Mafalda Soup (Lasagne Soup)
Warm up with a comforting bowl of Mafalda Soup, a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. This hearty soup combines ground beef, savory tomatoes, and tender lasagna noodles, all simmered in a rich broth infused with aromatic herbs.
Topped with creamy Parmesan and gooey mozzarella, it’s a satisfying dish perfect for chilly nights. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this soup brings the essence of lasagna to your table in a cozy, comforting way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Comfort in a Bowl: The hearty flavors of lasagna are transformed into a cozy, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for any season.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and one-pot convenience, this recipe makes lasagna night less daunting.
Rich and Creamy: The addition of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a luscious, velvety texture that feels indulgent.
Bursting with Flavor: Classic Italian seasonings like basil, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes make every spoonful flavorful and satisfying.
Family Favorite: This soup is a crowd-pleaser, combining nostalgia and innovation for all ages to enjoy.
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: Provides a savory and hearty base for the soup.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces, they bring the essence of traditional lasagna into every spoonful.
Beef Broth and Tomato Sauce: These create a rich, flavorful soup base with classic Italian depth.
Cheeses (Parmesan and Mozzarella): Add creaminess and a cheesy lasagna-like finish.
Seasonings (Basil, Oregano, and Red Pepper Flakes): Infuse the dish with warm, aromatic Italian flavors.
Mafalda Soup (Lasagne Soup)
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot and stir to incorporate. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked.
Mix in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Notes:
Meat Options: While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Pasta Alternatives: If you can’t find lasagna noodles, any short pasta like fusilli or penne can work. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor! If using fresh basil or oregano, add about three times the amount since fresh herbs are less concentrated than dried.
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Sauté them with the onion and garlic for best results.
Cream Variations: If you want a lighter soup, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. Just keep in mind that the texture will be slightly less rich.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a little water or broth when reheating.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 380 | Total Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 800mg | Total Carbohydrates: 25g | Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 4g | Protein: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious!
Can I freeze Mafalda Soup?
Absolutely! This soup freezes well.
Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as substitutes.
Each will give the soup a slightly different flavor but will still work well.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! You can enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the broth.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To control the heat, you can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes.
For a milder soup, reduce the amount or omit them entirely.
For extra spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes.
How do I know when the noodles are cooked in the soup?
The noodles are cooked when they are tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente).
This usually takes about 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Keep an eye on them, as cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the noodles.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles!
Just break them into pieces and add them directly to the soup.
They will soften as they cook in the broth.
What can I do if the soup becomes too thick?
If the soup thickens too much, simply add more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir well and heat until everything is warmed through.
Is it necessary to add cream to the soup?
While heavy cream adds richness, you can omit it for a lighter version or substitute it with milk, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative.
Just know that the soup will be less creamy.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup.