Warm your heart and soul with a bowl of comforting Lasagna Soup! This hearty soup captures the essence of a classic lasagna, but with a delightful twist. Mini lasagna-like noodles, flavorful meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together in a bowl of deliciousness. Perfect for a cozy night in. 🍲🧀
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 6 oz mini lasagna noodles (such as mafalda)
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic bread (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preparing the Soup:
- Begin by cooking the mini lasagna noodles (mafalda) according to the package instructions. Typically, you’d boil them until they’re al dente. Drain and set them aside.
- In each serving bowl, add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. This will add creaminess and richness to your soup.
- When the soup is ready, ladle it over the ricotta cheese in the bowls.
- Next, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the soup. The heat from the soup will help melt the cheese, creating a delicious layer of cheesy goodness.
- Serve your lasagna soup with a side of warm and crusty garlic bread. The perfect accompaniment to soak up every drop of that savory broth.
Preparing the Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Be sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the browned meat. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Finely chop the fresh basil and parsley, then add them to the pot. These herbs will infuse your sauce with wonderful flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Now, with a steaming bowl of Lasagna Soup in front of you, it’s time to savor the flavors and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness. Perfect for those cold, rainy nights when you need a comforting meal. 😋🌧️
Here are some more tips and variations to make your Lasagne Soup even more delightful:
1. Homemade Sauce: While using jarred marinara sauce is convenient, making your own tomato sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices can elevate the flavor of your soup to a whole new level.
2. Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, you can make this soup without any meat. Simply use a vegetable-based broth or water instead of meat-based broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
3. Add Meat: On the other hand, if you’re a fan of meat, you can include cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or even diced chicken for a heartier and protein-packed soup.
4. Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh basil or parsley to the soup just before serving. The aroma and freshness of these herbs can be wonderful.
5. Adjust the Cheese: Customize the cheese to your liking. You can use different types of cheese, such as fontina, provolone, or Asiago, in addition to, or instead of, mozzarella.
6. Serve with a Salad: To balance the richness of the soup, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad can complement the soup beautifully.
7. Make It Creamy: If you like a creamier soup, swirl in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This will add a luxurious, creamy texture.
8. Control Pasta Amount: If you prefer less pasta, you can use even fewer mafalda noodles, or you can replace some of the pasta with additional veggies like zucchini or spinach for a lighter option.
9. Garlic Bread Variations: Get creative with your garlic bread. You can make traditional garlic bread, cheesy garlic bread, or even garlic knots as a tasty side.
10. Freeze in Portions: If you have leftovers, portion them into individual containers and freeze for quick and easy future meals. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Lasagne Soup is a versatile dish that you can adjust to your taste and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer it with meat, as a vegetarian option, or with a variety of cheeses, it’s a comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for those cold and rainy nights. Enjoy your delicious creation!
