Introduction
Transforming leftover lasagna noodles and those yummy leftover ingredients into a comforting bowl of deliciousness? That’s what this recipe is all about! This Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. It’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes even better than the real thing! Get ready to warm up your tummies and your hearts with this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it cleverly combines the best parts of lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, the savory meat, the creamy cheese, and the tender pasta – into a hearty, easy-to-eat soup. No more layering and baking! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover lasagna noodles or ingredients!
Key Ingredients
- 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🍅 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 🍝 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🍄 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 胡椒 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 🧀 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🍜 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Simmer the sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Add the noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
4️⃣ Stir in the cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
5️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese if desired!
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, or a mix of both!
- If your noodles are too long, break them into thirds or quarters – you want smaller bite-sized pieces.
- Don’t overcook the noodles! They should be tender but not mushy.
Heat Control
Maintaining a low simmer after the initial browning of the beef and during the sauce simmering is crucial. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or burning. High heat at any point may scorch the bottom of the pot.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is creamy and comforting, you can add a crunch factor by topping it with some crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-chopped onions and garlic.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add 1 cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and heartwarming gift! Package it in a pretty thermal container or a large mason jar for a thoughtful present. Include a cute recipe card for extra points!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Spinach Lasagna Soup: Stir in a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
🌟 Meatball Lasagna Soup: Add 1 cup of pre-made meatballs to the pot during step 2.
🌟 Vegetable Lasagna Soup: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1 cup of zucchini along with the mushrooms.
Troubleshooting
- Soup is too thick: Add a little water or broth to thin it out.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Noodles are mushy: Don’t overcook the noodles. Reduce cooking time if necessary.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, you can experiment with other short pasta shapes, such as ditalini or small shells.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, allow the soup to cool completely before freezing it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Cozy Lasagna Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s a comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com! Happy cooking!
Easy Weeknight Lasagna Soup the Whole Family Will Love
A hearty and comforting lasagna soup that combines all the classic flavors of lasagna in a quick and easy soup form that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese until well combined.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Tips
- For a spicier soup, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.