Creamy Lasagna Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of creamy lasagna soup, with wafts of rich tomato and garlic filling the air.

This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to make and offers a cozy, indulgent warmth that quickly makes it a favorite.

As the noodles soften and the cheeses melt into a velvety embrace, each ingredient transforms the soup into a comforting masterpiece.

Let’s bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 ladle
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Creamy Lasagna Soup, follow this timeline:

1. Reading Time (5 minutes): Begin by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and verify you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.

2. Prep Time (15 minutes):

• Minute 1-3: Gather all ingredients and equipment.
• Minute 4-7: Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Minute 8-10: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces.
• Minute 11-15: Chop fresh parsley and measure out the remaining ingredients.

3. Cook Time (30 minutes):

• Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil and brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
• Minute 6-8: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
• Minute 9-10: Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
• Minute 11-12: Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well.
• Minute 13-15: Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Minute 16-23: Add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to simmer until tender.
• Minute 24-26: Stir in the heavy cream and ricotta cheese until well incorporated.
• Minute 27-29: Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
• Minute 30: Remove from heat.

4. Resting Time (5 minutes): Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Serving (5 minutes): Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

Add oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.

Pour in chicken broth, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring well.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles.

Reduce heat and simmer until the noodles are tender.

Stir in the heavy cream and ricotta cheese until well incorporated.

Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.

Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Serving Tips

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the soup and offers a satisfying crunch.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh and crisp salad that balances the creaminess of the soup with its tangy dressing.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables adds color and additional nutrients to your meal.
• Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, enhances the Italian flavors and provides a sophisticated touch.
• Caprese Skewers: Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a light, invigorating accompaniment.

Storage

Store creamy lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stove. Add a bit of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Freezing

To freeze Creamy Lasagna Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Freeze up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat creamy lasagna soup, gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop.

Stir occasionally.

Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna.

It’s perfect for those who crave the flavors of lasagna but want the comfort of a warm, hearty soup.

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require much time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

The combination of cheeses and herbs creates a rich and flavorful broth that’s sure to satisfy.

For added depth, feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses or add a splash of red wine to the broth.

Remember to keep an eye on the noodles to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Enjoy this delicious soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef?

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Use the same amount, 1 pound, and guarantee it’s fully cooked by browning it in olive oil. Adjust seasoning as turkey is milder, enhancing flavor with extra herbs or spices.

How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with 1 pound of crumbled tofu or 1 cup of cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit Parmesan or use a vegetarian alternative. Adjust seasonings to maintain the flavor profile.

What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?

Substitute ricotta cheese with a 1:1 ratio of cottage cheese for a similar creaminess. To maintain consistency, blend cottage cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning after blending to guarantee the desired flavor profile is achieved.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Noodles?

For gluten-free noodles, substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Cook them al dente separately to prevent mushiness. Rinse under cold water, then add to the soup just before serving to maintain texture.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Soup?

You can enhance the soup by adding 1 cup of diced bell peppers or zucchini during step 3. Sauté them with onions and garlic for added flavor. Make certain vegetables are cut uniformly for even cooking.