This hearty Lasagna Soup is the perfect comfort food on a chilly evening. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish with rich flavors and a comforting warmth. Using Mafalda pasta, those charming little ruffled noodles, gives this soup a unique texture and visual appeal.
why make this recipe
- Simple and Satisfying: This soup is easy to prepare and provides a complete and comforting meal.
- Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of meat, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
- Perfect for Cold Weather: This soup is ideal for warming up on a chilly evening.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking by adding different vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
how to make Lasagna Soup
Ingredients :
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 ounces Mafalda pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Add Mafalda pasta to the pot.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
how to serve Lasagna Soup
Serve Lasagna Soup hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a crusty garlic bread.
This section of the recipe provides a simple and classic way to serve the soup.
You can also consider these options:
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl for a touch of tanginess.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a lighter and more balanced meal.
- Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh herbs, allowing diners to customize their own bowls.
how to store Lasagna Soup
Leftover Lasagna Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Gently reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Reheat in microwave-safe bowls in short bursts, stirring between each interval, to prevent uneven heating and splattering.
Tips for Storing:
- Cool completely: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
- Use an airtight container: An airtight container will help to prevent freezer burn and maintain the flavor and freshness of the soup.
- Label and date: Label the container with the date to ensure you use it within the recommended timeframe.
Freezing Lasagna Soup (Optional):
- You can also freeze leftover Lasagna Soup for longer storage.
- Note: It’s generally best to freeze the soup before adding the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed.
- To freeze:
- Cool the soup completely.
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion.
- Seal the containers or bags tightly and label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add cooked pasta to the soup during the last few minutes of reheating.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your delicious Lasagna Soup for several days or even weeks to come!
tips to make Lasagna Soup
- Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Stir in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
- Add a bay leaf to the soup while simmering and remove before serving.
- If you don’t have Mafalda pasta, use any other short pasta such as ditalini or penne.
- For a creamier soup, stir in a small amount of heavy cream before serving.
- Top with a sprinkle of dried oregano and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
variation
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Substitute ground beef with ground vegetables or lentils.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Hearty Lasagna Soup: Add chopped carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the soup.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Increase the amount of cheese or add a layer of mozzarella on top before serving.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- Meatball Lasagna Soup: Use cooked meatballs instead of ground beef.
- Sausage Lasagna Soup: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Spinach Lasagna Soup: Add a handful of spinach to the soup while simmering.
- Kale Lasagna Soup: Add a handful of chopped kale to the soup while simmering.
- White Bean Lasagna Soup: Add a can of cannellini beans to the soup for extra protein and fiber.
FAQs
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any short pasta such as ditalini, penne, or rotini.
- Can I add vegetables to the soup? Yes, you can add chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, you can freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Can I add more cheese? Yes, you can add more cheese to taste.
- Can I make this soup spicy? Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like, such as provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Can I add herbs and spices to the soup? Yes, you can add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or basil.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.
- Can I use a slow cooker to make this soup? Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker.
- Can I add a can of beans to the soup? Yes, you can add a can of cannellini beans or kidney beans to the soup.
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, you can use store-bought marinara sauce.
- Can I add a dollop of sour cream to each serving? Yes, you can add a dollop of sour cream to each serving.
- Can I garnish the soup with fresh parsley? Yes, you can garnish the soup with fresh parsley.
- Can I use a different type of pasta shape? Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you like.
- Can I add a pinch of sugar to the soup? Yes, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later.
- Can I freeze leftover soup for later? Yes, you can freeze leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months.