Imagine a pot bubbling away on the stove, the rich aroma of Italian spices mingling with the sweet scent of roasted sweet potatoes.
The vibrant colors of red crushed tomatoes and fresh green spinach blend into a mosaic of comfort, promising warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Lasagna soup with sweet potato ricotta dumplings is my go-to dish when I need a taste of home.
It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence, or for a cozy Sunday supper with loved ones gathered around the table.
I remember a particularly chilly evening when this dish was my savior. With just a handful of pantry staples, it transformed a simple meal into a heartwarming feast that brought smiles all around.
Ready to make your own kitchen fill with this delightful aroma? Let’s cook up some lasagna soup magic together!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a rich, savory broth and hearty ingredients.
- Uses pantry staples like chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and spices.
- Offers a comforting meal with the unique twist of sweet potato ricotta dumplings.
- Cooks in under an hour, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Provides a nutritious dish with added spinach and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil — quality extra virgin recommended.
- 1 medium onion, chopped — a sweet variety enhances flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh cloves give the best aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — use a blend with basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes — adjust for desired heat level.
- 1 pound ground beef — choose lean for a healthier option.
- 4 cups chicken broth — low sodium preferred for better flavor control.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes — San Marzano tomatoes offer superior taste.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces — no-boil noodles work well.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese — whole milk ricotta provides creaminess.
- 1 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed — roasted sweet potatoes add depth.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated — freshly grated for the best taste.
- 1 egg — large, room temperature helps binding.
- 2 cups spinach, chopped — fresh spinach for vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste — freshly ground pepper preferred.
- Fresh basil, for garnish — adds fragrance and color.
Step-by-Step Method
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onion and garlic create the aromatic base for the soup, releasing their flavors to enhance the depth of the dish.
Season & Brown Beef
Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir continuously until the spices become fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef. Cook and break it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s browned. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
Verify the beef is cooked through, as it forms the hearty foundation of the soup.
Boil & Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
Simmer the soup for 20 minutes, allowing the noodles to cook and the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mashed sweet potato, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg.
Mix until well-blended. This mixture will form the dumplings, adding a creamy and slightly sweet contrast to the savory soup.
Confirm the mixture is smooth for the best consistency.
Form Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture into the simmering soup. Each spoonful will form a dumpling.
Allow the dumplings to cook in the soup for about 5 minutes. This step adds texture and richness to the dish, as the dumplings absorb the soup’s flavors.
Stir in Spinach
Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir to combine and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
The spinach will wilt and integrate into the soup, adding a vibrant color and a nutritious element. Verify it’s spread evenly throughout the soup.
Season & Rest
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Once seasoned, let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and develop further, enhancing the overall taste.
Garnish & Serve
Garnish the soup with fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a fragrant and fresh note to the dish.
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors and textures. Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or additional vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini.
- Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if necessary for dietary restrictions.
- Swap ricotta cheese with a dairy-free alternative or soft tofu for a lactose-free version.
- Sweet potato can be replaced with butternut squash or pumpkin puree if needed.
You Must Know
1. Sauté Onions and Garlic First: For a flavorful base, start by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil until they become translucent.
This step enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
2. Break Lasagna Noodles: When adding the lasagna noodles to the soup, break them into smaller pieces to guarantee they cook evenly and fit well in the serving bowls.
3. Combine Ricotta and Sweet Potato Thoroughly: Confirm the ricotta, mashed sweet potato, Parmesan cheese, and egg are well mixed to create smooth and fluffy dumplings.
4. Simmer for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer after adding the noodles.
This allows the flavors to concentrate and the soup to thicken naturally.
5. Garnish with Fresh Basil: Just before serving, Garnish with Fresh Basil.
This adds a burst of aroma and freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Serving Tips
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete Italian meal experience.
- Serve in deep bowls to keep soup hot longer.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan for added flavor and presentation.
- Accompany with a light, crisp salad for a balanced meal.
- Use fresh basil sprigs for a fragrant and appealing touch.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Lasagna Soup with Sweet Potato Ricotta Dumplings can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare the soup base and dumpling mixture separately.
Then combine before serving.
Reheating
Reheat lasagna soup gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, use the microwave at medium power.
Warm it in the oven at a low temperature.
Cultural Significance of Lasagna
As we savor the comforting warmth of reheated lasagna soup, it invites us to reflect on the broader cultural tapestry in which lasagna plays a starring role.
Lasagna isn’t just a dish; it’s a symbol of familial bonds and hearty gatherings.
Allow me to share three aspects that make lasagna special:
- Tradition: Lasagna has roots deep in Italian history, where each region boasts its unique spin, connecting generations through shared recipes.
- Celebration: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual Sunday lunch, lasagna graces tables as a centerpiece, inviting laughter and stories.
- Unity: Its layers symbolize the coming together of flavors and people, offering warmth in every bite.
In its essence, lasagna is a heartfelt celebration of life and togetherness.
Final Thoughts
Why not give this delicious Lasagna Soup with Sweet Potato Ricotta Dumplings a try and experience a unique twist on a classic Italian favorite?
Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste, perhaps by adding your favorite herbs or adjusting the spice level to make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
I’d totally go for using turkey instead of ground beef. It’ll add a leaner touch to the dish, making it just as delicious and flavorful. Plus, turkey’s lighter flavor allows the spices and dumplings to truly shine.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative for the Chicken Broth?
I’d swap chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. It offers a robust flavor without meat, keeping the dish hearty and comforting. Trust me, you’ll enjoy the depth it adds while staying true to vegetarian principles.
How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?
I love adding heat to my meals! To make the soup spicier, I’ll increase the red pepper flakes or toss in some chopped jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper could also kick things up.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
I’d swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a similar sweetness and texture. It blends perfectly, adding a warm, nutty flavor. Plus, it complements the ricotta beautifully, transforming the dish into a comforting, cozy delight.
Can This Soup Be Frozen for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for later. I recommend cooling it completely before transferring to airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove, savoring each flavorful spoonful as if it was freshly made.
Lasagna Soup with Sweet Potato Ricotta Dumplings
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 8 ounce lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sweet potato cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cup spinach chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat, simmering for 20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mashed sweet potato, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
- Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture into the simmering soup to form dumplings.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
