Warm up with this hearty Lasagna Soup! This dish tastes just like traditional lasagna, but it’s much easier to make. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup combines ground beef or Italian sausage with three types of cheese for a comforting meal that satisfies every palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.
- Flavorful Comfort Food: Rich in flavors from marinara and spices, this soup brings all the classic lasagna taste in a warm bowl.
- Versatile Ingredients: Substitute ground beef with turkey or choose different cheeses based on your preference for a personalized touch.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well and makes for great next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Lasagna Soup, gather some essential tools that will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows you to cook your soup low and slow, enhancing flavors while keeping dinner hassle-free.
- Large skillet: Ideal for browning your meat before adding it to the slow cooker, ensuring rich flavor development.
- Cutting board & knife: Essential for efficiently preparing your vegetables and ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for ground turkey)
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (use ground turkey for a lightened-up option)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
Seasoning and Noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
Final Touches
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- ½ cup ricotta
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, fully cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add the cooked meat to the slow cooker insert. Then include:
diced onion
minced garlic
broth
marinara sauce
diced tomatoes
dried basil
dried parsley
onion powder
oregano
dried rosemary
red pepper flakes (if using)
Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker lid and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Step 4: Add Noodles
When there are 30 minutes left in cooking time, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover again and continue cooking until noodles are tender—about 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
At the end of cooking time, stir in balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Serve immediately topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley if desired. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a simple presentation or want to elevate the meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Classic Bowl Presentation
- Serve in a large bowl, allowing the rich layers of noodles, meat, and cheese to shine.
- Top with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Bread Pairing
- Accompany with garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Choose toasted baguette slices or soft dinner rolls for added texture.
Salad Side
- Pair with a light green salad to balance the richness of the soup.
- A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette works well.
Cheese Garnish
- Add more grated parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.
- Consider using different cheeses like fontina for unique flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper
- For those who enjoy spice, provide crushed red pepper flakes on the side.
- This allows guests to customize their heat level.
Fresh Herbs
- Offer a variety of fresh herbs like basil and oregano for garnish.
- These will enhance the flavor and freshness of each bowl.
How to Perfect Lasagna Soup
To achieve the best lasagna soup, consider these tips that will elevate your dish’s flavor and texture.
- Use quality broth: A rich chicken or vegetable broth adds depth to your soup.
- Don’t skip the cheese: Mixing ricotta into the soup gives it creaminess that mimics traditional lasagna.
- Adjust noodle cooking time: Monitor the noodles as they cook; you want them tender but not mushy.
- Add veggies: Consider including spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Season generously: Taste your soup before serving; adjusting salt and spices can make a big difference.
- Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup pairs beautifully with several sides that complement its hearty nature. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: A must-have! Toasted with butter and garlic, it’s perfect for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a nice contrast.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a refreshing accompaniment.
- Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy bites add an interesting texture to your meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy side without overpowering flavors.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates an Italian-inspired starter.
- Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned simply with olive oil and salt, it’s elegant and flavorful.
- Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, this appetizer brings freshness to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Lasagna Soup can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not browning the meat can lead to a bland soup. Always cook your ground beef or sausage first for extra flavor.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Forgetting to season your soup while cooking can make it taste flat. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and herbs at various stages.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or tomatoes directly into the slow cooker can lower cooking temperatures. Use room temperature ingredients for better results.
- Overcooking the Noodles: If you add lasagna noodles too early, they may become mushy. Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
- Not Adjusting Consistency: If your soup is too thick, you might need more broth. Always check consistency before serving and add extra liquid if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Lasagna Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Lasagna Soup.
How do I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
You can use plant-based ground meat substitutes and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
Can I prepare Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine everything in the slow cooker on the day you want to serve it.
What toppings work well with Lasagna Soup?
Popular toppings include grated mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Feel free to customize according to your taste!
Is Lasagna Soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another type of pasta that fits your dietary needs.
How long does it take to cook Lasagna Soup?
Cooking time varies between 6-8 hours on low and 3-4 hours on high in a slow cooker, making it an easy meal option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!
Lasagna Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup! This hearty dish captures the classic flavors of traditional lasagna but simplifies the preparation, making it a perfect choice for cozy dinners or gatherings. Combining ground beef or Italian sausage with three types of cheese, this savory soup delivers satisfaction with every spoonful. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. With slow cooker convenience, you can set it and forget it, letting the rich flavors meld together effortlessly. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat and drain excess grease.
- Transfer cooked meat to a slow cooker; add onion, garlic, broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Stir well and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in broken lasagna noodles until tender.
- Once cooked, mix in balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 330g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
