Lasagna Soup: An Epic Halloween Dinner Idea!
Looking for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than this amazing Lasagna Soup! It takes all the best flavors of classic lasagna and transforms them into a hearty, flavorful soup that’s ready in under an hour. Plus, it’s easily customizable, making it a fantastic and fun Halloween food option. Forget spending hours layering a traditional lasagna – this soup brings all the deliciousness with minimal effort. It’s a family favorite and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, especially when you’re searching for halloween food ideas!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Super Easy: This recipe is quick and simple – perfect for busy weeknights or easy halloween food for party prep.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors of lasagna in a fun soup format make this a winner with even the pickiest eaters, great for halloween food for kids!
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Add different veggies, use different meats, or make it vegetarian.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this soup is an affordable way to feed a crowd.
- Incredibly Flavorful: All the delicious cheesy, tomatoey goodness of lasagna in every single spoonful.
- Perfect for Halloween: Looking for halloween recipes? It’s a festive and warm option to enjoy before or after trick-or-treating, or for a halloween food ideas for dinner.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mixture)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (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)
Substitutions:
- Meat: Use ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat substitute for a lighter option.
- Noodles: Gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Cheese: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if preferred.
- Vegetables Add some halloween food for party twist such as pumpkin puree or different colored bell pepers!
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step-by-Step 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!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep a close eye on the noodles while they cook to prevent them from becoming mushy. Consider adding them a bit later if your broth is already very flavorful.
- Add Vegetables: Customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach. Sauté them with the onion and garlic. This also provides opportunity to make your halloween food ideas even more exciting!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, which can be a great addition for those fall nights.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or lentils, for a hearty vegetarian option. A pumpkin puree for a seasonal option.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Lasagna Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much bread!
- For Halloween, serve with themed sides like “Witches Fingers” breadsticks or “Eyeball” olives. Check out other fun halloween food or easy halloween food for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQ about Lasagna Soup
Q: Can I make this lasagna soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as instructed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: What kind of noodles are best for lasagna soup?
A: Lasagna noodles are traditional, but you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or ditalini. If you’re thinking creepy halloween food, consider using colored pasta for effect!
Q: How can I make my lasagna soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Another option is to blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender.
Q: What are some creative Halloween food ideas for dinner besides lasagna soup?
A: Consider themed pizzas, mummy dogs, or spiderweb dips. Get creative with ingredients and presentation for gross halloween foods but tasty meals!
Q: Can you recommend some easy halloween food ideas for a party?
A: Absolutely! Consider spooky (but delicious) cupcakes, “monster mash” trail mix, or fruit skewers shaped like ghosts and pumpkins. Presentation is key to easy halloween food for party options!
Final Thoughts on Lasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup is not only delicious and easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a fun and festive dish for your Halloween food spread, this soup is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for future inspiration, and leave a comment below letting me know what you think! And be sure to subscribe to my blog for more tasty and easy recipes!
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!
