Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This rich and flavorful soup combines the traditional tastes of lasagna with the warm, cozy feel of a bowl of soup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this dish is versatile enough for family dinners or casual gatherings. The standout feature of this recipe is how it brings together hearty ingredients into a single pot, making cleanup easy and satisfying every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: Hearty Lasagna Soup warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for cold nights.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious meal quickly.
- Flavorful Layers: The mix of sausage, ground beef, and rich cheeses creates a depth of flavor that elevates classic lasagna.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves 10, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite pasta or add more vegetables to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Hearty Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment ensures that cooking goes smoothly and efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Sharp knife: A good knife ensures quick and safe chopping of onions and garlic.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your soup.
Ingredients
Hearty rich lasagna soup is a cold-weather favorite.
Protein
- 1 pound hot sausage (Italian sausage may be used as well)
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 2 small onions, chopped into ½ pieces, about 2 cups worth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Tomato Base
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes, with garlic (fire-roasted tomatoes are great if you can find them)
Broth and Seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta or an alternate curly pasta
Cheeses
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese, about 1 cup
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, about ½ cup
- 2 ounces freshly shredded Mozzarella, about ½ cup
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic to cook along with the meat. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings and red pepper flakes as everything cooks.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well and increase heat to high. When the soup begins to simmer, reduce to medium-high once again and add the pasta. Stir frequently until noodles are soft, about 8-10 minutes. Taste the broth and adjust spices as needed.
Step 3: Prepare Cheese Mixture
Remove from heat when noodles are tender but still chewy. While the pasta cooks, stir together the ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella in a small bowl.
Step 4: Serve the Soup
Scoop the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Enjoy your hearty lasagna soup!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Serving Hearty Lasagna Soup can elevate your mealtime experience. This comforting dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or French Baguette: Serve slices of crusty bread to soak up the rich broth.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These add a nice crunch and a hint of garlic that complements the flavors of the soup.
A Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor, enhancing the Italian essence.
- Chopped Parsley: This garnish brings freshness and brightness to each bowl.
Pair with Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the richness of the soup.
- Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette: Lighten up your meal with a refreshing salad that contrasts nicely with the hearty soup.
Cheese Toppings
- Extra Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for an added depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella Pearls: These provide a fun texture and melt beautifully in hot soup.
As a Main Dish
- Garnished Bowls: Serve each bowl garnished with cheese and herbs for a beautiful presentation.
- In Large Pots: For gatherings, keep the soup warm in a large pot on the table, allowing guests to serve themselves.
How to Perfect Hearty Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Hearty Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality sausage for richer flavor in your broth.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They add a smoky sweetness that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Cook Pasta Separately (if desired): For chewier noodles, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak seasonings based on personal preference; spice levels can vary greatly.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Lasagna Soup
Pairing side dishes with Hearty Lasagna Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this comforting dish.
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a vibrant contrast to the warm soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites add an earthy component that complements Italian flavors well.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables makes for an appealing appetizer spread.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add sweetness and crunch alongside your hearty soup.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta with cheese offers a comforting side that pairs beautifully with lasagna flavors.
- Bruschetta: Crisp bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic provides a refreshing bite before diving into soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hearty Lasagna Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that might affect the final dish. Here are a few to avoid:
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage and beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook until browned for depth.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting the broth as you go is crucial. If you skip this step, your soup may end up bland. Always adjust salt and spices based on your preference.
- Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early or cooking it too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the noodles and add them at the right time for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. This enhances flavor significantly, making your soup more enjoyable.
- Not letting it sit: Allowing the soup to rest after cooking lets flavors meld together. Don’t rush to serve it immediately; let it sit for a few minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in a covered dish, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hearty Lasagna Soup:
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While mafalda pasta works well, you can substitute with any curly pasta of your choice.
How do I customize my Hearty Lasagna Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
Is Hearty Lasagna Soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute meat with mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Lasagna Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust spices based on personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Hearty Lasagna Soup
Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This rich and flavorful soup combines the classic tastes of lasagna with a warm, cozy broth. With savory sausage, ground beef, and a medley of cheeses, each spoonful delivers a delightful taste experience. It’s an easy one-pot meal that serves 10, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep throughout the week. Enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired dish with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 small onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta
- Cheeses: ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, brown the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until softened. Mix in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella in a bowl.
- Serve soup in bowls topped with cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
