Introduction
Dive into the delectable world of hearty, comforting flavors with a bowl of Lasagna Soup! Incorporating all the elements of traditional lasagna but served up in a simple, satisfying soup, this dish promises not just a meal, but a warm, relaxing experience.
Why Make This Recipe
Why restrict the cheesy and meaty goodness of lasagna to a casserole when you can enjoy it in an easy-to-eat soup? Quick to prepare and packed with flavors, the Lasagna Soup makes a perfect mid-week dinner, weekend comfort food, or a warm treat on a chilly day.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Making Lasagna Soup doesn’t require you to be an expert chef. Just gather the ingredients and follow the simple directions outlined below.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 2 cups crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
1. Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your choice of ground meat and cook until it’s properly browned. Drain away any surplus fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until both are soft and fragrant.
3. Follow it up with a seasoning mix of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook these spices for another minute.
4. Now it’s time to add the liquids. Pour in broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Introduce the broken lasagna noodles to the simmered mixture and let them cook until tender, for about 12-15 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, prepare a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
7. When ready to serve, pour the soup into bowls and top it with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and some fresh basil leaves for garnish.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Serve this Lasagna Soup hot, topped with a spoonful of the mixed cheeses and garnished with some freshly plucked basil leaves. A side of garlic bread would nicely round off this delicious meal.
How to Store Lasagna Soup
You could store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove before serving.
Tips to Make Lasagna Soup
To get the most out of this delightful recipe, here are some tips:
– Use freshly grated cheese for the best results.
– Opt for low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
– For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth.
Variation
If you’re interested in a lighter version, use chicken or turkey instead of beef or sausage. Also, whole grain or gluten-free noodles can be used instead of regular pasta.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the Lasagna Soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze the soup in an airtight container. However, it’s best to leave out the cheese topping until ready to serve.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute lasagna noodles with any short pasta like farfalle or fusilli.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes, for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms.
Is your appetite whetted yet? Then go ahead and try making this Lasagna Soup. Nothing beats a delicious, warm soup that brings the essence of lasagna to your dinner table!