Lasagna Soup Cozy Bowl Dinner

This Lasagna Soup takes all the savory cheesy magic of classic lasagna and makes it weeknight friendly in soup form One pot is all you need for tender noodles a flavor packed tomato broth and a swirl of melty cheese on top It is my go to comfort food for chilly nights when I want something hearty with hardly any effort My family loves piling their bowls high and digging in

I first whipped up this soup on a night when the usual lasagna felt too involved Now it is a staple on rotation especially when the weather turns cold My kids even ask for seconds

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: Builds a rich flavorful base Choose mild or spicy sausage based on your tastes Fresh from the butcher is best but a quality packaged brand works well
• Ground beef: Gives depth and savoriness I like using eighty percent lean because it adds flavor and keeps everything juicy Check for fresh pink meat with no gray spots
• Yellow onion: Sweated out to add sweetness and mellow undertones Choose onions that feel heavy for their size and do not have bruising
• Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper: This mix brings lasagna character without needing tons of separate jars Go for fresh ground pepper and aromatic dried herbs for maximum flavor
• Pasta sauce: Use a quality jarred sauce so you get that slow simmered flavor without extra hours Look for sauce with no added sugar and whole tomatoes high on the ingredient list
• Chicken broth: Balances out the rich meats while keeping the soup light Go for a low sodium option so you control the saltiness Homemade stock always wins if you have it
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and thickness Scoop from a tub with minimal watery separation for the freshest taste
• Lasagna sheets: Classic texture and bite Break them into pieces before adding to the pot Any pasta shape will do in a pinch but the broad noodles really shout lasagna
• Mozzarella cheese: Shred your own if possible for extra meltiness Bagged shreds work but fresh mozzarella melted in at the end is divine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meats:

In a large pot over medium high heat add Italian sausage ground beef and diced onion Stir and break everything apart with a spoon as you cook until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft Drain any extra fat from the pot then sprinkle in Italian seasoning onion powder garlic powder and black pepper Give it a good stir so the spices cling to the meat

Simmer the Soup Base:

Pour in your pasta sauce and chicken broth Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot as you mix everything together Turn up the heat just until you have a gentle boil Then break lasagna noodles into short strips and add to the soup Stir them often to keep from sticking Cook until the noodles are tender which usually takes about ten minutes

Add the Creamy Finish:

Now it is time to stir in the ricotta Spoon it right into the bubbling soup and keep stirring until it is totally melted and the broth is rich and creamy

Top and Serve:

Ladle the soup into big cozy bowls Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella right away so it melts from the heat Scoop on extra ricotta if you love it and dive in

Bookmark

I always look forward to the mozzarella finish on this soup Once my little ones started helping sprinkle cheese they turned it into a nightly ritual It might just be the highlight of our dinner table

Storage Tips

Lasagna soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days The key is to keep any extra noodles separate from the soup so they do not become too soft Combine just before reheating and warm gently on the stove with a splash of extra broth if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter spin swap in ground turkey or chicken sausage Bowtie or rotini pasta also work instead of traditional lasagna sheets If you do not have ricotta cottage cheese is a great alternative or you can stir in a bit of cream cheese at the end for richness

Bookmark

Serving Suggestions

I love passing a basket of garlic bread or focaccia at the table alongside a green salad with Italian vinaigrette Crusty bread soaks up the soup perfectly Extra chopped fresh basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and flavor

Cultural and Historical Context

Lasagna soup is an American comfort food twist on the iconic Italian baked pasta It keeps the flavor profile of hearty meat ragu creamy cheese and wide noodles but trades layers for a quick simmer This shortcut brings old world comfort into the modern kitchen making it a favorite in homes across the country

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I make this soup even more nutritious?

Add chopped vegetables like green bell pepper, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, or fresh spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

→ Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, try ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter take. They blend well with the other flavors and keep the soup hearty.

→ How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy if meal prepping?

Store cooked noodles and soup separately, then combine and reheat just before serving to maintain the ideal texture.

→ What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Substitute cottage cheese for a similar creamy result, or add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness and smoothness.

→ Is there a way to make this soup spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to increase heat and flavor depth.

→ Which pasta shapes can be used if I don’t have lasagna sheets?

Bowtie, rotini, or broken spaghetti work well and soak up the savory broth just as nicely.