Lasagna Soup

The Recipe and Variations

Classic Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna Soup offers the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the comforting ease of a hearty soup. Ideal for those seeking a simpler alternative to the layered pasta dish, this soup is a perfect blend of convenience and taste.

Ingredients List:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-step Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, water, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

For those interested in enhancing their pasta cooking techniques, consider exploring Serious Eats: Pasta Cooking Techniques for expert advice.

Variations of Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels. Here are a few popular variations:

Vegetarian Version:

• Replace the meat with a mixture of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a hearty, vegetable-packed version.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Version:

• Add extra red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Top with spicy cheese varieties like pepper jack.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options:

• Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or gluten-free pasta to cater to low-carb and gluten-free diets.
• Consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option.

For additional inspiration on seasonal soup recipes that complement the comforting warmth of Lasagna Soup, visit Epicurious: Seasonal Soup Recipes.

Each variation maintains the core essence of traditional lasagna while offering a unique twist that caters to different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic, spicy, or health-conscious, there’s a Lasagna Soup variation for everyone.

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

Health Aspects and Nutritional Info

A typical serving of Lasagna Soup contains approximately 450 to 600 calories, making it a hearty meal that can fit into a balanced diet. Nutritional highlights include:

• High protein from ground beef or Italian sausage.
• A good source of vitamins and minerals from tomatoes and other vegetables.
• Calcium and protein from cheese toppings.

It’s important to consider portion sizes and balance with other daily meals to maintain a healthy diet.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Lasagna Soup pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping.

For wine pairings, consider a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to complement the rich tomato and meat flavors. For a lighter option, a dry Rosé can provide a refreshing balance.

Advanced Cooking Tips and Tricks

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup

• Enhance flavors by sautéing onions and garlic until golden before adding to the soup. A splash of red wine can add depth to the tomato base.
• For optimal texture, cook the pasta separately and add to individual servings to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Fresh herbs like basil and oregano make great final additions for a burst of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking pasta by cooking it separately and adding it to the soup just before serving.
• Balance spices by starting with smaller amounts and adjusting according to taste. Too much salt or oregano can overpower the other flavors in the soup.

By keeping these tips and common pitfalls in mind, you can ensure your Lasagna Soup is both delicious and satisfying.

FAQs 

Can the pasta be cooked directly in the soup?

• Yes, pasta can be cooked directly in the soup, but it tends to absorb a lot of broth and can become mushy if overcooked. For best results, cook pasta separately and add it to individual servings.

Best types of cheese for the soup

• The best types of cheese for Lasagna Soup are:
  • Ricotta for creaminess.
  • Mozzarella for stretch and melt.
  • Parmesan for a savory flavor boost. Other great options include provolone or pecorino romano.

Storing and reheating tips

• Store leftover soup and pasta separately to maintain texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat the soup slowly over medium heat. Add pasta once the soup is warm, and heat until the pasta is just heated through.

For those looking for additional storing and reheating tips to maintain the quality of homemade soups, Food Network’s Comfort Food Favorites can be a valuable resource.

By addressing these common questions, you can enhance your Lasagna Soup experience, ensuring it is delicious every time and adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Remember, personalizing your soup with your favorite ingredients and following these tips can make your Lasagna Soup not just a meal, but an experience to remember.

Lasagna Soup

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• Author: karma
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Lasagna Soup is a deconstructed version of the beloved Italian dish, transformed into a comforting, hearty soup. It combines the classic flavors of lasagna – rich tomato sauce, ground meat, creamy cheeses, and herbs – in a warm, inviting bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the meat in a large pot; drain excess fat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic with the meat until translucent.
3. Add tomatoes, broth, water, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
4. Add broken lasagna pieces; cook until al dente.
5. Combine cheeses in a bowl.
6. Serve soup hot with a dollop of cheese mixture and basil.

Notes

• Substitute ground meat with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Pasta can be cooked separately to prevent it from absorbing too much broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: per serving
• Calories: 450-600
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g