Stovetop Lasagna Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of stovetop lasagna soup: rich, hearty, and brimming with the comforting aromas of garlic and herbs.

There’s something about this dish that captures the essence of Italian comfort food, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

As the ground beef browns and the noodles soften, the flavors meld into a delicious symphony.

This simple transformation promises a cozy, indulgent meal. Let’s bring this delightful dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 set measuring cups
• 1 set measuring spoons
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 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 Stovetop Lasagna Soup, you can create a timeline based on the provided prep and cook times, along with an additional reading time:

1. Reading and Setup (5 minutes)
   • Take a moment to read through the entire recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes)
   • Chop the onion and mince the garlic on the cutting board.
   • Measure out the olive oil, chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
   • Break the lasagna noodles into pieces.
   • Grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-grated, and chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (30 minutes)
   • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Begin sautéing chopped onion until translucent.
   • Minute 5-6: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   • Minute 6-12: Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
   • Minute 12-15: Stir in chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Minute 15-20: Reduce heat to a simmer.
   • Minute 20-30: Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Resting and Serving (5 minutes)
   • Minute 30-35: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, top with ricotta cheese, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley.
5. Optional Adjustments
   • Consider adding a splash of red wine when sautéing onions and garlic for extra flavor.
   • For a creamier soup, add a little heavy cream or milk just before serving.
   • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if you prefer a spicier or more herbaceous dish.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.

Stir in chicken broth, water, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the pot.

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

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese.

Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Caesar Salad: Offers a rejuvenating and crisp contrast to the rich and hearty soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complements the soup with a smoky flavor and additional nutrients.
• Red Wine: Enhances the depth of flavors in the soup and adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
• Caprese Salad: A light and fresh option with tomatoes and mozzarella to complement the Italian theme.

Storage

To store stovetop lasagna soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to three days.

Or freeze for up to three months.

Freezing

To freeze stovetop lasagna soup, cool the soup completely.

Then, transfer it to airtight containers.

Leave some space at the top for expansion.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

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

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave, covered.

Stir halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Stovetop Lasagna Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a hearty soup form.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, taking just under an hour from start to finish.

This recipe isn’t only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.

With its rich broth and tender noodles, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Enjoy the savory blend of cheeses and beef with each spoonful.

Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, Stovetop Lasagna Soup is a satisfying choice for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Ground Beef With Another Protein?

You can definitely swap ground beef with another protein like ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. Each option brings a unique flavor, so choose based on your preference. Just make certain the protein’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Soup?

You can create a vegetarian version by replacing ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful without compromising on the richness.

What Are Some Wine Pairing Suggestions?

You’d pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. Their acidity and fruitiness complement the rich tomato base, enhancing flavors. Alternatively, try a Barbera for a slightly lighter, yet equally delicious option.

How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

To make the soup gluten-free, replace lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Verify your chicken broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to avoid any hidden gluten, confirming a delicious, safe meal.

Can I Use Homemade Chicken Broth Instead of Store-Bought?

Absolutely, you can use homemade chicken broth. It’ll add a richer, more authentic flavor to your dish. Just make certain it’s well-seasoned to enhance the soup’s taste. Homemade options often elevate the final result beautifully.