Lasagna soup combines all the comforting elements of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine the rich flavors of Italian sausage or ground beef, the soothing creaminess of ricotta, and the familiar comforting notes of melted mozzarella, all enveloped in a deliciously seasoned broth. This dish is not just for special dinners; it’s easy enough for a weekday meal yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. It’s versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why We Love This Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup Recipe
This lasagna soup is adored for several reasons. First, it captures all the essence of traditional lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking. You get to indulge in the delightful flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Second, its hearty nature makes it incredibly filling, so you can enjoy a wholesome meal that warms you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means fewer dishes and easier clean-up—definitely a win in our book! The adaptability of this recipe also allows you to customize it based on your preferences, whether you want to add different veggies or use a non-meat protein.
Ingredients about Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
To whip up this delicious lasagna soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup Directions
Making your hearty lasagna soup is a straightforward process. Start by setting your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Take your ground beef or Italian sausage, and toss it in along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Brown them together, stirring occasionally until everything is fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat; you want the soup to be rich in flavor without being overly greasy.
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to layer in the flavors. Add the can of crushed tomatoes and the beef broth to the pot. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor profile, elevating the overall dish.
Now, close the lid of your Instant Pot and switch to ‘Manual’ mode. Set the timer for 5 minutes. This short cook time ensures the noodles soften perfectly without getting mushy. After the timer goes off, perform a quick release of the pressure, taking care to avoid the steam.
With the pressure released, open the lid and give your soup a good stir. This is where the magic happens—add in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. This addition will cream up your soup beautifully. Let it sit for a few minutes; this will allow the soup to thicken slightly, creating a richer texture.
Now you’re ready to serve! Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. This final touch adds a pop of color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing as well as tasty.
How to Serve Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
Serving your hearty lasagna soup can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve it hot in deep bowls, allowing guests to savor each satisfying spoonful. To enhance the dining experience, consider pairing it with warm, crusty bread or a side salad.
Garnishing with fresh basil not only brings a burst of color but also elevates the flavor profile. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle a bit of extra mozzarella on top for that stringy, gooey effect that everyone loves. Additionally, you can provide grated Parmesan on the side for those who enjoy a little extra seasoning.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting out toppings like extra herbs, or even a little crushed red pepper for added spice. This way, each guest can personalize their bowl to their taste, making the meal even more interactive and enjoyable.
Expert Tips: Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
To ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips. First, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the beef or sausage with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. This keeps the soup hearty but reduces the fat content.
Second, don’t rush through the sautéing process. Browning the meat along with the onions and garlic develops a deeper flavor that forms the base of your soup.
If you’re looking to add extra nutritional value, consider throwing in some chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers when adding the tomatoes and broth. These veggies not only boost the overall healthiness but also add color and texture.
When cooking the lasagna noodles, breaking them into smaller pieces ensures they cook evenly and reduces the risk of becoming clumped together. However, if you’re not in the mood for broken noodles, you can cook them separately and add them to the soup before serving.
Lastly, allow your soup to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together wonderfully, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
How to Store Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
Storing your hearty lasagna soup is simple. If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, ensuring to leave some space at the top, since liquids expand when frozen. Lasagna soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water as it may thicken in the fridge.
Variation of Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
There are numerous ways to customize your hearty lasagna soup. One popular variation includes adding different types of cheese for a more dynamic flavor. Instead of, or in addition to, ricotta and mozzarella, try incorporating some creamy goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for added complexity.
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with a medley of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness.
Another fun twist is to add Italian sausage for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different seasonings, like a bit of smoked paprika or red chili flakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not include a splash of heavy cream at the end for a rich, velvety texture?
For a fusion approach, consider using Asian noodles or spices—this will give your lasagna soup an entirely different flair. The key is to enjoy the process; feel free to adapt and make it uniquely yours!
FAQ
What makes lasagna soup so hearty?
The use of ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the addition of noodles, cheese, and rich broth, makes this soup fill you up. Each ingredient combines for a satisfying experience that feels much more substantial than a typical bowl of soup.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Lasagna soup is great for meal prep. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even tastier on reheating.
Is lasagna soup good for freezing?
Yes, this lasagna soup freezes quite well. Just ensure it’s cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat.
Can I substitute lasagna noodles with something else?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles as an alternative. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
How can I spice up my lasagna soup?
Feel free to kick it up a notch with extra spices, like crushed red pepper or a sprinkle of Italian herb blends. You can also top your soup with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy finish or add a bit of hot sauce for some heat!
Hearty and Tasty Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles Can use gluten-free alternative if desired.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Cooking
- Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown them together, stirring occasionally until fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to the pot. Stir in the broken lasagna noodles, followed by the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and switch to 'Manual' mode. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release of the pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the soup. Add in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella, stirring until well combined.
- Let the soup sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!