Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This rich and filling soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, cozy bowl. It’s versatile enough for family dinners or casual gatherings, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its hearty ingredients and delicious cheese blend, this soup will quickly become a go-to recipe for cold-weather cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: The combination of sausage, beef, and cheese makes this soup exceptionally filling.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Full of Flavor: The blend of Italian seasonings and fresh ingredients delivers a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have at home, making it adaptable to your pantry.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before starting. Having the right equipment helps ensure that your Hearty Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time.
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: This is crucial for cooking large quantities evenly without burning.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
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
Base Ingredients
- 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
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta or an alternate curly pasta
Cheese Blend
- 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 and Onions
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 the Base Ingredients
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 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 the Cheese Mixture
Remove from heat when the noodles are tender but still chewy. While the pasta cooks, stir together ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella in a small bowl.
Step 4: Serve Your Soup
Scoop the soup into bowls and top with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Enjoy your Hearty Lasagna Soup!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Hearty Lasagna Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul. Serving this comforting dish can be enhanced with a few creative ideas.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked baguette: Slice and serve warm for dipping.
- Garlic bread: Toasted with herbs, perfect for soaking up the broth.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Adds a fresh aroma and bright flavor.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley gives a lovely color contrast.
Add a Salad
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing complement the richness of the soup.
- Italian chopped salad: A medley of veggies adds crunch and freshness.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Rustic ceramic bowls: Enhance presentation and warmth.
- Mason jars: For a fun, casual touch at gatherings.
Include Extra Cheese Options
- Shredded Parmesan: For those who want an extra cheesy experience.
- Feta crumbles: A tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the tomato base.
How to Perfect Hearty Lasagna Soup
To truly master Hearty Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips for flavor and texture.
- Use quality meats: Choose fresh sausage and ground beef for better flavor.
- Adjust spice levels: Customize the heat by varying crushed red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Cook pasta separately: For best results, cook pasta al dente and add it when serving to prevent mushiness.
- Let it rest: Allowing soup to sit for a few minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Garnish creatively: Use different cheeses or herbs as garnishes to elevate presentation and taste.
Best Side Dishes for Hearty Lasagna Soup
Complementing your Hearty Lasagna Soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Knots: Soft dough tied in knots, brushed with garlic butter; perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze for refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil; a delightful appetizer.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs add a savory touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized; they enhance the wholesome feel of the meal.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy dip served warm with pita chips; great for sharing before the main course.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Hearty Lasagna Soup can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final result.
- Using too much spice: While a little heat can enhance flavor, adding too many red pepper flakes can overpower the dish. Start with less and adjust according to your taste.
- Skipping the sauté step: Not cooking the sausage, beef, onions, and garlic together will lead to a bland soup. Sautéing helps build depth in flavor; don’t skip this crucial step.
- Overcooking the pasta: If you let the pasta cook too long in the soup, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness at 8 minutes.
- Forgetting to taste: Every broth is different, and spices may vary. Always taste before serving so you can adjust seasoning to suit your palate.
- Not using quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the tastier your soup will be. Opt for fresh herbs and good-quality meats whenever possible.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hearty Lasagna Soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Hearty Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hearty Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that often raises questions. Here are some common inquiries about this delicious recipe.
Can I use different types of pasta in Hearty Lasagna Soup?
Yes! You can substitute mafalda with any curly pasta like fusilli or even use gluten-free options if preferred.
How do I customize my Hearty Lasagna Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition or swap out proteins based on your preference.
Is Hearty Lasagna Soup easy to make?
Absolutely! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Can I make Hearty Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian version while keeping the rich flavor intact.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Lasagna Soup is not only a cozy dish perfect for cold nights but also highly customizable. Whether you prefer extra veggies or different cheeses, this recipe welcomes creativity. Try making it today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
Hearty Lasagna Soup
Hearty Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, satisfying bowl. Ideal for chilly evenings, this rich and filling soup combines savory sausage, ground beef, and a delightful blend of cheeses with perfectly cooked pasta. With its robust Italian seasonings and fresh ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to make and even better as leftovers! Enjoy this cozy meal that warms both the body and soul.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot sausage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 small onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 (14.5 ounces) cans diced tomatoes
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 6-8 ounces mafalda pasta
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese
- 2 ounces freshly shredded Mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta; cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and Mozzarella in a bowl.
- Serve soup topped with cheese mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
