Introduction to Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite, making it a game changer for busy young professionals. Imagine satisfying your cravings for lasagna without the time-consuming layering process. This easy lasagna soup recipe offers all the comforting flavors you love—rich marinara, savory beef, and gooey cheese—all in one pot. With fast prep and a simple cooking method, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour!
Why is Lasagna Soup a Game Changer for Busy Young Professionals?
For those of us juggling work, social lives, and perhaps a little home cooking, Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution.
- Quick and Simple: Easily throw everything together in one pot and let it simmer. No elaborate assembly required, so it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients, like using ground turkey or different types of pasta. You can even add your favorite veggies for a healthier twist!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You’ll have delicious leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner.
So, if you’re looking for a recipe that fits your busy lifestyle while still delivering that homemade comfort, look no further than this easy lasagna soup!
Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Soup
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Lasagna Soup
Creating a delicious easy lasagna soup recipe starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage for a savory flavor
- 1 yellow onion, diced to add a hint of sweetness
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced for that essential aromatic kick
- 1 jar of Prego Traditional Italian Sauce to create a rich base
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth for a hearty soup consistency
- 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes to enhance the tomato flavor
- Dried herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano for an Italian touch
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces for that signature lasagna texture
Optional Ingredients to Elevate Your Dish
To take your easy lasagna soup to the next level, consider adding:
- ½ cup heavy cream for creaminess that blankets every bite
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheese to garnish and enrich the soup's flavor
Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite vegetables or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. Got any favorite ingredients? Let me know in the comments!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Easy Lasagna Soup
Creating your easy lasagna soup recipe is a breeze! By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty, delicious soup ready to enjoy in no time.
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s vital to have everything on hand. So, gather your ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 24 oz. jar of Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, dried oregano, salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
- Optional: ½ cup heavy cream
Don’t forget to set aside some shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and ricotta for garnish!
Brown the Beef and Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) along with the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes—sautéing for about 30 seconds to unleash those amazing flavors. If there's any excess fat, drain it off.
Add Your Sauces and Spices
Now it’s time to bring in the deliciousness! Pour in the jar of Prego sauce, 6 cups of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add balsamic vinegar, sugar, and your range of spices: basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf for that extra depth of flavor. Mix everything thoroughly, and bring it to a boil.
Incorporate the Noodles
Once it's boiling, gently stir in those broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat and let everything simmer. This is where the magic happens! Keep stirring occasionally until the noodles are tender—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Simmer to Perfection
Let your soup simmer, allowing all the flavors to meld together. If it looks too thick, you can add an additional 2-4 cups of chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Cream (Optional)
If you’re opting for that extra creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream right before serving. This step is optional but highly recommended for a luxurious mouthfeel.
Dish Up and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and dollops of ricotta. Your friends and family will love it, and they won't believe how easy it was to make!
And there you have it—a delightful easy lasagna soup recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or cozy gathering. Enjoy every rich spoonful and share the warmth!
Variations on Easy Lasagna Soup
Vegetarian Option: Substitute Meat with Lentils or Mushrooms
Looking to skip the meat? No problem! Swap the ground beef in the easy lasagna soup recipe for hearty lentils or sautéed mushrooms. Both of these options will not only keep your dish robust and flavorful but also boost its nutritional profile. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making your soup satisfying and wholesome. Mushrooms, on the other hand, add a rich umami flavor, creating a delightful meatiness that everyone can enjoy.
Low-Carb Version: Use Zucchini Noodles
For those following a low-carb lifestyle, consider replacing traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles! Simply spiralize or thinly slice zucchinis to create your “noodles,” and add them at the end of cooking to keep them tender-crisp. This clever twist allows you to indulge in the comforting flavors of lasagna without the carbs, making your easy lasagna soup lighter and just as delicious.
Feel free to experiment and enjoy these variations, because who said comfort food can’t be flexible?
Cooking Tips and Notes for Lasagna Soup
Importance of Layering Flavors
Creating a delicious easy lasagna soup recipe hinges on building flavor right from the start. Start by browning the ground beef with onions until fragrant, then add garlic to amplify the aroma. Don't forget the red pepper flakes for a subtle kick! Each layer of seasoning, like the balsamic vinegar and herbs, contributes to a rich, harmonious taste that makes this dish irresistible. Consider tasting as you go; this allows you to adjust flavors, ensuring your soup is as delicious as possible.
How to Thicken the Soup Without Heavy Cream
If you'd prefer to skip heavy cream but still want a cozy, thick texture, try whisking 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a bit of chicken broth before adding it to your soup. This clever trick will help you achieve the perfect consistency without overpowering the flavor. Another option is to let the soup simmer longer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce naturally. Don't forget to garnish with that decadent mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a luscious finish!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Lasagna Soup
Pairing with Side Salads and Garlic Bread
Elevate your easy lasagna soup recipe experience by serving it alongside a fresh side salad. A simple arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully. Don't forget to include some warm garlic bread for dipping! Store-bought or homemade, it’s a perfect way to soak up that delicious broth.
Creative Serving Ideas for Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Transform your soup into a hearty casserole. Simply layer it with extra cheese in a baking dish and pop it in the oven until bubbly. You can also use the soup as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or even mix it into baked pasta for a delicious twist! These ideas ensure you get every last drop of that delightful flavor.
Time Breakdown for Easy Lasagna Soup
Preparation Time
In just 10 minutes, you can have everything prepped and ready to go! This includes chopping onions, mincing garlic, and breaking lasagna noodles.
Cooking Time
Allow 40 minutes for cooking. This gives you plenty of time for the flavors to meld beautifully while the noodles cook to tender perfection.
Total Time
With an overall total of 50 minutes, this easy lasagna soup recipe fits perfectly into a busy weeknight, making dinner stress-free and delightful!
Nutritional Facts for Easy Lasagna Soup
Calories per Serving
Each serving of this easy lasagna soup recipe contains approximately 350 calories. It’s a filling option without tipping the scales too heavily, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Protein Content
Packed with nutrition, each bowl provides around 24 grams of protein, primarily from the lean ground beef. This makes it a gratifying choice for anyone looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Sodium Levels
With around 800 mg of sodium per serving, this recipe balances flavor and health. Opting for low-sodium broth helps manage sodium intake while keeping the taste robust. For more tips on reducing sodium in your meals, check out the American Heart Association.
FAQs about Easy Lasagna Soup
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! This easy lasagna soup recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How Do I Store Leftovers Properly?
To keep your lasagna soup tasting fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
There are several convenient substitutes if you're not in the mood for ground beef. You might try ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Each alternative will give your soup a delicious twist! Check out more options on Healthline.
Enjoy crafting your delightful easy lasagna soup, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!
Conclusion on Easy Lasagna Soup
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try for Homemade Lovers
If you're a fan of homemade comfort food, this easy lasagna soup recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. Combining all the rich flavors of your favorite Italian dish into a simple, one-pot meal, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of soup? Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch oven
- Soup pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 24 oz. jar Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth divided
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 10 pieces uncooked lasagna noodles broken into 1-2 inch pieces *
- ½ cup heavy cream optional**
Cheese Garnish
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ricotta cheese
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat large Dutch oven/large soup pot over medium high heat. Add beef and onion and cook, stirring occasionally until beef is browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for 30 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add Prego Sauce, 6 cups chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, spices, bay leaf and lasagna noodles. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until lasagna noodles are tender, stirring occasionally (approximately 20-30 minutes).
- Discard bay leaf and stir in heavy cream (optional) and 2-4 cups chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Garnish individual servings with desired amount of cheeses.
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