Lasagna Soup

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Table of contents:

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How to Make Lasagna Soup 

Ingredients

• 10 oz. (300g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
• Splash of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 pack of dried lasagna sheets
• 1 onion, diced fine
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 medium carrots, cut into rounds
• 1 can of champignon Mushrooms (whole or slices)
• 1 can of cannellini beans (350g / 12oz.)
• 1 cup of Bolognese Sauce (add more if you prefer a more soupy texture)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp White Pepper
• 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Dried Basil Leaves
• 3-4 cups of veggie broth
• 1 bay leaf

For the homemade veggie broth

• Veg ends from the veggies listed above /bell pepper, carrots, onion, garlic)
• Small handful of fresh parsley, loosely chopped
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups of water

Garnish options

• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Ricotta cheese

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Equipment

• Large Cast Iron Skillet with lid
• Large pot with lid
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Garlic Press
• Sieve
• Ladle or serving spoon

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Instructions

Step 1 – prepare veggies

• Dice onion and bell pepper. 
• Mince garlic cloves, and cut carrots into rounds. 
• Keep all the veg ends for the next step. 

Step 2 – Prepare veggie broth

Note: Skip this step if using store-bought broth

• Add all of the veg ends to a large pot with around 4 cups of water. 
• Bring to a boil, then add a bay leaf, a small handful of fresh parsley, 1 tsp black peppercorns, and season to taste with some salt. 
• Leave the broth to simmer on low while you prepare the recipe. 

Step 3 – Brown mince and veggies 

• Brown ground beef (or Italian sausage) with a splash of oil on a medium-high heat. 
• Once the mince is lightly browned, move it to the side of the pot, add the onions and cook until golden.
• Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Mix the onion and garlic together with the browned mince.
• Add the diced red bell pepper and carrots and stir through. Simmer on medium heat for around 5 minutes or until the veg begins to soften. 
• Add the can of champignon mushrooms (and juices) and stir through.
• Add the white beans with juice and stir through. Add a splash of broth or water if the pan is looking dry. Leave to simmer for 5 minutes. 

Step 4 – Add spices and tomato paste

• Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp white pepper, 1 Tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, and season to taste with some salt (we added around 1 tsp of salt). 
• Add the tomato paste and stir through. On a medium heat, leave to simmer for 5-10 minutes. 

Step 5 – Add broth and lasagna sheets

• Add around 3 cups of the prepared veggie broth (ensure everything is covered) and 1 bay leaf. 
• Break apart the lasagna sheets into strips around 1 inch (2.5cm) wide. 
• Push the lasagna sheets into the mixture and ensure that everything is covered with broth. If required, add more broth. 
• Cover and leave to simmer on medium-low heat for around 10-15 minutes or until the lasagna sheets are soft and ‘al dente’. 
• Check the consistency and add more broth if you prefer a more souplike consistency. 

Step 6 – Serve

• Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or some fresh basil leaves and a dollop of ricotta cheese. 
• Serve while piping hot with some toasted bread. 

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Cooking Tips:

Use High-Quality Broth

• The broth is the base, so choose a rich, high-quality one—homemade or a good store-bought option. Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth all work well. We prefer to make our own broth with any veg ends leftover from the veggie prep. It’s easy and doesn’t add any extra time to the overall cooking process.

Add Aromatics for Depth

• Sauté garlic, onions, and Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) in olive oil before adding the meat. This infuses the soup with a deep, savory flavor base. Another great (and easy) option to add aromatics is to use some Organic Italian Seasoning mix. 

Choose the Right Meat

• A mix of Italian sausage and ground beef provides great flavor. If you prefer lighter options, go for turkey sausage or ground chicken but remember to season them well.

Break the Noodles Beforehand

• Instead of lasagna sheets, try broken lasagna noodles or pasta like mafaldine. This gives a “lasagna” feel while being spoon-friendly. Add noodles close to serving so they don’t overcook and turn mushy.

Use Crushed Tomatoes for Rich Texture

• Crushed tomatoes add body and thickness to the broth. Adding tomato paste enhances the tomato flavor and creates a thicker, more satisfying broth. If you’re short on time, a jar of bolognese sauce also does the trick. 

Add Fresh Spinach or Kale (Optional)

• Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a nutrient boost and a pop of color.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A side of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth.

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna soup is a fun twist on the classic Italian dish and offers all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl. It can be made with beef minced or some diced Italian sausage for some extra flavor. 

No oven required!

The soup is prepared in one pot and is flavored with plenty of Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, and basil). Instead of layering ingredients and oven baking, this recipe creates a rich tomato and veggie sauce that’s used to simmer down the lasagna sheets until al dente. The final result is rich and warming soup or stew that’s the ultimate comfort food. 

Best Meat to Use

1. Italian Sausage: Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your spice preference) is seasoned with herbs and spices like fennel, garlic, and sometimes paprika, which adds a flavorful, aromatic base to the soup. Sausage fat also enhances the soup’s richness.
2. Ground Beef: This adds heartiness without overpowering the sausage flavor. Go for a leaner cut, like 85% lean, to balance the soup’s richness without making it overly greasy.
3. Alternative Options:
   • Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, but add extra Italian seasoning to ensure flavor.
   • Pork: A mix of ground pork with ground beef is another great option. Pork has a natural sweetness and tenderness that complements tomato-based soups well.

If you’re looking for a traditional lasagna flavor, go with equal parts Italian sausage and ground beef for a well-rounded, hearty broth.

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What Type of Lasagna Sheets are Best for Lasagna Soup

For lasagna soup, the type of lasagna sheets you choose will make a big difference in texture and how easy it is to eat. For the best texture, aim for pasta that will cook to al dente in the soup, and add it near the end of the cooking time for that perfect chewy bite. 

Here are the best options:

Traditional Lasagna Sheets (Broken into Pieces)

Using regular Lasagna Sheets and breaking them into bite-sized pieces gives an authentic lasagna feel. Be sure to add them toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and turning them mushy. Broken lasagna sheets hold up well and have a great texture in the broth.

Mafaldine or Mafalda Pasta:

This pasta looks like mini lasagna sheets, with ruffled edges but in shorter, spoon-friendly pieces. It’s ideal for lasagna soup, as it mimics the lasagna texture but fits well in a bowl.

Bowtie or Farfalle Pasta:

Although it’s not the same shape as lasagna sheets, bowtie pasta has a similar thickness and holds up well in the soup. It’s a good alternative if you’re looking for something sturdy and easy to scoop.

No-Boil Lasagna Sheets:

These can also work if broken up, but keep in mind they’ll cook faster and may get too soft if left in the soup too long. Add them in the last 5–7 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid overcooking.

Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat Lasagna Sheets:

If dietary needs are a concern, many brands offer Gluten Free Pasta lasagna sheets or Whole Wheat Lasagna sheets. Just be mindful of their texture, as gluten-free varieties sometimes cook faster.

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What Cheese to Use for Lasagna Soup

We prefer to not add to much cheese to the soup as it becomes stringy and quite difficult to eat, but we totally get that lasagna buffs out there will want to add lots of cheese to create that soft, gooey lasagna texture. 

For a truly flavorful lasagna soup, a blend of cheeses is best, each adding something unique. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal cheeses to use:

1. Ricotta:
   • A classic in lasagna, ricotta adds creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor. Create a “ricotta dollop” by mixing it with a little salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or basil, then add a spoonful to each bowl before serving. It melts slightly and creates that classic lasagna creaminess.
2. Mozzarella:
   • For that gooey, melty goodness, mozzarella is key. Use shredded mozzarella, or add small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) that will soften in the hot soup. The cheese will melt into the soup, giving it a rich, cheesy base.
3. Parmesan or Pecorino Romano:
   • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds sharpness and depth to the soup. Stir some into the broth while it simmers, and sprinkle a bit more on top when serving. Parmesan rind can also be simmered in the broth for added richness, then removed before serving.
4. Provolone (Optional):
   • For an extra layer of flavor, add a slice of provolone on top just before serving, then let it melt. Provolone is mild but adds a slight smokiness and creamy texture that pairs well with the tomato base.

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan will give you the full lasagna experience in soup form, with a perfect balance of creaminess, gooey texture, and a hint of sharpness!

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More Mediterranean Pasta Recipes

• Chicken Tagliatelle Pasta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• Spaghetti with Anchovies and Capers
• Caprese Pasta Salad (Insalata di Pasta Caprese)
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Tuna

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories	301
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8.9g	11%
Saturated Fat 3.2g	16%
Cholesterol 45mg	15%
Sodium 484mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate 33.1g	12%
Dietary Fiber 6.9g	25%
Total Sugars 8.4g
Protein 23.1g
Vitamin D 42mcg	210%
Calcium 82mg	6%
Iron 5mg	27%
Potassium 961mg	20%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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