Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This dish brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, warming soup that is easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something hearty, this lasagna soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup combines the rich flavors of lasagna with the warmth of a hearty soup, making it ideal for cold weather.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a delicious meal in just under an hour.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite meats or pasta types; this recipe easily adapts to your tastes.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe serves ten, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
- Leftover Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Hearty Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking large batches evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your pot while giving you precision control during cooking.
Ingredients
Hearty rich lasagna soup is a cold-weather favorite.
Meat
- 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
Tomatoes and Broth
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- (2) 14.5 ounces cans diced tomatoes, with garlic (fire-roasted tomatoes are great if you can find them)
- 8 cups chicken broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 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 while cooking 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 everything together and increase heat to high.
– When the soup begins to simmer, reduce heat back to medium-high.
– Add the pasta and stir until 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 pasta cooks:
– Stir together ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella in a small bowl.
Step 4: Serve
Scoop the soup into bowls.
Top with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture for added creaminess.
Enjoy this Hearty Lasagna Soup on chilly nights with friends or family!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Serving Hearty Lasagna Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it both comforting and delightful. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette or Italian bread complements the soup perfectly. Dip it into the rich broth for a satisfying bite.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Adding fresh basil or parsley on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color to your bowl.
Top with Extra Cheese
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or extra Mozzarella can make each serving even more indulgent and cheesy.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette balances out the hearty flavors of the soup.
Use Fun Bowls
- Serving in colorful or thematic bowls can make your meal more visually appealing and exciting for family and guests.
Make it a Family Style Meal
- Set up a large pot in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. This creates a communal and cozy dining atmosphere.
How to Perfect Hearty Lasagna Soup
To achieve the best Hearty Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips that ensure maximum flavor and texture.
Use Quality Meat: Opt for high-quality sausage and beef for richer flavor. Fresh ingredients lead to a more satisfying dish.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Start small and add more to taste.
Cook Pasta Separately: For optimal pasta texture, cook mafalda separately and add it to bowls just before serving. This prevents sogginess.
Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Gouda or Fontina for unique twists on traditional flavor profiles.
Store Leftovers Wisely: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently for maximum enjoyment later on.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Lasagna Soup
Complementing your Hearty Lasagna Soup with the right side dishes can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some fantastic options:
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of delicious soup.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, and savory croutons that pair well with soup.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a fresh contrast to the warm soup.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an easy-to-eat side.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch and complement the Italian flavors of your soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers bring additional nutrients and color to your table.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates a fun appetizer spread before digging into the soup.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy spinach artichoke dip served with tortilla chips is great for sharing while waiting for your hearty bowl of soup!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Hearty Lasagna Soup can be simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your meat and tomatoes affects the flavor greatly. Opt for fresh or high-quality canned options.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Neglecting to taste as you go: Skipping this step may lead to bland soup. Always adjust seasonings based on your preference throughout the cooking process.
- Forgetting about cheese combinations: Using only one type of cheese can limit flavor. Combining ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella adds richness and depth.
- Not letting the soup sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together, enhancing the overall taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
Reheating Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe pot for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each session until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Hearty Lasagna Soup that might help you out!
Can I make Hearty Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors meld together overnight.
What can I substitute for mafalda pasta?
Any curly pasta like fusilli or rotini works well as a substitute for mafalda in this recipe.
How can I customize my Hearty Lasagna Soup?
You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini or switch up the meats according to your preferences.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free as needed.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Lasagna Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for cozy nights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl that brings comfort to any table!
Hearty Lasagna Soup
Indulge in the warmth of Hearty Lasagna Soup, the ultimate comfort food perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and savory soup captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna while offering a cozy twist that’s simple to prepare. With a medley of Italian spices, hearty meats, and creamy cheeses, every spoonful is a delightful experience. Ideal for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also warms your soul. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 small onions
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta
- Cheeses: ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add mafalda pasta and cook until tender (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Meanwhile, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella in a separate bowl.
- Serve the soup topped with the cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
