Clara here! As a busy mom, I know how much we crave those comforting, home-cooked meals but struggle to find the time. That’s why I’m SO excited to share my recipe for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe! This is all the deliciousness of lasagna, but ready in under an hour. Think bubbly cheese, rich tomato flavor, and hearty noodles, all in a warm, comforting bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe
I know what you’re thinking: lasagna is a labor of love, right? Not this version! I’ve streamlined the process to bring you all the flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll adore this recipe:
- Ready in Under an Hour: All the lasagna flavor without the hours of work.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
- Smoked Beef Bacon: Takes this recipe to the next level of flavor!
- Kid-Friendly meals: A fun way to get your kids to eat their veggies.
Ingredients for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my amazing lasagna soup. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground smoked beef bacon
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)
- 1 yellow onion (, chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (, minced)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce ((or 24 ounce marinara sauce))
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (, chopped (or 2 tsp dried))
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoons dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth ((or vegetable broth))
- 9 lasagna noodles (, broken into pieces)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves ((optional),)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese ((or cottage cheese))
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil (, for serving)
How to Make The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of comforting lasagna soup bubbling away in no time.
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and smoked beef bacon until browned. Season with salt and pepper as you cook. Drain grease and remove meat from the pot.
- In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, spices, and broth. Return meat to pot.
- Bring to boil then add lasagna noodles (broken into 4ths) to potand reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodlesare tender. Add spinach, if using.
- In a small bowl, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta cheeses
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and dollop a scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil
The Secret is in the Ingredients
I always say, the better the ingredients, the better the meal! In this soup, a few key players really shine. For the marinara, the variety of crushed tomatoes makes a difference. I prefer San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and low acidity. And my secret weapon? Smoked beef bacon! It adds a depth of smoky flavor that takes this soup to the next level.
Choosing the Right Lasagna Noodles
When it comes to lasagna noodles, you have a few options. I recommend using traditional lasagna noodles for this soup. Oven-ready noodles can sometimes get mushy in soup. And be sure to break them into pieces before adding them to the pot; this makes them easier to eat and helps them cook evenly.
The Best Cheese for the Best Lasagna Soup
Cheese is the soul of lasagna, and the same goes for lasagna soup! I love using a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Ricotta adds a creamy richness, while mozzarella provides that classic cheesy pull. Parmesan gives it a salty, nutty finish. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese works as a substitute. Feel free to experiment with other Italian cheese blends, too!
Essential Equipment: The Best Pot for Lasagna Soup
The right pot can make all the difference when preparing delicious soups. I recommend using either a Dutch oven or a stockpot for this recipe. Dutch ovens retain heat beautifully and are great for browning meat. Stockpots are taller and provide more room for simmering large batches of soup. Both work well, so choose whichever you have on hand!
Variations for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
One of the best things about soup is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few variations to try:
| Variation | Ingredients/Instructions |
|---|---|
| Spicy Lasagna Soup | Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the soup while cooking. |
| Vegetarian | Omit the beef and bacon. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. |
| Vegan | Omit the beef and bacon. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use vegan cheese. |
Serving Suggestions for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna soup is a meal on its own, but it’s also delicious with a few simple sides. I love serving it with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, or a simple side salad. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a pop of color and flavor!
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Instructions
This soup is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan. If your noodles are sticking together, try stirring the soup more frequently while they cook. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to allow the liquid to reduce.
Nutritional Information for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Per Serving (estimated):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about lasagna soup, so I’ve compiled a few of the most common ones here:
- What goes well with lasagna soup? Crusty bread, a side salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- How do you thicken lasagna soup? Simmer the soup uncovered for a bit longer to allow the liquid to reduce.
- Can you freeze lasagna soup? Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- What is lasagna soup made of? It’s made with ground beef, smoked beef bacon, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, broth, and cheese, just like lasagna, but in soup form!
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Quick & Easy: The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and smoked beef bacon until browned. Season with salt and pepper as you cook. Drain grease and remove meat from the pot.
- In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, spices, and broth. Return meat to pot.
- Bring to boil then add lasagna noodles (broken into 4ths) to potand reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodlesare tender. Add spinach, if using.
- In a small bowl, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta cheeses
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and dollop a scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil
Notes
Conclusion
So there you have it, my friend! The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe, ready in under an hour. This recipe is a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. I know you can do this, even if you’re juggling a million things. I can’t wait to see your creations! Leave a comment below, ask a question, share your own variations, or post photos of your results. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!
