#Lasagne Soup Tonight!
**Introduction**
Sometimes, the chill of a rainy evening calls for something warm and comforting. Why not turn traditional lasagne, a true homey favorite, into a soup? Lasagne soup is an easy, hearty dish that gives you all the rich flavors of lasagne in a single bowl of goodness. With mafalda pasta, essentially mini-lasagne, this soup is a perfect twist on the beloved classic.
**Why Make this Recipe**
This lasagne soup is perfect for those days when you crave the layered, cheesy delight of lasagne, but don’t have the time or the energy to layer pasta, cheese, and sauce in a baking dish. You basically dump everything into a pot and let it simmer until all the flavors meld together. Also, it’s easier to portion and serve than a traditional lasagne—simply ladle it into a bowl! It’s an ideal family dinner for a cold night.
**How to Make Lasagne Soup**
**Ingredients**
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
– 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup mafalda pasta
– 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Directions**
1. Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add in the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onion softens.
3. Then stir in the Italian seasoning and chili flakes, if using. Let them cook for about 1 minute.
4. Add the broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes to your pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Add the mafalda pasta and let it cook for 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente.
6. Once the pasta has cooked, stir in the spinach or kale, letting it wilt in the hot soup. Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper.
7. Mix ricotta cheese with a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
8. When serving, ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
**How to Serve Lasagne Soup**
This tasty lasagne soup is best served warm with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Feel free to serve it alongside a crusty Italian bread to sop up all the delicious flavors in the soup. If you want an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil on top, too!
**How to Store Lasagne Soup**
You can store any leftover lasagne soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the pasta and cheese, and add them when reheating the soup.
**Tips to Make Lasagne Soup**
1. Use fresh garlic and Italian seasoning for the best flavor profile.
2. Chop your vegetables to a consistent size to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook a little in the hot soup.
4. Use good quality canned tomatoes for a rich and flavorful soup.
5. While the ricotta topping is optional, it adds a lovely creaminess to the soup.
**Variation**
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat substitute or simply add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
**FAQs**
1. **Can I use another type of pasta in lasagne soup?**
Yes! Although mafalda pasta is used here to resemble lasagne noodles, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
2. **Can I make this soup in advance?**
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just remember to add the pasta when you’re reheating the soup so it doesn’t get mushy.
3. **Can I freeze lasagne soup?**
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta and cheese. When you’re ready to eat it, reheat the soup, then add cooked pasta and cheese.