Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe is everything you love about traditional lasagna, but transformed into a cozy, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. This dish brings the rich flavors of Italian herbs, savory beef, melted cheeses, and hearty noodles together in one delicious bowl, making it a fantastic comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your favorite recipe. Whether you’re a lasagna fan or a soup lover, this Cheesy Lasagna Soup will quickly become a go-to meal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, familiar ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures when combined. Each component plays a crucial role — from the savory meat to the creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, not to mention the vibrant herbs that lift the dish.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides rich, meaty flavor and hearty protein.
- 1 medium onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic: Brings pungent aroma and enhances the savory base.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the vibrant, tangy foundation of the soup.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base that melds everything together.
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they provide that classic lasagna texture in a soup-friendly form.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses authentic Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of spicy warmth.
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy richness and a smooth finish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness atop the soup.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty touch that rounds out the cheese trio.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional fresh herbs to brighten and garnish your bowl.
How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook the meat until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. This step builds a savory base with plenty of flavorful drippings. Drain the excess fat if needed to keep the soup light but still rich.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness. This process layers in flavor and aroma that will elevate the entire soup.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This tomato-broth combo is where your soup’s hearty flavor begins to take shape.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Seasonings
Now it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine the flavors. These seasonings bring an authentic Italian touch that mimics the essence of lasagna in every spoonful.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the noodles to cook through and absorb the rich tomato broth. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is where the soup thickens and deepens in flavor.
Step 6: Incorporate Ricotta Cheese
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the entire can of ricotta cheese. This addition makes the soup luxuriously creamy, giving it that cheesecake-like smoothness that sets it apart from any regular tomato soup.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella and Parmesan
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. These cheeses melt into the soup, creating a beautifully gooey, cheesy texture that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish Your Soup
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and light, fresh flavor that complements the richness perfectly.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Serve your Cheesy Lasagna Soup hot and dive into each spoonful of cheesy, comforting bliss. It’s hard to resist going for seconds when you have a bowl this amazing in front of you!
How to Serve Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh basil or chopped parsley add a pop of green that brightens each bowl of soup. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper on top to enhance the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Complement this hearty soup with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or warm, buttery breadsticks to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs nicely, balancing out the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve this soup in mini bread bowls for individual portions that wow your guests. You might also layer the soup components in clear mugs, showing off the vibrant noodles, cheeses, and herbs for an inviting, rustic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it just as delicious, if not better, as leftovers.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but be mindful that noodles may become softer when thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without noodles and add fresh broken lasagna noodles when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to help the cheeses melt evenly again. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and will still provide plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used to add creaminess, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the meat and use vegetable broth along with extra vegetables or plant-based sausage for a satisfying vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Sure! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients except cheeses in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add cheeses toward the end to melt in.
How thick should the soup be?
Cheesy Lasagna Soup is meant to be hearty and somewhat thick like a chowder, but still spoonable without being overly dense. Adjust the broth to your preferred consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning a beloved classic like lasagna into a comforting, cheesy soup that warms you from the inside out. Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe is perfect for times when you want all the cozy flavors without the fuss, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation forever. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every comforting bite!
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Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna, blending all the classic flavors into a warm, creamy, and easy-to-make soup perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasy soup.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to develop the soup base.
- Add Noodles and Seasonings: Add the broken lasagna noodles along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until fully blended, creating a creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and the soup is rich and cheesy.
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the Cheesy Lasagna Soup hot for a delicious, comforting meal that combines the best elements of lasagna in a cozy soup format.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and omit the meat, or substitute with plant-based sausage.
- If you want a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity slightly or simmer a bit longer before adding cheeses.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent cheese separation.
