Lasagna. That layered, cheesy, tomatoey comfort food that evokes feelings of warmth and family. But sometimes, you crave those flavors without the fuss of layering noodles and waiting for hours. Enter: Lasagna Soup! This recipe captures all the deliciousness of classic lasagna in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for a chilly evening or a weeknight dinner, this creamy lasagna soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
**Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup**
* **All the Flavor, Less the Work:** Get the comforting flavors of lasagna without the tedious layering. This soup is quick and easy to prepare.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences. Add more vegetables, use different types of sausage, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
* **One-Pot Wonder:** Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in one pot.
* **Freezable:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
* **Italian Sausage:** Adds savory flavor and richness to the soup. You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Remove the sausage from its casings.
* **Onion:** Aromatic base for the soup.
* **Garlic:** Adds pungent flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
* **Carrots:** Adds sweetness and texture.
* **Celery:** Adds depth of flavor to the soup.
* **Dried Italian Herbs:** A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that adds classic Italian flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Tomato Paste:** Adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
* **Canned Crushed Tomatoes:** Forms the base of the soup. Use good-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
* **Beef Broth (or Chicken Broth):** Adds liquid and flavor to the soup. Beef broth provides a richer flavor, but chicken broth works well too.
* **Lasagna Noodles:** Broken into smaller pieces. This creates the “lasagna” effect in the soup.
* **Ricotta Cheese:** Adds creamy richness and a classic lasagna flavor. Use whole milk ricotta for the best texture.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** For grating on top of the soup. Adds salty, savory flavor.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Optional, for melting on top of the soup. Adds cheesy goodness.
* **Fresh Basil (optional):** For garnish. Adds freshness and flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
**Equipment You’ll Need**
* Large Pot or Dutch Oven
* Cutting Board
* Knife
* Measuring Spoons and Cups
* Ladle
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**Step 1: Brown the Sausage**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing it from its casings, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
**Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes**
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This helps to deepen the flavor of the tomato paste. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
**Step 4: Add Broth and Noodles**
Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 1-2 inches) and add them to the pot. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
**Step 5: Simmer the Soup**
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
**Step 6: Add Ricotta Cheese**
Remove the pot from the heat. Gently stir in the ricotta cheese. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can make the ricotta break down and become grainy. You want to leave some small clumps of ricotta for a creamy texture.
**Step 7: Season and Serve**
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and fresh basil (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup**
* **Use Good-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Use good-quality Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and ricotta cheese.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Cook the noodles until they are just tender. Overcooked noodles will become mushy.
* **Don’t Over-Stir the Ricotta:** Gently stir in the ricotta cheese at the end. Over-stirring can cause it to break down and become grainy.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* **Customize the Soup:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use different types of sausage, such as turkey sausage or chorizo.
* **Add a Touch of Cream:** For an extra creamy soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier soup.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add vegetarian sausage crumbles.
* **Add Spinach:** Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
**Variations**
* **Spicy Lasagna Soup:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:** Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Creamy Tomato Lasagna Soup:** Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream before serving for extra richness.
* **Chicken Lasagna Soup:** Substitute Italian sausage with cooked, shredded chicken.
* **Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup:** Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as instructed. Transfer everything to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients (except ricotta cheese), and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the ricotta cheese before serving.
**Serving Suggestions**
* Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
* Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
* Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano for garnish.
* Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
**Make-Ahead Instructions**
You can prepare the lasagna soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating. Do not add the ricotta cheese until just before serving.
**Freezing Instructions**
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not add the ricotta cheese until after reheating.
**Detailed Recipe Card**
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
* 6 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
* 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional), for garnish
* Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) and bring to a simmer. Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and gently stir in the ricotta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese (if using), and fresh basil (if using). Serve immediately.
**Nutrition Information (Approximate)**
*Calories:* 450
*Protein:* 30g
*Fat:* 25g
*Carbohydrates:* 35g
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
**Conclusion**
This creamy lasagna soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of year. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us in your photos. Happy cooking!
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