Quick and Delicious Lasagna Soup Recipe: Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This Quick and Delicious Lasagna Soup recipe combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Italian lasagna into a delightful soup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and savory meal that can be prepared in just 40 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian
• Cost: $

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Experience the delicious taste of lasagna without the fuss in this easy-to-make soup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting meal that the whole family will love. The soup is packed with flavor from the combination of savory ground meat, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy goodness that melts into a delicious broth. This dish is ideal for those who love Italian food and want a quick dinner option.

Context/Background

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish enjoyed by many, but making it from scratch can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This soup offers a simplified version, capturing the essence of lasagna’s signature flavors, but in a fraction of the time. By using broken lasagna noodles, this soup mimics the layered texture of the beloved casserole, making it a perfect compromise for busy cooks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Do not skip draining the excess fat from the cooked meat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
• Make sure to season the soup well with salt and pepper to enhance its flavors.

Tips for Perfect Quick and Delicious Lasagna Soup

• Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for an aromatic boost.
• Customize the level of cheesiness by adjusting the amount of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• For a creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish.
• Use gluten-free noodles if needed for dietary restrictions.
• Swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lasagna soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal. A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors perfectly.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare the meat and sauce components in advance and store them separately. Combine with noodles and cheeses when ready to serve for a quick meal.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g

Dietary Notes

• This recipe can be adjusted to be gluten-free by using appropriate noodles.

The Recipe

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the broth, marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until noodles are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt into the soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Recipe Notes

• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Try adding spinach or kale for added nutrients.

Community Tips and Photos

Share your experience with this Quick and Delicious Lasagna Soup recipe! Tag us using #LasagnaSoupJoy on social media.

Questions and Answers

• Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, use vegetable broth and substitute ground meat with mushrooms or plant-based meat.
• What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese or a cheese blend works well.
• How can I make it more creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or more ricotta before serving.