The aroma of bubbling cheese and savory spices fills the air as you prepare to dive into a bowl of lasagna soup. Imagine each spoonful bringing warmth and joy while the gooey mozzarella stretches like a cheesy hug around your taste buds.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
- How do I thicken my Lasagna Soup?
- What kind of noodles should I use?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal that tastes like a warm embrace. Just like my grandma used to say, “Nothing says love like cheese!” And trust me; this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting lasagna soup comes together effortlessly and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
- Each spoonful is packed with rich flavors and textures that will make you feel cozy inside.
- Not only does it look appealing with its vibrant colors, but it also adapts easily to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or served at gatherings!
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my family devoured every last drop and asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Onion: Use yellow or white onions for their great balance of sweetness and sharpness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavors; opt for whole cloves over powdered.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Look for quality canned tomatoes; they add depth and richness to the broth.
- Vegetable Broth: Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
- Pasta Shells: Small pasta shells work well; they capture all the delicious broth and cheese!
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully; grab some blocks instead of pre-shredded for better texture.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds aromatic notes that brighten up the entire dish—don’t skip it!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs brings out classic Italian flavors—feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors—season generously but taste as you go!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute—and let those heavenly smells waft through your kitchen.
Brown the Meat: Toss in ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Keep stirring until it’s no longer pink—this should take about 5-7 minutes. The beef should be sizzling beautifully by now!
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine everything, making sure those meaty juices mingle with the tomatoes—a match made in culinary heaven!
Throw in Pasta Shells: Bring your tasty mixture to a boil before adding pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes—and don’t forget to stir occasionally; nobody likes sticky pasta!
Melt the Cheese: Lower heat once pasta is cooked al dente. Stir in chunks of fresh mozzarella until melted throughout—it’ll create that stringy goodness we all crave!
Garnish and Serve: Ladle your delicious lasagna soup into bowls, sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves on top, then season with salt and pepper if needed! Enjoy immediately while hot—there’s nothing quite like it!
Now sit down with your bowl of comfort food and savor every bite as you reminisce about those cozy family dinners.
The key to a flavorful Lasagna Soup is layering flavors; sauté your veggies first for depth. I learned this the hard way when my soup tasted flat, and trust me, no one wants sad soup.
Use fresh herbs for a vibrant taste; dried herbs lack that zing. I once tried to shortcut with dried basil, and my taste buds filed a complaint!
Don’t skip the cheese; it’s the magical glue that holds this dish together. Remember the first time you had gooey cheese pull? That’s what we’re aiming for here!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground meat and sautéing vegetables. Then add broth and noodles, allowing everything to simmer together for a rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different proteins like chicken or turkey. You could even toss in some spinach for an extra nutrient kick!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste as you go; adjusting seasoning can elevate your soup from good to fantastic.
- Using quality broth makes a noticeable difference, so choose wisely!
- For added creaminess, stir in some cream or ricotta just before serving.
I remember the first time I made Lasagna Soup for friends; they couldn’t stop raving about it! Their laughter filled my kitchen while they slurped up every last drop.
FAQ
Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace meat with more veggies and use vegetable broth.
How do I thicken my Lasagna Soup?
You can add a cornstarch slurry or some grated cheese to achieve the desired thickness.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Use any pasta shape you like, but lasagna noodles break apart beautifully in soup!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, combining savory flavors in a cozy, comforting broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups small pasta shells
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, mixing well.
- Bring to a boil, then add pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and stir in cubed mozzarella until melted throughout.
- Serve hot, garnished with torn basil leaves and seasoned with salt and pepper as desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with your choice of vegetables or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- To thicken your soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry or extra cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
