Ah, the chilly days of fall are upon us, and what better way to warm up than with a comforting bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup? It’s hearty, it’s creamy, and quite frankly, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I made this for my friends; we were having a game night, and it turned out to be the hero of the evening. Between laughs and a few friendly arguments over who could stack the most cheese on top, I realized that this dish is the perfect companion for gatherings. I mean, who doesn’t love lasagna in soup form? It’s like all the deliciousness of lasagna without the painstaking layers!
And did I mention how simple it is? You really just throw everything into one pot, and before you know it, your kitchen smells like a cozy Italian trattoria. So, let’s dive into the goodness!
What’s in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is your protein base! You can use either, depending on whether you’re in the mood for classic beef or a hint of spice from the sausage. Trust me, both work wonders here.
Medium Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the soup. I like to make sure it’s finely chopped so it blends in perfectly.
Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic are non-negotiable. Garlic is the aromatic hero that makes this soup taste divine.
Crushed Tomatoes: A can of crushed tomatoes gives us that beautiful tomato base and luscious color. Look for ones without added sugar to keep it healthy.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This is essential for the soup’s flavor and gives it that comforting brothiness. Homemade broth is fabulous, but store-bought works just fine!
Lasagna Noodles: I love breaking these into pieces; it gives a rustic feel and makes for perfect scoops with every spoonful.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese brings a dreamy texture. You *could* use cottage cheese, but I say ricotta is the way to go!
Heavy Cream: Here comes the richness! Heavy cream elevates the entire soup experience, adding that luxurious touch we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan not only adds flavor but also creates a lovely cheesiness in the broth.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this mix makes everything more Italian. If you have fresh herbs, by all means, use them!
Salt and Pepper: Always the basics, but vital for bringing out all the lovely flavors.
Fresh Basil: A quick garnish on top freshens everything up and adds a beautiful pop of color.
Is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Good for You?
You might be wondering about the health credentials of this dreamy soup. Well, because it encompasses a variety of ingredients, it has its perks!
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, but keep a watch on the portion sizes if you’re concerned about fat content.
Ricotta and Parmesan Cheeses: These add a warm, creamy richness, and while they are higher in calories, they also bring calcium to the party!
Tomatoes: A superstar ingredient filled with antioxidants like lycopene, it’s great for heart health.
You can customize this soup to fit your dietary preferences, too! Add some leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition or swap out meat for mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian option. Just remember, while this soup is a warm hug, moderation is key!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Feel free to drain excess fat if you want a leaner soup.
2. Add the diced onion. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally is key, or you’ll have some extra crispy bits!
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Oh, that smell is heavenly already!
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a boil.
5. Now, stir in those broken lasagna noodles and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until you reach a smooth consistency.
7. Once the noodles are cooked, incorporate that cheese mixture, allowing it to melt and create a creamy broth. Can you imagine the richness?
8. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with fresh basil.
Hearty Tips for Hearty Soups
If you’re looking to jazz this soup up, why not add some spinach or kale for a green boost? And for my veggie friends out there, mushrooms or lentils make a great substitution for the meat.
Also, here’s a little tip: this soup freezes beautifully! Just keep the noodles separate and add them fresh when you reheat—it helps maintain the perfect texture.
I hope you give this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup a try! It’s perfect for cozy evenings at home or sharing with friends. Please let me know how it turns out and if you put your own spin on it—I’m all ears for delicious stories!
