Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Table of Contents
As a child, I remember the cozy aroma of homemade lasagna wafting through the house on chilly evenings. The layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese were like a warm hug in a bowl. Fast forward to today, and I find myself reaching for those comforting flavors, but with a delightful twist — in the form of an Easy Lasagna Soup. This recipe brings all those cherished memories back to life, with the added bonus of being prepared in a single pot. Imagine the same heartwarming tastes, but simpler, quicker, and just as satisfying. Let’s gather around the kitchen, where love and simplicity blend in every spoonful.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
This Easy Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia. Here are a few reasons why this dish deserves a place in your dinner rotation:
- Comfort in a Bowl: This soup captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna, offering a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for chilly nights. The melding of robust tomato sauce and savory meat brings about a comforting and familiar taste that feels like home.
- Quick and Simple: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss. The convenience of a one-pot meal means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish, making it a staple for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. The playful bowtie pasta adds a fun twist that kids find appealing.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences, whether you like it meaty, cheesy, or loaded with vegetables. For those who prefer a vegetarian version, simply substitute the meat with mushrooms or zucchini.
- Nostalgic and Heartfelt: Each spoonful evokes the warmth of family traditions, making it a perfect choice for those who love cooking from the heart. It’s a dish that not only fills the stomach but also feeds the soul.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To bring this comforting bowl of lasagna soup to life, you’ll need just a few kitchen essentials:
- A 4.5-quart soup pot: This is where all the magic happens, as it’s large enough to hold all your ingredients comfortably. A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal to ensure even heat distribution.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing. The sturdy design of a wooden spoon helps in breaking up the ground beef while it’s cooking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For dicing the onion and mincing garlic. A well-honed knife makes prep work quicker and safer.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure you get the right balance of flavors. Precision here ensures that the seasoning is just right.
- Ladle: For serving your delicious soup into bowls with ease. A ladle helps portion out the soup evenly, ensuring each bowl gets a good ratio of broth to pasta.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil, or preferred oil
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce can) Diced Tomatoes, don’t drain
- 1 (15-ounce can) Tomato Sauce, or tomato puree
- ⅓ cup Tomato Paste, about half of a 6-ounce can
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1-2 cups Water, to adjust consistency
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, or more as needed to adjust flavor
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked), or similar sturdy pasta
Suggested toppings: You can measure these with your ❤️
- ½ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or fresh grated
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add OLIVE OIL and heat until shimmering. This step is crucial for searing the meat properly, locking in the flavors.
- Add GROUND BEEF, ONIONS, and GARLIC. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat, if needed. This ensures the soup isn’t greasy and keeps it light.
- Stir in TOMATOES (with their juice), TOMATO SAUCE, TOMATO PASTE, BROTH, ITALIAN SEASONING, SALT, PEPPER, and PASTA NOODLES. The tomatoes add a rich umami base, while the Italian seasoning infuses the broth with aromatic herbs.
- Increase the heat to HIGH and bring the soup to a boil. This step helps the flavors meld together quickly.
- Reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook soup for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stirring ensures the pasta cooks evenly.
- At this point, you can add WATER or more broth in small amounts to adjust the soup consistency to your liking. This allows you to customize the thickness based on personal preference.
- Serving options: 1) Add the RICOTTA, MOZZARELLA, and PARMESAN to the whole soup after it cools slightly; or 2) Serve the cheeses on the side and add it to individual servings. Garnish with FRESH PARSLEY. The cheeses melt into the soup, creating a creamy, luxurious finish.
- To store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or up to 90 days in the freezer (or more if vacuum sealed). Proper storage prevents spoilage and maintains flavor.
- To reheat: Add more water or broth as desired because the noodles will have absorbed much of the broth. This keeps the soup from becoming too thick when reheated.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Italian • Preparation Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 20 minutes • Total Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 250 • Servings: 6
Note: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
This Easy Lasagna Soup is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a nourishing choice for you and your family. Let’s take a closer look at some of the star ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and K, tomatoes provide antioxidants that are great for heart health. They also contain lycopene, which has been linked to reduced risk of certain cancers.
- Ground Beef: A good source of protein and iron, essential for maintaining energy levels and muscle health. Choosing lean beef can also help manage fat intake.
- Garlic and Onion: Together, these aromatics not only enhance flavor but also offer anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They are known for their potential to reduce heart disease risk.
- Olive Oil: Known for its heart-healthy fats, olive oil helps to lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. It also adds a nuanced flavor to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the soup while providing hydration and essential minerals. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content of your meal.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
While this Easy Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a few sides can elevate the experience:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of crusty garlic bread complements the soup beautifully. It serves as a sponge for soaking up the delicious broth.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic dressing for a balanced meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your meal with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant pair particularly well with this soup.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
Storing and reheating this lasagna soup is as simple as it gets:
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. This method of storage helps maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions or a large container for up to 90 days. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Freezing in portions makes reheating more convenient.
- Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency. This method prevents the soup from drying out and ensures even heating.
Remember, leftovers are a wonderful opportunity to relive the joy of homemade comfort without starting from scratch! Each reheated bowl brings back the comforting essence of freshly made lasagna soup.
As you savor this Easy Lasagna Soup, may it bring warmth to your home and heart, just like the comforting meals of yesteryear. Here’s to simple, heartfelt cooking that connects us to cherished memories and creates new ones to treasure.
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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a 4.5-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add OLIVE OIL and heat until shimmering.
- Add GROUND BEEF, ONIONS, and GARLIC. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, stirring as needed. Drain excess fat, if needed.
- Stir in TOMATOES (with their juice), TOMATO SAUCE, TOMATO PASTE, BROTH, ITALIAN SEASONING, SALT, PEPPER, and PASTA NOODLES.
- Increase the heat to HIGH and bring the soup to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a medium simmer and cook soup for 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- At this point you can add WATER or more broth in small amounts to adjust the soup consistency to your liking.
- Serving options: 1) Add the RICOTTA, MOZZARELLA, and PARMESAN to the whole soup after it cools slightly; or 2) Serve the cheeses on the side and add it to individual servings. Garnish with FRESH PARSLEY.
- To store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or up to 90 days in the freezer (or more if vacuum sealed).
- To reheat: Add more water or broth as desired because the noodles will have absorbed much of the broth.
