Classic Lasagna Soup: A Comforting Twist on an Italian Favorite

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Craving the rich, savory flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time or patience for all that layering? Enter the Classic Lasagna Soup – a delicious, deconstructed version of the beloved Italian dish that brings all the comfort with half the effort. This innovative recipe transforms the traditional lasagna into a hearty, warming soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a satisfying meal.

Why Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna Soup offers several advantages over its casserole counterpart:

1. Quicker Preparation: No need for tedious layering or long baking times.
2. Easier to Serve: Simply ladle into bowls – no messy cutting or serving.
3. Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to suit individual tastes or dietary needs.
4. Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors continue to develop, making it even better the next day.

The Recipe: Classic Lasagna Soup

This recipe serves 4 and comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without too much fuss.

Total Time: 35 minutes Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (425 g) ground beef
• 1/4 cup (60 g) tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups (960 mL) chicken stock
• 8 oz (225 g) lasagna noodles, roughly broken
• 8 oz (225 g) ricotta cheese, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until aromatic, about 1 minute.
4. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute, ensuring it’s well combined with the meat.
6. Add the salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, crushed tomatoes, and chicken stock. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil.
7. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following the package instructions for timing.
8. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from heat.
9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup!

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup

1. Choose Your Noodles Wisely: While the recipe calls for broken lasagna noodles, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like bow-tie or rotini for easier eating.
2. Make It Cheesier: For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding some grated Parmesan or mozzarella along with the ricotta.
3. Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
5. Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh basil or parsley added at the end can brighten up the flavors.
6. Meal Prep: This soup reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the soup and ricotta separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Benefits

This Lasagna Soup isn’t just delicious; it also offers several nutritional benefits:

• Protein-Rich: The ground beef and ricotta provide ample protein for muscle health and satiety.
• Lycopene: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits.
• Complex Carbohydrates: The pasta provides energy-sustaining complex carbohydrates.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Onions and garlic offer various vitamins and minerals, as well as potential immune-boosting properties.

Serving Suggestions

While this Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, you can elevate your dining experience with these serving suggestions:

1. Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
2. Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad can balance the richness of the soup.
3. Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the flavors beautifully.