Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food!
Ready for a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that tastes just like your favorite lasagna, but is ready in a fraction of the time? This Lasagna Soup recipe is the answer! It’s packed with all the flavors you love – rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and tender noodles – all simmered to perfection in one pot. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight dinner or you’re simply craving classic Italian comfort, this Lasagna Soup will hit the spot. And it’s incredibly family-friendly, making it a winner for both kids and adults!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this deconstructed lasagna.
- Customizable: Easily adapt to your family’s favorite flavors and dietary needs.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Deliciously Comforting: The taste of lasagna in a warm, cozy soup form!
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Substitutions: For a vegetarian version, use plant-based sausage. You can also substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Serve: Ladle the Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the lasagna noodles, as they can become mushy.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Variations: For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage and a vegan ricotta cheese alternative. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute the noodles with rice or quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Bread: Elevate your meal with warm, buttery garlic bread.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store the leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little bit of broth or water while reheating.
FAQ about Lasagna Soup
Q: Can I make this Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this soup ahead of time! The flavors actually meld together even more as it sits. Just be aware that the noodles may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a little more broth when reheating. This is a great recipe for easy halloween food for parties since you can prep it in advance!
Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
A: Absolutely! Lasagna Soup freezes well. Just allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. This is a great way to have a comforting meal on hand for busy weeknights or as easy halloween food.
Q: Can I make this Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to add more flavor and texture.
Q: What are some good halloween food ideas to serve with this soup?
A: Consider serving it with breadstick “bones,” mini pizzas decorated as spiders, or a side salad with black olive spiders. You can find plenty of inspiration for halloween food ideas for kids online!
Q: Is this a good option for halloween recipes that are easy to make?
A: Absolutely! This Lasagna Soup can easily be transformed into a creepy halloween food by adding a swirl of sour cream on top in the shape of a spiderweb or ghost before serving. It’s great for a quick halloween food for dinner.
Final Thoughts on Lasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup is truly the ultimate comfort food – easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion! We know you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how much your family will enjoy it. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access later, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know how it turned out! And if you want more delicious and easy recipes delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletter!
Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage or a mixture
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Mozzarella cheese shredded for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Season the Soup: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture into the soup just before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shredded mozzarella cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your lasagna soup!
