Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine.
Assemble the Soup:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions:
For an extra touch, serve this lasagna soup with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to deepen as it sits. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth to loosen the soup, as the noodles tend to absorb liquid as it sits.
Freezing:
This soup freezes beautifully. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Variants of Lasagna Soup:
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with diced vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also add beans for added protein.
Spicy Lasagna Soup:
If you like some heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the soup. A dash of hot sauce can also add some extra spice.
Creamy Lasagna Soup:
For a creamy twist, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will add richness and make the soup even more comforting.
Chicken Lasagna Soup:
Swap the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken for a lighter version of this soup. It’s perfect if you want to use leftover rotisserie chicken or chicken breast.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup:
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute them with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free variation of this soup. Be sure to check the broth and other ingredients for gluten content.
FAQ:
1. Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes! Lasagna soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better after sitting for a while as the flavors continue to meld together.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, brown the ground meat and sauté the onion and garlic first. Then, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the broken noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking, and top with the cheese mixture just before serving.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to use different cheeses based on your preference. Mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can try adding provolone, gouda, or even a bit of fontina for extra flavor.
4. What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, you can substitute them with any other type of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just break them into smaller pieces to mimic the lasagna noodle shape.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground meat with a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or eggplant, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian lasagna soup. You can also add some cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.
Lasagna Soup brings the comfort and flavors of classic lasagna into a convenient, easy-to-make soup form. With its rich tomato base, tender noodles, and creamy cheese topping, it’s the perfect dish for cozy evenings or anytime you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit any dietary preference, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation.
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