Lasagna Soup w/ Ricotta Cheese
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the comforting layers of lasagna in a cozy bowl with this delightful Lasagna Soup featuring creamy ricotta cheese. This hearty dish combines rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melted mozzarella, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal. Top with fresh basil and a dollop of ricotta for an extra burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty
- Rich and flavorful
- Easily customizable
- Perfect for leftovers
A Cozy Twist on a Classic Dish
Lasagna Soup offers the wonderful flavors of a traditional lasagna but in a comforting soup format. This dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling. The layers of flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish that your entire family will enjoy. With the addition of creamy ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella, every spoonful feels indulgent.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to fit your dietary preferences or use up leftovers in your fridge. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version by adding more vegetables or swapping the meat for lentils, this recipe can be tailored to suit everyone's taste. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for those picky eaters!
Cooking Made Simple
Preparing Lasagna Soup is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time. The one-pot nature of this recipe means less cleanup, allowing you to spend more time with family and friends, instead of washing dishes.
Additionally, this soup can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment, ensuring that you always have a comforting option on hand. Just thaw and heat when you're ready for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Lasagna Soup experience, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a crisp garden salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful tomato broth, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy soup. You can also pair this meal with a glass of your favorite red wine, complementing the robust flavors of the dish.
For a finishing touch, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil to enhance the presentation and flavor. These small details can turn a hearty bowl of soup into a culinary delight that impresses guests or makes for a simple family dinner feel special.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken into pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
For the Ricotta Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Meat and Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Serve the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with shredded mozzarella, a dollop of the ricotta mixture, and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Lasagna Soup is excellent for leftovers, making it an economical choice for meal planning. To store your soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days, or you can freeze portions for longer storage. Just be sure to label containers so you know what’s inside when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
When it’s time to reheat, simply place the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave it in individual servings. If you find that the soup has thickened over time, just add a splash of broth or water to regain the desired consistency. This flexibility ensures that every bowl remains as delightful as the first.
Nutritional Benefits
Lasagna Soup is not only satisfying but also packed with nutritional benefits. With ingredients such as lean protein from ground beef or sausage, rich tomatoes providing vitamins A and C, and calcium from the cheeses, this dish offers a well-rounded meal. Pair it with fresh basil, which adds antioxidants, making it a heartier yet healthier option compared to traditional lasagna.
Moreover, you have full control over what goes into your soup, allowing you to create a balanced meal with high-quality ingredients. Substituting whole grain pasta can also add fiber, enhancing the healthfulness of your dish without sacrificing taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance, but it’s best to add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
→ Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup without the pasta. Just reheat and add cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Lasagna Soup w/ Ricotta Cheese
Experience the comforting layers of lasagna in a cozy bowl with this delightful Lasagna Soup featuring creamy ricotta cheese. This hearty dish combines rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melted mozzarella, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family meal. Top with fresh basil and a dollop of ricotta for an extra burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken into pieces)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
For the Ricotta Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with shredded mozzarella, a dollop of the ricotta mixture, and fresh basil. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g