Creamy Lasagna Soup

This creamy lasagna soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm spoonful every bite offers the richness of cheese the savoriness of meat and the boldness of Italian spices it is my go to when I want to impress with little effort yet big taste

The first time I made this was on a cold rainy evening and it instantly became our household favorite

Ingredients

• Olive oil or pork lard: helps develop deep flavor while cooking the aromatics choose a fresh neutral oil if substituting
• Yellow onions: add natural sweetness and a foundational flavor go for firm unbruised ones
• Garlic cloves: boost the base with pungent depth use fresh cloves not pre chopped for best flavor
• Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato profile look for double concentrated for maximum impact
• Ground beef and pork: provide a balanced meaty richness go for an eighty twenty fat ratio for tenderness
• Tomato sauce: creates the soup base choose a no sugar added version for full control
• Heavy cream: gives the soup its signature silkiness use cold fresh cream for proper emulsification
• Chicken broth: delivers body and saltiness low sodium varieties offer better control
• Sugar: helps balance acidity just a small touch needed
• Lasagna sheets: add texture and mimic the pasta layers in traditional lasagna break them roughly by hand
• Mozzarella cheese: melts into the broth for gooey goodness shred your own for best meltability
• Spices like garlic powder dried oregano chili flakes and smoked paprika: create the Italian flavor profile use fresh spices for boldness
• Ricotta cheese and fresh basil: optional for garnish give a final creamy and herbaceous lift

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat oil or lard in a large pot over medium heat once hot add diced onions and minced garlic cook gently for about five minutes until onions are soft and translucent stirring occasionally to prevent browning

Season and Brown the Meat:

Stir in garlic powder oregano chili flakes one teaspoon salt cracked black pepper and smoked paprika cook for two minutes until aromatic then mix in tomato paste stir constantly for one minute before adding ground beef and pork break up the meat with a wooden spoon cook for five minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned

Build the Soup Base:

Pour in tomato sauce heavy cream chicken broth and one cup of water stir thoroughly to combine add one teaspoon of sugar to mellow the acidity bring the mixture to a light simmer over medium heat

Add the Pasta:

Once the soup is simmering add broken lasagna sheets stir every few minutes to prevent sticking cook uncovered for twenty five minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy

Finish with Cheese:

Remove the pot from heat stir in shredded mozzarella until melted and well blended into the broth

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle soup into bowls garnish with a dollop of ricotta cheese and chopped fresh basil if desired serve immediately while hot and creamy

Storage Tips

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days the flavors deepen over time making leftovers taste even better To freeze portion into freezer safe containers leave some space for expansion freeze for up to three months thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating When reheating add a splash of broth or water to restore the original consistency

Ingredient Substitutions

Use avocado oil or butter instead of olive oil if preferred Shallots or red onions work well if yellow onions are unavailable Ground turkey or a plant based meat can replace beef and pork for a leaner or vegetarian option Swap tomato paste for canned crushed tomatoes or tomato puree and reduce liquids accordingly Coconut cream or cashew cream make it dairy free without sacrificing creaminess

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Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile Add chopped spinach or zucchini for more vegetables Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal

Cultural Context

This soup version reflects a modern take on classic Italian lasagna originally from Emilia Romagna while it is not traditional it channels the same layered flavors of sauce pasta and cheese into a more casual bowl form perfect for busy kitchens

My favorite part of this soup is watching the cheese melt right into the pot it reminds me of weekend meals at my grandmother’s house where lasagna was always a celebration

Recipe FAQs

→ What is lasagna soup?

Lasagna soup combines the classic flavors of lasagna—meat, cheese, pasta, and tomato sauce—into a warm, hearty soup form.

→ Can I prepare lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge. Add pasta just before serving to keep it from becoming mushy.

→ What pasta can I use instead of lasagna sheets?

Any sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well. Gluten-free options can be used too.

→ How can I make the soup spicier?

Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce, or substitute the ground meat with spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently with extra broth or water to loosen the soup if needed. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Yes, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan cheese alternatives instead of mozzarella and ricotta.