Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish

Introduction

Lasagna Soup is a delightful and hearty dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, comforting soup. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave a comforting meal, this soup is easy to make and sure to please the whole family. In this article, we will explore how to make Lasagna Soup, its nutritional benefits, and some tips to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients

To make Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
4 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
1 ¾ teaspoons dried basil
¾ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
8 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps to make a delicious pot of Lasagna Soup:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and stir to combine. Add the cooked lasagna noodles and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses together.
Serve the soup hot, topped with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Customizing Your Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vegetarian Option

To make a vegetarian version of Lasagna Soup, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein such as lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another type of gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as the broth and tomato products, are also gluten-free.

Spicy Twist

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick.

Creamy Variation

For a creamier version of Lasagna Soup, stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process. This will give the soup a rich, velvety texture.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

Garlic Bread: Serve the soup with a side of garlic bread for dipping. The crispy, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the rich, tomato-based soup.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup and add a refreshing element to your meal.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of Lasagna Soup beautifully.

Storing and Reheating

Lasagna Soup is a great make-ahead meal. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing: Lasagna Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

This Lasagna Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 562
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious dish that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty soup. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try out the variations and serving suggestions to make it your own, and enjoy the comforting taste of Lasagna Soup.