Hearty Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days. This comforting soup combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a rich, savory broth. Ideal for family gatherings, casual weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this soup stands out with its layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be adapted to suit your tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: With a blend of savory meats, aromatic spices, and creamy cheeses, every spoonful bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the meats or add more vegetables to customize the soup to your liking.
- Feeding a Crowd: Hearty Lasagna Soup makes about 10 servings, so it’s great for feeding family and friends.
- Comfort Food Classic: It brings the warmth of traditional lasagna without all the fuss of layering.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for even heat distribution and holds enough volume for large batches.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface while mixing ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Hearty rich lasagna soup is a cold-weather favorite.
Meat Ingredients
- 1 pound hot sausage (Italian sausage may be used as well)
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 small onions, chopped into ½ pieces (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- ½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes with garlic (fire-roasted tomatoes are great if you can find them)
Broth and Pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta or an alternate curly pasta
Cheese
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese (about 1 cup)
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup)
- 2 ounces freshly shredded Mozzarella (about ½ cup)
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meats
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic as they cook. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes while everything cooks.
Step 2: Build Your Soup Base
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well and increase heat to high. Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce to medium-high again. Now add the pasta and stir; let it simmer until noodles are soft (about 8-10 minutes). Taste the broth and adjust spices as needed.
Step 3: Prepare Cheese Mixture
Remove from heat when noodles are tender but still chewy. While the pasta cooks, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4: Serve Your Soup
Scoop the hearty lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture for extra creaminess!
Enjoy your Hearty Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Hearty Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize your serving style to elevate this dish. Here are some delightful ways to serve it:
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil and Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a sprinkle of green onions for a mild, oniony crunch.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a perfect combination that soaks up the soup.
- Breadsticks: Soft, cheesy breadsticks can complement the rich flavors of your soup.
Topped with Cheese
- Extra Mozzarella: Melt additional mozzarella on top for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan: A light dusting of Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of flavor.
Accompanied by Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Mixed Greens: Tossed mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can cleanse your palate.
How to Perfect Hearty Lasagna Soup
To make your Hearty Lasagna Soup even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Seasoning: Adjust the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste for a more personalized kick.
- Pasta Choice: Use mafalda pasta or any curly pasta that holds onto the broth well for optimal texture.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality meats and fresh vegetables for richer flavors in every bite.
- Simmer Time: Let the soup simmer longer for deeper flavors, but ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Hearty Lasagna Soup enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a crunchy contrast.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft and cheesy, these sticks are perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful side.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be a delightful finger food alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hearty Lasagna Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using the wrong pasta: Pasta shapes like mafalda work best for this soup. Avoid using quick-cooking or overly delicate pastas that may become mushy.
- Overcooking the noodles: Noodles should be al dente, as they continue to cook in the hot broth after you remove them from heat. Check them frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Skipping the seasoning: It’s essential to taste and adjust the seasonings as you go. Don’t forget that flavor builds through layers, so season well at each step.
- Neglecting cheese preparation: Mixing ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella ahead of time ensures a creamy texture. If added separately, they may clump or not melt evenly.
- Not letting it sit before serving: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together. Serving immediately can miss out on this depth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat while stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hearty Lasagna Soup.
How can I make Hearty Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
You can substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead?
Yes, feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time. Just reduce the amount of tomato paste accordingly.
How do I spice it up?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking for an extra kick in your Hearty Lasagna Soup.
What sides pair well with Hearty Lasagna Soup?
A simple green salad or garlic bread goes wonderfully with this comforting soup, enhancing its heartwarming appeal.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Lasagna Soup is not only warming but also versatile. You can customize it with different meats, pastas, and seasonings to suit your taste. Try this recipe during cold weather for a cozy family meal that everyone will love!
Hearty Lasagna Soup
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Hearty Lasagna Soup, a delightful twist on your favorite Italian classic. This rich and savory soup captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy broth, making it the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with seasoned meats, aromatic vegetables, and creamy cheeses, every spoonful offers a satisfying burst of flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this easy-to-make recipe can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 small onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella cheese until smooth.
- Serve soup topped with the cheese mixture for extra creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
