On cold, rainy nights, nothing warms both body and soul like a steaming bowl of Lasagne Soup. This comforting dish brings all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna into a satisfying soup. With tender noodles, savory beef, and a blend of creamy cheeses, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this wonderful dish, perfect for cozy evenings.
Why Lasagne Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Lasagne soup is the perfect answer for when you’re craving lasagna but want something a little quicker and easier to make. It takes the best parts of the classic lasagna—layers of meat, hearty tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta—and turns them into a deliciously rich soup that can be ready in less time than traditional baked lasagna. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to your taste with different types of meats, cheeses, and even vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Lasagne Soup
To create this mouth-watering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients, all of which can be easily found at your local grocery store. The measurements listed below will serve about 4-6 people.
- 1 lb ground beef – You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- 1 onion, diced – Adds a depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic gives the soup a wonderful aromatic base.
- 2 cups beef broth – This is the foundation of the soup, adding a rich, hearty taste.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Provides a slightly chunky texture to the soup.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Brings that smooth, luscious tomato flavor that lasagna is known for.
- 1 tsp dried basil – A classic Italian herb that enhances the soup’s savory profile.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Another essential herb in Italian cooking.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the richness.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Helps to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – For a bit of warmth and spice.
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – These noodles will soak up the flavors of the soup, giving the dish that lasagna-like texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and makes the soup creamy and comforting.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the soup a nutty, savory depth of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into the soup, making it gooey and delicious.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Lasagne Soup
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat, leaving just a little bit in the pot for added flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aroma. These ingredients provide a wonderful foundation for the soup, adding depth and complexity to the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquid Base
Now, it’s time to build the soup base. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. These ingredients will create a robust tomato broth that mimics the classic lasagna sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Season the soup with the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir the seasonings into the soup, making sure they’re well incorporated. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add them to the soup. Stir them into the broth, ensuring that they’re fully submerged. Let the noodles cook in the soup for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender and fully cooked. The noodles will soak up the flavors from the broth and become deliciously soft, just like in a traditional lasagna.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Once the noodles are cooked, it’s time to make the soup extra creamy and indulgent. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. The cream adds a luxurious texture to the soup, while the cheeses melt into the broth, creating that signature cheesy flavor that lasagna is known for.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Lasagne Soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella. Serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth. This soup is perfect for cozy nights in, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Tips for Customizing Your Lasagne Soup
1. Swap the Meat: While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily switch things up by using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Each option adds its own unique flavor to the dish.
2. Add Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition, consider adding some vegetables to your soup. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Simply toss them into the soup during the simmering phase, and they’ll cook down beautifully.
3. Spice It Up: If you like your food on the spicier side, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage for a more fiery version of the soup.
4. Make It Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. You could also use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat Parmesan to cut down on the calories without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Lasagne Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
Lasagne soup is not only great for weeknight dinners, but it also makes an excellent dish for meal prepping. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. When reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to return it to its original creamy consistency.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or even a holiday meal, lasagne soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.