Lasagna Soup
Warm your heart and soul with a bowl of comforting Lasagna Soup! This hearty soup captures the essence of a classic lasagna, but with a delightful twist. Mini lasagna-like noodles, flavorful meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses come together in a bowl of deliciousness. Perfect for a cozy night in. 🍲🧀
Ingredients: For the Soup:
- 6 oz mini lasagna noodles (such as mafalda)
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Garlic bread (for serving)
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preparing the Soup:
- Begin by cooking the mini lasagna noodles (mafalda) according to the package instructions. Typically, you’d boil them until they’re al dente. Drain and set them aside.
- In each serving bowl, add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. This will add creaminess and richness to your soup.
- When the soup is ready, ladle it over the ricotta cheese in the bowls.
- Next, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the soup. The heat from the soup will help melt the cheese, creating a delicious layer of cheesy goodness.
- Serve your lasagna soup with a side of warm and crusty garlic bread. The perfect accompaniment to soak up every drop of that savory broth.
Preparing the Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Be sure to crumble the meat as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the browned meat. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Finely chop the fresh basil and parsley, then add them to the pot. These herbs will infuse your sauce with wonderful flavor.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
Certainly! Here are some popular questions and their answers related to the Lasagna Soup recipe:
- What makes Lasagna Soup different from traditional lasagna? Lasagna Soup captures the essence of classic lasagna but in a convenient soup form. Instead of layering ingredients, it combines mini lasagna-like noodles, meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses in a bowl of comforting soup.
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of mini lasagna noodles? You can use regular lasagna noodles if you prefer. Just break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
- What type of cheese works best for this soup? This recipe traditionally uses ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. However, you can experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor.
- Is garlic bread necessary for serving? Garlic bread is a delightful side for dipping into the soup, but it’s not essential. You can enjoy the soup on its own or pair it with a different bread or side of your choice.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using a meatless substitute or more veggies in the sauce.
- How long does it take to make the sauce? The sauce typically takes about 15-20 minutes to simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious base for your soup.
- What can I use in place of fresh basil and parsley? You can use dried basil and parsley if fresh herbs are not available. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
- Can I prepare this soup in advance? Yes, you can make the sauce and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, heat the sauce, cook the noodles, and assemble your Lasagna Soup.
- Can I freeze Lasagna Soup for later? While you can freeze the soup, keep in mind that pasta may become softer upon reheating. If you don’t mind that, freezing is an option.
- What should I do with leftover Lasagna Soup? Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat them for another meal. The flavors often meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.
This Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic, offering all the familiar flavors in a cozy and convenient form. Enjoy every spoonful! 😋🍲🧀
Now, with a steaming bowl of Lasagna Soup in front of you, it’s time to savor the flavors and enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness. Perfect for those cold, rainy nights when you need a comforting meal. 😋🌧️