## Feast on Lasagna Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
Take a friendly trip down to Italy with your taste buds as you savor the delightful fusion of Italian flavors combined in this authentic, comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup garnished with crispy Parmesan and Bacon bites. This dreamy soup offers a fresh twist to the traditional Lasagna, a perfect match for cozy family dinners on cold nights.
## Why Make This Recipe
It takes the classic taste of Lasagna and turns it into a hearty soup, making it easier to enjoy. The Parmesan and Bacon bites add an extra infusion of flavors and textures which complement the creamy soup excellently. This recipe is simple and easy to follow, saving you a trip to Italy.
## How to Make Lasagna Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
In making a delightful Lasagna soup, timing and sequence are of great essence. A total of 55 minutes is all you need to have your soup ready; 15 minutes for preparation and 40 minutes for cooking.
### Ingredients:
Before making a start, get these ingredients ready;
For the soup-
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 diced onion
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon of optional red pepper flakes
• 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups of chicken or beef broth
• 2 cups of water
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish
For the Parmesan and Bacon Bites-
• 8 strips of cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
### Directions:
Now the actual cooking begins;
1. **Cook the Soup:**
– Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat.
– The next step is to add onion and stir until it becomes transparent, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes and let it cook for an additional 1 minute.
– Then add the crushed tomatoes, broth, water, and broken lasagna noodles. Garnish it with Salt and pepper after which you can bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the noodles become tender.
2. **Prepare the Parmesan and Bacon Bites:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Moving on, create small heaps of grated Parmesan cheese on a baking sheet. Top it up with crumbled bacon, then baked for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts to a golden color then let it cool before handling.
3. **Assemble and Serve:**
– Stir the ricotta cheese into the soup until well combined.
– Lastly, scoop the soup into bowls and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil.
– The soup is served with the Parmesan and Bacon Bites either dipped or as a topping.
## How to Serve Lasagna Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
This soup is best served warmly paired with a good crusty bread for dipping into the soup and a side salad for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This makes a delicious meal for dinner or a great appetizer.
## How to Store Lasagna Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
To store the soup, allow it to cool then transfer to an airtight container, refrigerate for 3-4 days. For a longer period, freeze the soup separately from the bacon bites for a duration of 2-3 months. The parmesan and bacon bites can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Tips to Make Lasagna Soup with Parmesan and Bacon Bites
• Desired thickness can be achieved by increasing the amount of lasagna pasta.
• For flavor, replace the water with additional broth or wine.
• If the soup appears too thick, add more broth to thin it out.
## Variation (if any)
This recipe allows for plenty of variations. You can choose to use ground turkey or chicken if you don’t consume beef. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and use a vegetable broth.
## FAQs
1. **Can other cheeses be used other than mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta?**
Yes. You can use a mixed blend of Italian cheeses, Monterey Jack or another favorite cheese.
2. **Can I replace the beef with chicken?**
Yes, you can use chicken if you’re not a fan of beef. You can adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
3. **My soup seemed to dry out, what did I do wrong?**
Lasagna soup tends to thicken upon standing, you can add more broth or a little water to loosen it back up. It’s also best to eat the soup immediately after cooking.
Savor your Lasagna Soup with savory Parmesan and Bacon Bites as you enjoy a blissful twist on a classic favorite!