Cozy Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, soothing bowl of soup. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, tomatoes, and creamy cheese, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for chilly days when you crave a cozy, homemade meal without all the layers of traditional lasagna. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Soup Base
- Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add Broth and Tomatoes
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Season: Add the salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Pasta
- Add Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the hot soup.
- Ground Meat: You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
- Broth Choice: Chicken broth gives a lighter flavor, but you can use beef broth for a richer taste.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a chopped jalapeño for a spicier kick.
- Cheesy Topping: Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each bowl before serving for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Cook the soup base and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it and add the broken lasagna noodles and cream.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup base (without the noodles and cream) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and then add the noodles and cream.
What Type of Pasta Can I Use?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use any short pasta, such as penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Blanch, peel, and crush about 6-8 medium tomatoes to use in place of the crushed tomatoes.
Cozy Lasagna Soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings all the comforting flavors of lasagna into an easy, one-pot meal. With its rich broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheese, it’s perfect for any night you need a little extra comfort. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or sharing it with friends, this lasagna soup is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, cook, and enjoy this bowl of cozy goodness!
Happy Cooking!