Picture this: a chilly evening, a warm blanket, and a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort. Forget the fuss of layering and baking, because tonight, we’re diving headfirst into a bowl of Cozy Lasagna Soup | Comfort in a Bowl. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, a shortcut to lasagna bliss, and I promise, it’s easier than you think! Get ready to ditch the fork and grab a spoon, because we’re about to create some magic.
Gathering Your Hero Ingredients
Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have all the essentials. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!
For the Hearty Soup Base:
- Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor building.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds richness and protein. I usually go for a mix of both!
- Yellow Onion: Diced, the aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: The vibrant tomato base.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and body.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for depth.
- Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth): The liquid gold that brings it all together.
- Italian Seasoning: The secret weapon for that classic lasagna taste.
- Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
For the Lasagna Elements:
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces. I like using the oven-ready kind, but any will work!
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, dreamy goodness.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta filling together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, adds salty, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for freshness and color.
Optional Toppings (Because why not?):
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for an aromatic garnish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for extra cheesy goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat.
Step-by-Step to Lasagna Soup Perfection
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Don’t be intimidated; it’s all very straightforward.
Sautéing the Aromatics and Meat:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage (or both!) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Building the Flavorful Broth:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or chicken broth), Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
Adding the “Lasagna”:
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- Continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Crafting the Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
- While the soup is simmering, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix well. This is essentially the lasagna filling, deconstructed!
Bringing It All Together:
- Once the noodles are cooked, gently drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture into the soup. Don’t stir too much, you want to keep the dollops intact.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the ricotta cheese is heated through.
Serving and Garnishing:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, shredded mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth!
Secret to a Stellar Soup: The Broth!
Honestly, the broth is the unsung hero of this dish. Don’t skimp on quality! Using a good quality beef or chicken broth will make all the difference. I sometimes even add a splash of red wine while the meat is browning for an extra layer of richness. Try it, you won’t regret it!
Noodle Know-How: Avoiding the Mushy Mess
The biggest fear with any soup containing noodles is the dreaded mushy noodle situation. Here’s how to prevent it: Make sure you don’t overcook the noodles! Start checking them around the 10-minute mark. They should be al dente, just like in a “real” lasagna. Also, if you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the soup just before serving. This will prevent them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.
Ricotta Rescue: Perfecting the Dollop
Those little ricotta dollops are what make this soup feel like lasagna, so let’s get them right. Make sure your ricotta isn’t too watery. If it seems a little loose, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer for about 30 minutes before using. Also, don’t stir the soup too vigorously after adding the ricotta, or it will just disappear into the broth. Gentle is key!
Spice it Up (or Down!): Customizing Your Soup
The beauty of soup is its versatility! This Cozy Lasagna Soup is no exception. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini would be delicious. Craving a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering, or use spicy Italian sausage. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Making it Ahead: Soup for Later
Lasagna Soup is fantastic for meal prepping! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating. And remember my tip about cooking the noodles separately if you’re making a large batch ahead of time!
Beyond the Bowl: Serving Suggestions
While this soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, you can elevate the experience with some simple sides. A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is always a winner. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. You could even serve it with some grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food feast!
Explore Other Delicious Lasagna Soup Variations!
Once you’ve mastered this basic recipe, the possibilities are endless! Have you tried LASAGNA SOUP? It’s another fantastic take on this classic dish. Or, if you’re looking for a hands-off option, you might enjoy CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP. For a protein boost, check out PROTEIN PACKED LASAGNA SOUP. Another amazing version is this LASAGNA SOUP, definitely worth exploring. Don’t forget about this LASAGNA SOUP that’s both dreamy and creamy, perfect for a cozy night in. And if you love the ease of a slow cooker, try this Crockpot Lasagna Soup – it’s a dump-and-go recipe for ultimate comfort!
Troubleshooting Your Soup: Common Issues and Solutions
Even the best cooks encounter hiccups! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Soup is too thick: Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a longer period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Soup is bland: Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors.
- Noodles are overcooked: Unfortunately, there’s no going back. Next time, be sure to check the noodles frequently during the last few minutes of cooking.
So there you have it! Your very own bowl of Cozy Lasagna Soup | Comfort in a Bowl, ready to warm you from the inside out. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun, so relax, experiment, and savor every delicious spoonful!
How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from becoming mushy in the soup?
To avoid mushy noodles, don’t overcook them. Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark, aiming for an al dente texture. If you plan on having leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from absorbing excess liquid.
What can I do if my ricotta cheese is too watery for the dollops?
If your ricotta cheese is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer for about 30 minutes before using it in the soup. Also, be gentle when adding the ricotta to the soup and avoid stirring vigorously to keep the dollops intact.
Can I prepare this lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes, lasagna soup is great for meal prepping! It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. However, be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating. Consider cooking the noodles separately if making a large batch ahead of time.
What are some variations or additions I can make to this recipe?
This soup is very versatile! You can add diced carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra veggies. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also explore different versions like Crockpot Lasagna Soup or Protein Packed Lasagna Soup, links to recipes can be found in the article!
Lasagna Soup: Dreamy Comfort
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium bowl
- Cheesecloth-lined strainer (optional)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage or a mix
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
- Red pepper flakes optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage (or both!) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or chicken broth), Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- Continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- While the soup is simmering, in a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix well.
- Once the noodles are cooked, gently drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture into the soup. Don’t stir too much, you want to keep the dollops intact.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the ricotta cheese is heated through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, shredded mozzarella cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy warmth!
