Cheesy Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna, but in a warm, slurpable bowl! Forget layering noodles and waiting for hours; this recipe delivers that classic lasagna flavor in a fraction of the time. Are you craving a hearty, satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Then look no further!

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved over centuries. From its humble beginnings as a simple pasta dish, it has transformed into the layered masterpiece we know and love today. While the traditional baked lasagna holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes we crave that familiar flavor without the fuss. That’s where this Cheesy Lasagna Soup comes in!

People adore lasagna for its rich, savory sauce, creamy cheese layers, and perfectly cooked pasta. This soup captures all those elements in a convenient and comforting format. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a generous helping of melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will warm you from the inside out. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix!), casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Soup Base

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to build the foundation of our amazing Cheesy Lasagna Soup – the flavorful soup base. This is where all the delicious Italian flavors come together, so pay close attention!

1. Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. You want it nice and crumbly. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The onions should be translucent and the peppers slightly tender.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be heavenly at this point!
4. Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (undrained). Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely tomatoey flavors.
5. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
6. Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together and deepen. This is a great time to relax and let the soup do its thing!

Cooking the Noodles

Now that our soup base is simmering away, it’s time to add the lasagna noodles. This is what transforms our soup from a regular tomato soup into a lasagna-inspired masterpiece!

1. Break the Noodles: While the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into small, bite-sized pieces. I usually break each noodle into about 6-8 pieces. This makes them easier to eat in the soup.
2. Add the Noodles to the Soup: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
3. Cook the Noodles: Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, until the noodles are cooked through and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on the liquid level – if the soup becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

The ricotta mixture is what gives this soup that classic lasagna creaminess and richness. It’s super easy to make and adds a wonderful texture to the final dish.

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Season the Ricotta Mixture: Season the ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Assembling and Serving the Soup

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling and serving our Cheesy Lasagna Soup! This is where all the hard work pays off, and you get to enjoy the delicious results.

1. Ladle the Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
2. Top with Ricotta Mixture: Top each bowl of soup with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture.
3. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! The heat from the soup will melt the mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
• Use different noodles: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add some vegetarian sausage crumbles for extra flavor.
• Slow Cooker Version: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Top with the ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and parsley before serving.
• Freezing Instructions: This soup freezes well! Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may want to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid during freezing. It’s best to add the ricotta and mozzarella cheese after reheating for the best texture.

Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Lasagna Soup!

Conclusion:

This Cheesy Lasagna Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life. I know, I know, bold statement, but after countless batches perfected, I can confidently say this is a must-try for anyone craving the flavors of lasagna without all the fuss. Forget layering noodles and waiting for hours – this soup delivers that classic cheesy, tomatoey goodness in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a cozy weekend lunch.

What makes this soup so special? It’s the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and comforting textures. The browned Italian sausage adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible, while the creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese create that signature lasagna cheesiness we all adore. And let’s not forget the tender pasta, swimming in a flavorful tomato broth – it’s pure comfort food bliss! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.

But the best part? This Cheesy Lasagna Soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! For a vegetarian option, simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And for a truly decadent experience, top each bowl with a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy broth.
* Garlic Bread Bliss: Pair it with homemade garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
* Salad Sensation: Enjoy it alongside a fresh garden salad for a lighter, more balanced meal.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone for an even richer, creamier texture.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a fiery twist.
* Veggie Power: Load it up with extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
* Protein Boost: Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chickpeas for an extra protein punch.

I truly believe this Cheesy Lasagna Soup will become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your lasagna cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients you might have on hand. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this Cheesy Lasagna Soup as much as my family and I do!