shape!
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheeses
When the noodles are tender, stir in the fresh spinach if you’re using it. After that, dollop the ricotta cheese throughout the soup. Add in half of each cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheeses meld into the warmth of the soup.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season to taste with the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it simmer for a few more minutes before serving.
Notes: Helpful Tips
Fresh Herbs: If you can, using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor dramatically!
Cheese Tips: Mixing in some cheese products at different stages will keep the flavors varied and exciting.
Leftover Noodles: If you don’t have broken lasagna noodles, feel free to substitute with other pasta types you have at home. They will all work well!
Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms and additional veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.
Leftover Storage: Be mindful that noodles may soak up broth over time. If storing for later, consider keeping pasta separately until serving.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of lasagna soup is a filling meal, packed with protein and essential nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown, though variations will occur based on exact ingredients and portions:
- Calories: ~450-550
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
How to Store the Leftovers?
After enjoying your lasagna soup, you may have some leftovers. Store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice the noodles soaking up broth, you can add a little water or stock when reheating to revive the texture.
Sides for Lasagna Soup
1. Garlic Bread: What’s better than a crunchy piece of garlic bread to dip into your soup? The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the richness of lasagna soup beautifully.
2. Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad, with crisp romaine and tangy dressing, makes a perfect match. It adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal!
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes on skewers are the ideal finger food. They provide a lovely contrast to the temperature of the soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables can round out the meal with a nutritious touch. Try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and herbs.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
1. Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully in place of beef or sausage. They will still provide excellent flavor without the extra fat.
2. Spinach: Don’t have fresh spinach? Kale or Swiss chard can substitute. Just ensure they’re cooked down until tender.
3. Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian version, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for the base of your soup.
4. Alternative Cheeses: If ricotta isn’t your favorite, consider cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a different but creamy texture.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is a comforting and versatile dish that brings smiles to the dinner table. It is straightforward to prepare, and the flavors are rich and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it on a quiet weeknight or serve it to guests, it’s guaranteed to impress. You’ll find joy in the preparation and satisfaction in every delicious spoonful. So grab your ingredients and start simmering; your new favorite meal awaits!
If you’re ready for a cozy evening full of flavors and warmth, take the plunge into making lasagna soup tonight. Buon appetito!
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Lasagna Soup – Recipes From Chef
Description
Picture this: it's a chilly evening, and you're craving something warm and hearty. You find yourself dreaming of layers of pasta, rich marinara, and bubbly cheese. Enter lasagna soup—a dish that brings all those comforting flavors together in a bowl. It’s like lasagna got cozy and decided to throw itself a soup party.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add this recipe to your dinner rotation faster than you can say “mangia!”
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
-
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Meat
-
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. You’ll want to stir that in for about 30 seconds to get the aroma going, but be careful not to burn it! Then, add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until browned—about 6-7 minutes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper while it cooks.
Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste
-
Mix in the concentrated tomato paste. Stir it well to coat the meat and onion, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This step enhances the dish's flavor profile and makes the base richer.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce and Stock
-
Pour in your marinara sauce and the chicken or vegetable stock. Stir everything together, bringing it to a simmer. This creates the foundation of your soup, rich and inviting.
Step 5: Include the Noodles
-
Once simmering, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Let them cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until tender. This is where you start to see the soup take shape!
Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheeses
-
When the noodles are tender, stir in the fresh spinach if you’re using it. After that, dollop the ricotta cheese throughout the soup. Add in half of each cheese—mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheeses meld into the warmth of the soup.
Step 7: Season and Serve
-
Finally, season to taste with the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it simmer for a few more minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 7
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Fresh Herbs: If you can, using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor dramatically!
- Cheese Tips: Mixing in some cheese products at different stages will keep the flavors varied and exciting.
- Leftover Noodles: If you don’t have broken lasagna noodles, feel free to substitute with other pasta types you have at home. They will all work well!
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with a mixture of mushrooms and additional veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Leftover Storage: Be mindful that noodles may soak up broth over time. If storing for later, consider keeping pasta separately until serving.
