Craving a warm meal that’s easy to whip up? You’re in the right place! This Easy Lasagna Soup is both flavorful and hearty, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. I’ll walk you through simple ingredients and easy steps to create a dish that tastes just like lasagna, but with half the effort. Let’s dig in and transform your dinner game today!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Soup
To make this tasty soup, you need a few key ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 9-12 lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
These ingredients mix to create a warm and hearty dish. The ground meat adds protein and flavor, while the crushed tomatoes give a rich base.
Common Substitutions
If you want to make changes, here are some easy swaps:
– Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage.
– Swap onion for shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
– You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop and cook them down.
– Try vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
– Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a lower-fat option.
These substitutions keep the soup delicious while fitting your taste and needs.
Optional Garnishes
Garnishing can make your soup even better. Here are some ideas:
– Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for more cheese.
– Add grated Parmesan for a salty kick.
– Use fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
– A drizzle of olive oil can add richness.
These garnishes add flavor and make your dish look appealing. You can mix and match to find your perfect bowl. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps for Easy Lasagna Soup
To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, spices, and lasagna noodles. Don’t forget the ricotta and mozzarella cheese!
1. First, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Next, add the ground meat. Cook it until it is brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. If there’s extra fat, drain it off to keep the soup lighter.
4. Now, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. The onion should become soft.
5. After that, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute to bring out its flavor.
Cooking Process Overview
After your onions and garlic are ready, add the crushed tomatoes and broth to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
1. Turn up the heat until the soup starts to boil.
2. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer.
3. Add your broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.
4. While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan in a bowl. Blend them well.
Serving Suggestions
When the noodles are done, take the pot off the heat. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture into the soup. Stir gently so you keep some creamy pockets intact.
Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top each serving with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. For a fresh touch, add some basil leaves on top. Enjoy your hearty lasagna soup! You can find the full recipe to guide you through this easy process.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Lasagna Soup
To make the best lasagna soup, focus on the flavors. Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. This small addition can really elevate the dish. When cooking the meat, let it brown well. This adds depth and richness. Stir the soup often to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked meat. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also use jarred marinara sauce. Just add it in place of crushed tomatoes for faster prep. Use no-boil lasagna noodles. They cook quickly and save time. Prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Store it in the fridge for easy use later.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover soup in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts and stir in between. If freezing, leave out the cheese. Add it when reheating for best taste. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Variations
Vegetarian Easy Lasagna Soup
You can make this soup vegetarian by swapping the meat for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for rich flavors. Start by sautéing the veggies in olive oil until soft. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and broth as in the original recipe. This gives you a hearty soup without meat.
Gluten-Free Options
To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can find these in most grocery stores. Cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without the gluten.
Spicy Lasagna Soup Variation
If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This will give your soup a nice kick and keep things exciting.
These variations allow you to customize Easy Lasagna Soup to fit your tastes and dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Soup
To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Once it is cool, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Place the container in the fridge. The soup will stay good for about three to four days.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer.
Shelf Life of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup can last in the fridge for up to four days. If frozen, enjoy it within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out. This soup is best when fresh, but knowing how to store it helps you enjoy it longer.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. It saves time and adds flavor. Just choose a brand you like. Pour it into the pot after you cook the meat. Mix it well with the other ingredients. This will keep the soup tasty and easy.
How to make this soup dairy-free?
To make this soup dairy-free, skip the ricotta and cheeses. Use a dairy-free cheese if you want. You can also add more veggies for creaminess. Blending cooked cauliflower can add texture. Try coconut milk for a rich taste. This way, you still enjoy a hearty soup.
What to serve with Easy Lasagna Soup?
I love serving this soup with garlic bread. It soaks up the broth well. A fresh side salad also pairs nicely. You could add a simple green salad with lemon dressing. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls. This makes for a cozy meal. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above.
Easy lasagna soup is simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, tips for success, and different variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers well so you can enjoy them later. You can make this soup even easier with some time-saving tricks. Whether you like it spicy or vegetarian, you can customize it. Now it’s your turn to try making this comforting meal! Enjoy every spoonful.
![To make this tasty soup, you need a few key ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 9-12 lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients mix to create a warm and hearty dish. The ground meat adds protein and flavor, while the crushed tomatoes give a rich base. If you want to make changes, here are some easy swaps: - Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage. - Swap onion for shallots or leeks for a milder flavor. - You can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop and cook them down. - Try vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. - Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a lower-fat option. These substitutions keep the soup delicious while fitting your taste and needs. Garnishing can make your soup even better. Here are some ideas: - Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top for more cheese. - Add grated Parmesan for a salty kick. - Use fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. - A drizzle of olive oil can add richness. These garnishes add flavor and make your dish look appealing. You can mix and match to find your perfect bowl. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips! To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, broth, spices, and lasagna noodles. Don't forget the ricotta and mozzarella cheese! 1. First, heat some olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Next, add the ground meat. Cook it until it is brown, about 5-7 minutes. 3. If there's extra fat, drain it off to keep the soup lighter. 4. Now, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. The onion should become soft. 5. After that, add the minced garlic. Cook for one more minute to bring out its flavor. After your onions and garlic are ready, add the crushed tomatoes and broth to the pot. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your taste. 1. Turn up the heat until the soup starts to boil. 2. Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. 3. Add your broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Let them cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. 4. While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan in a bowl. Blend them well. When the noodles are done, take the pot off the heat. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture into the soup. Stir gently so you keep some creamy pockets intact. Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top each serving with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan. For a fresh touch, add some basil leaves on top. Enjoy your hearty lasagna soup! You can find the full recipe to guide you through this easy process. To make the best lasagna soup, focus on the flavors. Use fresh herbs for a brighter taste. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. This small addition can really elevate the dish. When cooking the meat, let it brown well. This adds depth and richness. Stir the soup often to prevent the noodles from sticking. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked meat. Ground turkey or chicken works well. You can also use jarred marinara sauce. Just add it in place of crushed tomatoes for faster prep. Use no-boil lasagna noodles. They cook quickly and save time. Prepare the cheese mixture in advance. Store it in the fridge for easy use later. Store leftover soup in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts and stir in between. If freezing, leave out the cheese. Add it when reheating for best taste. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can make this soup vegetarian by swapping the meat for veggies. Use mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for rich flavors. Start by sautéing the veggies in olive oil until soft. Then, add the crushed tomatoes and broth as in the original recipe. This gives you a hearty soup without meat. To make this soup gluten-free, choose gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can find these in most grocery stores. Cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without the gluten. If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This will give your soup a nice kick and keep things exciting. These variations allow you to customize Easy Lasagna Soup to fit your tastes and dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Once it is cool, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. Place the container in the fridge. The soup will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to save soup for later, freezing is a great option. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as soup expands when frozen. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. The soup can last up to three months in the freezer. Lasagna soup can last in the fridge for up to four days. If frozen, enjoy it within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. When in doubt, throw it out. This soup is best when fresh, but knowing how to store it helps you enjoy it longer. Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. It saves time and adds flavor. Just choose a brand you like. Pour it into the pot after you cook the meat. Mix it well with the other ingredients. This will keep the soup tasty and easy. To make this soup dairy-free, skip the ricotta and cheeses. Use a dairy-free cheese if you want. You can also add more veggies for creaminess. Blending cooked cauliflower can add texture. Try coconut milk for a rich taste. This way, you still enjoy a hearty soup. I love serving this soup with garlic bread. It soaks up the broth well. A fresh side salad also pairs nicely. You could add a simple green salad with lemon dressing. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls. This makes for a cozy meal. For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. Easy lasagna soup is simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, tips for success, and different variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers well so you can enjoy them later. You can make this soup even easier with some time-saving tricks. Whether you like it spicy or vegetarian, you can customize it. Now it's your turn to try making this comforting meal! Enjoy every spoonful.](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/02fc48f9-7fda-4340-ae60-842840c037ba-250x250.webp)