Busy weeknights call for quick, comforting meals, don’t you? I’m Clara, and I know exactly how it feels to crave something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share my High Protein Lasagna Soup recipe with you! It has all the delicious flavors of lasagna, but in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you feeling full and energized. This cozy soup is ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a family dinner on a hectic evening.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Lasagna Soup
This isn’t just any lasagna soup; it’s a game-changer for busy moms, families, and anyone who loves a good, [hearty meal, like this delicious chicken noodle soup]. I know you’ll love it because:
- It’s quicker than traditional lasagna. Forget layering and baking; this soup comes together in under 45 minutes.
- It’s high in protein. With lean ground beef and turkey, this soup will keep you feeling satisfied.
- Cleanup is easy. One pot means fewer dishes to wash!
- It’s customizable. Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
What Makes This High Protein Lasagna Soup Healthy?
Is lasagna soup healthy? Absolutely! My High Protein Lasagna Soup is packed with goodness. I use lean protein sources like ground beef and ground turkey, which are essential for muscle building and overall health. The vegetables, like onion and bell pepper, add vitamins and fiber. The noodles contribute fiber, too, which aids in digestion. I know, I know, there’s cheese, but it’s used in moderation as a topping to add flavor without excessive calories.
Ingredients for High Protein Lasagna Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make my High Protein Lasagna Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (medium size, diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 lb lean ground beef (ground turkey or ground chicken)
- 1 lb ground turkey (casing removed, or chopped fully cooked chicken sausage)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 5-6 cups chicken broth (5 cups for an extra thick soup)
- 8 regular lasagna noodles (broken into 6 pieces each, do not use “oven ready”)
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese) (or 1/2 and 1/2)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
Now, let’s talk about why each of these ingredients is so important. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies and adds a touch of richness. Yellow onion and red bell pepper provide a sweet and savory base. Lean ground beef and ground turkey give the soup a hearty, protein-packed punch. Garlic adds that classic Italian flavor. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhance all the other flavors. Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor, while crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce create the rich, slightly sweet tomato base. Chicken broth brings everything together, adding moisture and flavor. The lasagna noodles give the soup its signature lasagna texture. Finally, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese create the perfect creamy, cheesy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for High Protein Lasagna Soup
Here’s how to make this comforting soup:
- Heat a large pot with oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté 3-5 minutes until veggies begin to soften. (Process photo needed)
- Add meat and ground turkey to the pot, breaking up into small pieces. Stir occasionally for 5-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. (Process photo needed)
- Next add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook 2-3 minutes. (Process photo needed)
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a simmer. (Process photo needed)
- Add noodles and cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking. (Process photo needed)
- While soup is cooking, mix all topping ingredients in a medium bowl, set aside. (Process photo needed)
- Allow soup to cool slightly and sauce to thicken before serving. Spoon soup into a bowl, add a dollop of topping and garnish with fresh basil and extra mozzarella or parmesan cheese if desired. (Process photo needed)
Cheese Topping for High Protein Lasagna Soup
Oh, this cheese topping is the perfect finish! I love using full-fat cottage cheese because it adds a delightful creaminess and a boost of extra protein. But you know what? A combination of cheeses is the way to go for the best flavor. The mozzarella melts beautifully, and the parmesan adds a salty, nutty note that’s just irresistible.
Common Mistakes When Making High Protein Lasagna Soup
I want to help you avoid some common pitfalls! Here are a few tips:
- Don’t overcook the noodles, or they will become mushy. I always test them a few minutes before the suggested cooking time to make sure they’re just right.
- If the soup is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. This will balance out the flavors.
Variations on High Protein Lasagna Soup
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
| Variation | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Spicy | Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pot along with the Italian seasoning. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to each serving. |
| Slow Cooker | Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop. Transfer to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients (except cheese topping). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Top with cheese before serving. |
| Instant Pot | Use the sauté function to brown the meat and sauté the vegetables. Add all remaining ingredients (except cheese topping). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Top with cheese before serving. |
| Dairy-Free | Omit the cheese topping or substitute with a dairy-free ricotta alternative. Ensure that the broth is dairy-free. |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Substitute the ground beef and ground turkey with 1-2 cups of cooked lentils or tofu crumbles. Ensure the broth is vegetable broth. |
Make-Ahead Instructions for High Protein Lasagna Soup
Want to get ahead? You can chop the vegetables and brown the meat up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the soup according to the recipe instructions when you’re ready to cook.
Serving Suggestions for High Protein Lasagna Soup
This soup is a meal on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty sides! If you’re looking for another [comforting and easy soup recipe], I love serving it with a slice of [crusty homemade bread] for dipping, a side of garlic bread, or a simple green salad. A grilled cheese sandwich is also delicious with lasagna soup!
How to Store and Reheat High Protein Lasagna Soup
Got leftovers? Store them in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Equipment Recommendations
To make this soup, I recommend using a large Dutch oven; it distributes heat evenly. An immersion blender is optional, but it’s great if you prefer a smoother soup.
Nutrition Information for High Protein Lasagna Soup
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on product brands and cooking methods.
High Protein Lasagna Soup Recipe
Amazing High Protein Lasagna Soup for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large pot with oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté 3-5 minutes until veggies begin to soften. (Process photo needed)
- Add meat and ground turkey to the pot, breaking up into small pieces. Stir occasionally for 5-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. (Process photo needed)
- Next add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook 2-3 minutes. (Process photo needed)
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a simmer. (Process photo needed)
- Add noodles and cook until soft, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking. (Process photo needed)
- While soup is cooking, mix all topping ingredients in a medium bowl, set aside. (Process photo needed)
- Allow soup to cool slightly and sauce to thicken before serving. Spoon soup into a bowl, add a dollop of topping and garnish with fresh basil and extra mozzarella or parmesan cheese if desired. (Process photo needed)
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions I get about my High Protein Lasagna Soup:
- Can I use different types of protein (e.g., lentils, tofu crumbles) for a vegetarian/vegan version? Yes, absolutely! Lentils or tofu crumbles are great substitutes for the meat.
- What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from sticking together? Stir the soup occasionally while the noodles are cooking. This will help prevent them from clumping.
- Can I use pre-cooked sausage to save time? Yes, you can! Just make sure to slice or chop it before adding it to the soup.
- What is the best way to reheat lasagna soup? You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
- How can I adjust the consistency of the soup? Too thick? Too thin? If it’s too thick, add more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to allow it to reduce.
- How long does lasagna soup last in the fridge? It will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
I hope you love my High Protein Lasagna Soup as much as I do! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights. So, go ahead and give it a try! I know you can do this, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below sharing your results or ask any questions you might have. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends; they’ll thank you for it! Happy cooking!
