This cozy Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup is a warm bowl of goodness! Packed with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and sharp parmesan, it’s a cheesy dream come true.
It’s like lasagna, but in soup form—how fun is that? I love topping mine with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra cheese. It makes every spoonful feel special! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: You can use either ground beef or Italian sausage for this soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider turkey or chicken instead. Vegetarian? Try using lentils or plant-based sausage!
Broth: While beef broth gives a rich flavor, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Homemade broth is an excellent go-to if you have the time!
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: These are super convenient! But if you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles work just fine—just cook them a bit before adding to the soup.
C cheeses: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives this soup a nice range of flavors. You could use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option or even add some cream cheese for extra creaminess!
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
Cooking the noodles perfectly is important for a great soup. Here’s how to keep them firm:
- Add broken noodles towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- Cooking them in the soup helps absorb flavors, but keep an eye on the time—8 to 10 minutes should do!
- If you have leftovers, consider adding a touch more broth later when reheating to prevent them from becoming too soft.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious bowl of Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup that everyone will love! Enjoy your meal! 😊
Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups water
- 6 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Garlic bread or toasted bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus around 25-30 minutes for cooking. So in less than an hour, you’ll have a cozy dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute until everything is fragrant.
3. Create the Soup Base:
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Time to add the fun part! Toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook them in the soup until they’re tender—this should take about 8-10 minutes, and don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together.
5. Dish it Out:
Once your noodles are ready, take the pot off the heat. Ladle the delicious soup into bowls, filling them up generously.
6. Add the Cheesy Goodness:
Top each bowl with a big spoonful of creamy ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Yummy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Add a touch of freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for that burst of freshness. Now grab some garlic bread or toasted bread for the perfect accompaniment.
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy lasagna soup that’s perfect for any day you want the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer a lighter option. Just cook them the same way as you would with beef or sausage until browned.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat. You can replace the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute for added protein and texture.
What Should I Do If My Noodles Get Too Soft?
If your noodles are too soft when reheating, consider adding a bit more broth to restore the soup’s consistency. You can also cook the noodles separately and add them right before serving to keep them firmer!