If you love the comforting layers of a classic Italian lasagna but want a quicker, cozier meal, then this Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe is right up your alley. Imagine all the rich flavors of lasagna—seasoned ground meat, robust tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses—melded into a hearty soup that warms you from the inside out. It’s like your favorite Italian classic got a snuggly sweater and a cozy chair. This soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in creating those rich, comforting layers of flavor and texture. From the savory ground meat to the smooth ricotta, every component has been thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect bowl of Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty protein with a rich, savory base flavor.
- 1 medium onion: Brings sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and a bit of zing.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the flavorful, tangy tomato base.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup.
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces to mimic classic lasagna pasta layers.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with authentic Italian herb flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy richness that makes this soup truly comforting.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty, finishing touch to boost flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but fresh herbs brighten and add color for a gorgeous presentation.
How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until beautifully browned and full of savory flavor. Drain any excess fat so your soup stays rich but not greasy. This step builds the hearty foundation that makes this soup so satisfying.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its tantalizing aroma—about 3 to 4 minutes. This combination brings sweetness and a fragrant depth that perfectly elevates the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This stewing phase begins to infuse all those wonderful ingredients, marrying the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the star starch—broken pieces of lasagna noodles. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together well, ensuring the noodles don’t clump and the seasonings distribute evenly for that classic Italian flavor profile.
Step 5: Simmer
Let your soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the noodles are perfectly tender but not mushy. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom—this time allows all the flavors to fully develop and the noodles to soak up the delicious broth.
Step 6: Incorporate Ricotta
Stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts into creamy swirls throughout the soup. This luxurious addition is what makes this Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe stand out, adding that rich, luscious texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Step 7: Add Mozzarella and Parmesan
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Watch as they melt into the soup, creating gooey pockets of cheesy goodness that make every spoonful pure joy.
Step 8: Garnish
Ladle your hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Not only do they add a beautiful pop of color, but their fresh, herby notes brighten up the rich, cheesy flavors for a perfectly balanced bite.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Grab a spoon, curl up with your bowl of Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe, and savor every warm, cheesy mouthful. This soup is guaranteed to become a fast favorite, especially when you need that extra hug on a chilly day.
How to Serve Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh basil or parsley are traditional and fresh garnishes, you can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if you want a subtle spicy kick. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving adds a lovely silky finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm garlic bread, crusty Italian rolls, or even a simple mixed green salad to keep the meal bright and fresh. The bread is perfect for dipping, so don’t skip it when you want a full, cozy Italian-style dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out tomatoes for an extra festive touch. You can also ladle it over a small pasta nest to combine textures or top each bowl with a few melted cheese croutons for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate for the freshest flavor and add them just before serving again.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, the pasta may become a bit softer upon reheating. To minimize this, slightly undercook the noodles during the initial cooking. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy grab-and-go meals later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warmth. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much after refrigerating or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use a vegetarian sausage or omit meat?
Absolutely! You can swap out meat for vegetarian sausage or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it hearty and delicious while keeping it meat-free.
What if I don’t have broken lasagna noodles?
No worries, regular pasta like penne or broken spaghetti works just as well. The goal is a pasta shape that cooks quickly and mimics the layered feel of lasagna.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute gluten-free pasta for the lasagna noodles and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free. The soup’s deliciousness won’t miss a beat.
Is this soup very spicy?
Nope! This recipe is mild and comforting, but if you like a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or hot sauce when serving.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic a day ahead, then assemble the soup right before cooking. This cuts down on prep time when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about a bowl of Cheesy Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, cozy hug wrapped in cheese, tomato, and pasta. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not only an easy weeknight dinner but also a new favorite to share with family and friends. Once you taste this luscious, cheesy, and utterly satisfying soup, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of turning lasagna into a soup sooner!
Print
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 offers a comforting and hearty twist on the classic Italian lasagna by transforming it into a warm, creamy soup filled with ground meat, rich tomato broth, tender lasagna noodles, and generous amounts of cheese. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy, satisfying meal.
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 (optional, for garnish)
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 avoid greasiness.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend flavors.
- Add Noodles and Seasonings: Add broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until the soup becomes well combined and creamy, enhancing the texture and richness.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy this comforting and cheesy lasagna soup at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for more flavor or go half and half.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and skip the meat or replace with plant-based meat alternatives.
- Using broken lasagna noodles helps achieve the right bite and texture typical of lasagna in a soup form.
- If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add more broth or water when reheating.
- Fresh herbs as garnish are optional but add brightness and color to the presentation.
