Lasagna Soup

This hearty and comforting lasagna soup captures all the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of classic lasagna, but with a fraction of the effort. It’s made in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy yet quick to prepare.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic lasagna flavors in a warm, brothy soup.
• Cooked in one pot—easy cleanup!
• Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets.
• Perfect for meal prep—stores and reheats beautifully.

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Preparation Phase

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot (4.5-quart or larger): Ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for sautéing and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and liquid ratios.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and parsley with ease.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred oil)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
• 3 oz tomato paste (approx. ¼ cup)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1–2 cups water (optional, to adjust consistency)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (or gluten-free pasta substitute)

Suggested Toppings (Optional):

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 2 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (approx. ½ cup)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shaved)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Heat the Pot:
   Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté the Aromatics and Cook the Beef:
   Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Build the Soup Base:
   Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the Pasta:
   Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
5. Simmer:
   Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the soup for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the pasta reaches your preferred level of doneness.
6. Adjust Consistency:
   If the soup is too thick, stir in additional water or broth, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, sprinkle on mozzarella and Parmesan, and garnish with fresh parsley. Alternatively, serve the toppings on the side for customization.

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Preparation Tips

• Prevent Sticky Pasta: Stir the soup frequently, especially after adding the pasta, to keep it from clumping together.
• Boost Flavor: Use fresh garlic and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Customize Your Toppings: Swap ricotta for sour cream or add fresh basil for extra flavor.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is versatile and can be served in several ways to suit your preferences. Here’s how to make it shine on your table:

• Serve Hot and Fresh: Ladle the soup into deep bowls for generous portions.
• Add Toppings: Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
• DIY Topping Bar: Serve the cheeses and parsley on the side so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Accompany with Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping.

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Side Dish Recommendations

Complement your hearty lasagna soup with one or more of these side dishes to create a complete meal:

1. Garlic Breadsticks
   • Perfect for soaking up the rich, tomatoey broth.
   • Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and parsley before baking.
2. Caesar Salad
   • A crisp, tangy Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
   • Add homemade croutons for an extra crunch.
3. Roasted Asparagus
   • Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender.
   • Sprinkle with Parmesan for added flavor.
4. Caprese Salad
   • Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a light and refreshing side.
5. Garlic and Herb Focaccia
   • Soft, flavorful focaccia bread pairs beautifully with the soup’s bold flavors.
6. Antipasto Platter
   • Offer a mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for a simple yet elegant side.
7. Sauteed Zucchini with Parmesan
   • A quick and easy veggie side that complements the soup’s Italian seasoning.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Zest
   • Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and a touch of lemon zest adds brightness.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcooking the Pasta
   • Mistake: Letting the pasta simmer for too long can result in mushy noodles.
   • Solution: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, checking frequently toward the end of the cooking time.
2. Using Low-Quality Tomatoes
   • Mistake: Bland or overly acidic canned tomatoes can detract from the flavor.
   • Solution: Use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano, for a rich and balanced taste.
3. Skipping the Browning Step
   • Mistake: Not browning the meat and aromatics reduces the depth of flavor.
   • Solution: Take the time to sauté the meat, onions, and garlic until golden and aromatic before adding other ingredients.
4. Not Stirring the Soup Enough
   • Mistake: Pasta sticking to the bottom of the pot or clumping together.
   • Solution: Stir the soup frequently, especially after adding the pasta, to prevent sticking.
5. Undersalting the Soup
   • Mistake: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave the soup bland.
   • Solution: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
6. Neglecting Consistency
   • Mistake: Letting the soup become too thick or too watery.
   • Solution: Adjust the consistency with water or broth as needed, especially during reheating.
7. Overloading the Soup with Toppings
   • Mistake: Adding too many toppings can overpower the soup.
   • Solution: Keep the toppings light and complementary—ricotta, mozzarella, and parsley are all you need for a perfect finish.
8. Forgetting to Customize
   • Mistake: Missing the opportunity to adapt the recipe for dietary needs.
   • Solution: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free varieties and skip cheese for a dairy-free version.

Recipe Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips to ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, high-quality tomatoes, and fresh parsley enhance the overall flavor.
• Make It Creamy: For an extra indulgent twist, stir a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta into the soup just before serving.
• Boost Protein: Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for even more heartiness.
• Add Greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a healthy boost.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for additional flavor layers.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• If freezing, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.

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Reheating Instructions

1. Stovetop Reheating:
   • Pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
   • Add extra broth or water to adjust the consistency, as the pasta will absorb liquid over time.
2. Microwave Reheating:
   • Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl.
   • Cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
3. From Frozen:
   • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using one of the methods above.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q: How do I make this gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles or rice. Double-check that your broth and canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?

A: Yes, skip the cheese toppings or use dairy-free alternatives. Coconut cream can be added for richness if desired.

Q: How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

A: Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving. Alternatively, cook the pasta only until al dente.

Q: Can I use different pasta shapes?

A: Absolutely! Any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or shells, works well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics in a skillet first. Then add all ingredients (except pasta) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: How can I adjust the soup if it tastes too acidic?

A: Add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Q: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes! Make the soup base ahead of time and store it. Add freshly cooked pasta and toppings when reheating for the best results.

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Conclusion

This lasagna soup delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time, making it the perfect one-pot meal for busy nights. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy family dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

The combination of savory broth, tender pasta, and rich, cheesy toppings creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Plus, the recipe’s versatility allows you to tailor it to your dietary needs or personal preferences.

Make a big pot, gather your favorite toppings, and enjoy this hearty, satisfying soup that brings the essence of lasagna to your bowl!