Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up your dinner routine with this comforting Lasagna Soup featuring layers of flavor and creamy ricotta cheese. This easy-to-make one-pot dish combines the classic tastes of lasagna in a hearty soup that's perfect for chilly nights. Packed with ground meat, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.
This Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is a game changer for your weeknight meals. The warmth and comfort it brings on a chilly day are hard to beat.
A Cozy Family Dinner
Lasagna Soup is a wonderful way to gather around the dinner table with your loved ones. This dish brings the traditional flavors of lasagna into a warm, comforting soup that everyone will enjoy. With its hearty ingredients, it's not just a meal; it's a memorable experience that fosters connection and conversation. Imagine sharing stories and laughter as you ladle this delicious soup into bowls, each serving topped with a creamy dollop of ricotta.
Versatile and Adaptable
One of the best features of this Lasagna Soup is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to add extra vegetables, switch up the protein, or even make it vegetarian, this recipe can easily accommodate your preferences. Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor or swapping out ground beef for diced chicken or plant-based crumbles. With just a few adjustments, you can customize this dish every time you make it, ensuring that it never gets old.
This flexibility extends to the pasta as well. If you prefer a gluten-free option, simply substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter alternative. This way, you can cater to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Lasagna Soup is a fantastic option for meal prepping. Not only does it taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, but it also freezes beautifully. Prepare a large batch over the weekend and portion it out into individual servings. When the busy week starts, simply thaw a portion for a quick and satisfying dinner that requires minimal effort. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that saves you time and energy.
Additionally, this recipe allows you to utilize leftover vegetables or meat. Check your fridge for any ingredients that need to be used up – they can easily be incorporated into the soup, reducing waste while creating a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped fresh vegetables (like zucchini and spinach)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in the pot to make a delicious meal!
Cooking Steps
Cook the Meat
In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Sauté Vegetables
Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Add Liquids
Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Stir well to combine.
Cook Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Enjoy!
Garnish with additional herbs, if desired.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
To elevate your Lasagna Soup, consider using homemade marinara sauce. Not only will it enhance the flavor, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and tailor it to your taste. If time permits, simmer the sauce for a longer period to deepen its flavor profile. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also be added to bring a new dimension of taste, making your dish even more enticing.
Don’t forget about seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick, making this comforting dish even more exciting.
Serving Suggestions
This Lasagna Soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. Garlic bread is another favorite accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last drop of the savory broth. For a fun twist, try serving the soup in bread bowls for a unique dining experience that kids and adults alike will appreciate.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle some croutons or toasted breadcrumbs on top of the soup just before serving. This adds an enjoyable texture that complements the creaminess of the ricotta topping.
Storage and Reheating
To ensure the best quality of your Lasagna Soup for later enjoyment, store it in airtight containers. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
If reheating from frozen, it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before heating. This simple step helps maintain the texture of the noodles and vegetables, ensuring that your Lasagna Soup is just as delightful as when it was first made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ How can I make it vegetarian?
Use a plant-based meat substitute and vegetable broth, and load it up with extra vegetables!
Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese
Warm up your dinner routine with this comforting Lasagna Soup featuring layers of flavor and creamy ricotta cheese. This easy-to-make one-pot dish combines the classic tastes of lasagna in a hearty soup that's perfect for chilly nights. Packed with ground meat, fresh vegetables, and rich marinara sauce, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time.
Created by: Emily Carter
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chopped fresh vegetables (like zucchini and spinach)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Stir well to combine.
Add the broken lasagna noodles and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g