Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup brings the heartwarming comfort of lasagna to a cozy bowl of soup. This delicious dish perfectly combines tender noodles, rich marinara sauce, and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese. It’s an easy recipe ideal for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend gathering. Your family and friends will love this satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare!
Why We Love This Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup Recipe
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is not just a meal; it’s a nostalgic experience. With all the classic flavors of lasagna, you get the essence of the beloved dish without the hassle of layering. It’s comforting, hearty, and perfect for cold evenings. The combination of ingredients like ground meat, marinara, and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible taste that will warm your soul. Plus, using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly easy, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
Ingredients about Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
To make Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 cups of marinara sauce
- 1 pound of ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 2 cups of cottage cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup Directions
Making Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is straightforward and fun! Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. First, take your slow cooker and add broken lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and your choice of ground meat. The noodles will soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce and meat as they cook.
Once you’ve added those ingredients, spoon in the cottage cheese. This will give your soup a lovely, creamy texture that resembles traditional lasagna’s cheesy goodness. Stir everything together well to ensure all the flavors mix.
Now it’s time to cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Allow the soup to simmer for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process helps the flavors meld beautifully while the noodles and meat cook to perfection.
As you approach the end of the cooking time, take a moment to stir your soup well. You want to incorporate the cottage cheese fully into the broth, which will create a rich and creamy consistency. The smell will be irresistible at this point!
When your timed cooking is complete, ensure the noodles are tender, and the meat is fully cooked. Finally, serve up the soup in warm bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a lovely aroma and brings freshness to your comforting dish.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is best served warm, straight from the slow cooker. Consider providing some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for dipping; it complements the soup beautifully! You could also serve a simple green salad to balance out the meal. For those who enjoy a little extra flavor, offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for topping.
Each bowl will look inviting with the melty cheese and fresh basil, making it a delightful dish for your family or guests. Sharing this hearty soup around the dinner table will surely spark great conversations and smiles!
Expert Tips: Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
To make the most of your Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, don’t hesitate to add other vegetables if you want more nutritional value. Chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s flavor and add texture.
Also, be cautious with the amount of salt, especially if your marinara sauce is already seasoned. Taste your soup before adding any additional salt.
If you want a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors further.
Lastly, remember that slow cookers can vary in cooking times, so keep an eye on your soup as it cooks to ensure the noodles don’t overcook. Just a little modification can keep the dish truly perfect!
How to Store Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
Storing Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is easy, making it a great dish for meal prep. Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Your soup will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you find the soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. This will help restore the creamy texture that makes this soup so enjoyable!
Variation of Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is a wonderfully adaptable recipe! You can explore various variations to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute low-fat cottage cheese and turkey or chicken for the ground meat.
For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with black beans or lentils and add even more vegetables. Consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier consistency, or add a touch of cream for extra richness.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses too! Swapping mozzarella for provolone or adding a hint of feta cheese can provide exciting flavor twists that elevate your soup experience. Don’t hesitate to enjoy your creativity in the kitchen!
FAQ
What is Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup?
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simplified soup form. It features noodles, marinara sauce, ground meat, and creamy cottage cheese, making it a hearty meal.
How long does it take to cook Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup?
Using a slow cooker, Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup generally takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat to ensure the noodles and meat are fully cooked and infused with flavor.
Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup?
Yes! You can freeze Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure you store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup?
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. These sides balance the meal and make it more satisfying.
Is Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup a healthy choice?
With lean meat, marinara sauce, and protein-rich cottage cheese, Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup can be a healthy meal option. You can also make it even healthier by adding more vegetables or opting for low-fat ingredients.
Cottage Cheese Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces Any type of lasagna noodle can be used.
- 4 cups marinara sauce Choose your favorite brand or homemade.
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) Use lean meat for a healthier option.
- 2 cups cottage cheese For a creamier texture, use ricotta cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Can substitute with provolone if desired.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to personal preference.
- as needed Fresh basil leaves for garnish Adds freshness and aroma.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
- In the slow cooker, combine the broken lasagna noodles, marinara sauce, and the ground meat.
- Add the cottage cheese and stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, allowing the soup to simmer for 4 to 6 hours.
- Stir the soup well as the cooking time ends, ensuring the cottage cheese is fully integrated.
- Check that the noodles are tender and the meat is fully cooked before serving.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into warm bowls, topping each with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!