Authentic Lasagna Soup

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Oil

1 pound Ground beef

1 cup Onion, Finely chopped

4 cloves Garlic, Finely minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 jar Italian pasta sauce, 24 oz. jar

8-10 cups Chicken broth, Low sodium

1 can Crushed tomatoes, 14 oz. can

1 tbsp Vinegar

1 tsp Granulated sugar

Salt, To taste

Pepper , To taste

1 tsp Oregano, Dried

1 tsp Parsley, Dried

1/4 tsp Rosemary, Dried

1 Bay leaf

10-11 Lasagna noodles, Broken into 2 inch pieces, Uncooked

1/4 cup Basil, Fresh, Roughly chopped

1/3 cup Heavy cream

1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese, Shredded

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, Shredded

Instructions:

Heat oil in nonstick pot over medium high heat.

Add ground beef, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning and cook until until beef is brown.
Drain excess fat.

Add pasta sauce, broth, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, parley, rosemary, bay leaf, lasagna noodles, half the basil.

Mix everything together and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until noodles are fully cooked. Stir often to prevent the soup from burning and sticking to the pot.

Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Stir in heavy cream and the remaining basil.

Turn off heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese and the cheese will start to melt immediately. Serve and enjoy!

Notes:

Classic Italian Flavors: This soup captures the essence of traditional lasagna with its rich tomato-based broth, hearty ground beef, and comforting Italian spices.

Easy One-Pot Preparation: The recipe is straightforward and convenient, requiring only one pot for cooking. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Versatile Protein Options: While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily customize it by using ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage according to your preference or dietary needs.

Customizable Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of seasoning, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor profile.

Flexible Pasta Choices: The soup incorporates broken lasagna noodles, providing the classic lasagna taste without the hassle of layering. However, you can use other pasta shapes if desired, such as penne or farfalle, for variation.

Make-Ahead Option: While it’s best to add the noodles and fresh basil just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

Substitutions for Dietary Preferences: To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also substitute heavy cream with lighter alternatives like half-and-half or non-dairy milk.

Freezing Tips: While it’s not recommended to freeze the soup with noodles, you can freeze the soup base without noodles and add them when reheating to preserve their texture.

Garnish and Serving Suggestions: Garnish the soup with additional shredded cheese and fresh basil before serving for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 579kcal, carbohydrates: 52g, protein: 27g, fat: 29g, saturated fat: 11g, cholesterol: 80mg, sodium: 2305mg, potassium: 1254mg, fiber: 5g, sugar: 11g, vitamin a: 970IU, vitamin c: 44.5mg, calcium: 210mg, iron: 5.2mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Authentic Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time, excluding the noodles and fresh basil.

Cook the noodles separately and add them along with the fresh basil just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or even ground Italian sausage for a different flavor.

Adjust cooking times as needed.

What kind of pasta sauce is best for this soup?

Choose a good-quality Italian pasta sauce with flavors you enjoy.

Marinara or tomato basil sauces work well. You can also use homemade sauce for a personalized touch.

How long does it take for the lasagna noodles to cook in the soup?

The cooking time for the lasagna noodles depends on the brand and type.

Follow the package instructions for cooking time, or test the noodles for doneness.

Stirring often helps prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Authentic Lasagna Soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze the soup with noodles, as they can become mushy upon thawing.

If you want to freeze leftovers, do so without the noodles and add them when reheating for the best texture.

Can I use a different type of meat in the Authentic Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage to customize the flavor according to your preference.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.

You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for additional flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-cooked lasagna noodles in the soup?

While it’s best to use uncooked noodles for the authentic texture, you can use pre-cooked noodles.

If you do, add them toward the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.

Almond or coconut milk are suitable non-dairy alternatives.

How do I store and reheat leftover Lasagna Soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the soup’s consistency.