One Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Why is One Pot Lasagna Soup so popular?

One Pot Lasagna Soup has gained tremendous popularity for various reasons:

1. Efficiency: Unlike traditional lasagna that requires careful layering and multiple dishes, this soup version is a simpler, yet just as delicious, alternative.
2. Flavor Depth: Infused with a rich marinara sauce, complemented by onion, garlic, and Italian spices, it’s a hearty and comforting dish.
3. Versatility: The recipe allows for a range of customizations – from choice of noodles to the addition of various vegetables.
4. One Pot Wonder: As the name suggests, everything is made in a single pot, reducing the number of dishes and clean-up time.
5. Crowd Pleaser: With the delightful blend of cheese like Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta, it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love this dish. Plus, as highlighted in the Crockpot Lasagna recipe, using a one-pot method for lasagna-inspired dishes is a game-changer.

What’s the difference between traditional lasagna and this soup version?

The distinction between traditional lasagna and One Pot Lasagna Soup lies in their preparation and presentation.

1. Preparation Time: Traditional lasagna involves layering ingredients and can be time-consuming. In contrast, the soup version requires merely browning the beef and then simmering the ingredients together.
2. Texture: Traditional lasagna is more solid and has layered textures due to its assembly, whereas the soup has a brothier consistency.
3. Ingredients: While both use similar core ingredients like beef, marinara sauce, and cheeses, the soup version incorporates broth to achieve its consistency.
4. Serving: Traditional lasagna is served in square or rectangular slices, whereas the soup is ladled into bowls.
5. Complementing Dishes: Traditional lasagna pairs well with salads and maybe some garlic bread. The soup version is often a standalone dish but can also be paired with bread or salads.
6. Culinary Origin: Both dishes are inspired by Italian cuisine. However, while traditional lasagna is deeply rooted in Italian culture, the One Pot Lasagna Soup can be seen as a modern American twist on an Italian classic.

Can other types of meat or protein be used in the soup?

Certainly! One Pot Lasagna Soup is incredibly adaptable.

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1. Chicken or Turkey: Both can be a lighter alternative to beef. Ground turkey, in particular, blends well with the soup’s flavor profile. For those interested in a different twist, the Mexican Taco Lasagna offers a unique fusion of flavors that could be incorporated into the soup.
2. Sausages: Whether it’s chicken, beef, or pork, sausages add an extra depth of flavor to the soup. Italian sausages are especially recommended for their robust taste.
3. Vegetarian Options: Lentils, chickpeas, or tofu can be great meat substitutes, offering both protein and a different texture.
4. Seafood: While unconventional, seafood like shrimp or even clams can be used. They introduce a briny flavor, making the soup more of a coastal Italian dish.
5. Combination: One can also use a combination of meats. A mix of beef and Italian sausage, for instance, gives a richer taste.
6. Seasoning Adjustments: Depending on the type of protein used, one might need to adjust the seasonings to ensure the soup doesn’t lose its characteristic Italian flavor.

How can one ensure the lasagna noodles don’t turn mushy?

Ensuring that the lasagna noodles retain their texture in the One Pot Lasagna Soup requires some attention.

1. Al Dente: Cooking the noodles just until they are “al dente” (firm to the bite) ensures they don’t become overly soft when added to the soup.
2. Separate Cooking: If planning to store the soup for a few days or if making a large batch, it’s a good idea to cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings. This way, they retain their firmness.
3. Stirring: While the soup is simmering, occasional stirring prevents the noodles from sticking to the pot’s bottom and overcooking.
4. No to No-Boil Noodles: The recipe explicitly states the use of regular lasagna noodles and not the no-boil variety. The latter can easily turn mushy in a soup.
5. Storage: If storing leftover soup, it’s better to keep the noodles separate, as outlined in the One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole recipe. Combine them only when reheating to maintain noodle integrity.
6. Soup Consistency: Ensure the soup has a broth-like consistency and isn’t too thick. If the soup is too thick, the noodles can absorb more moisture and turn soft.

How can one enrich the flavor profile of One Pot Lasagna Soup?

The base recipe for One Pot Lasagna Soup is delightful, but for those seeking a deeper or varied flavor, here are some suggestions:

1. Herbs: Fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, or thyme can elevate the soup’s aroma and taste.
2. Wine: Adding a splash of red wine while browning the beef can introduce a rich depth to the soup. Make sure to let the alcohol cook off before adding other ingredients.
3. Cheeses: Experimenting with different cheeses, like smoked mozzarella or aged Parmesan, can offer a different flavor profile. For instance, the cheese blend used in French Onion Soup can be a delightful addition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or even garlic before adding them to the soup can intensify the flavors.
5. Broths: Swapping out the chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth changes the soup’s base flavor. It can either deepen the meaty taste or make it lighter.
6. Spices: Introducing spices like fennel seeds, paprika, or even a touch of nutmeg can add an interesting twist to the traditional taste.

What are the best accompaniments to serve with the soup?

To elevate the dining experience of the One Pot Lasagna Soup, pairing it with the right accompaniments is essential.

1. Bread: Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a match made in heaven for this soup. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
2. Salads: A fresh Caesar salad or even a Caprese salad complements the hearty soup. The cool crispness of the salad contrasts well with the warm soup.
3. Wine: A glass of red wine, perhaps a Chianti or Montepulciano, complements the rich flavors of the soup.
4. Appetizers: Bruschetta, garlic knots, or even an olive tapenade can be great starters to the meal.
5. Soups: If you’re considering a soup duo for a more elaborate meal, pairing the lasagna soup with a lighter option like Chicken Noodle Soup could be delightful.
6. Desserts: Finish off the meal with classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu or Panna Cotta. The light and creamy texture of these desserts offsets the robust nature of the soup.

Easy One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Indulge in the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss with this One-Pot Lasagna Soup. Infused with garlic, onion, and classic Italian spices, this rich marinara-based soup is topped with a trio of cheeses: Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta. The best part? It comes together with minimal effort and in under an hour!

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Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: One Pot Lasagna Soup

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 40 minutes mins

Total Time: 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef or mix half with Italian sausage
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 4-5 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 jar 24 oz. Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
• 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth variable
• 1 can 14 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon each: dried parsley dried oregano, salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 10 uncooked lasagna noodles broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream optional

Cheese Topping:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Dollops of ricotta cheese

Instructions

• In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat over medium-high. Add beef and onion, stirring until the beef is browned.
• Mix in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Pour in the Prego Sauce, 6 cups of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, seasonings, bay leaf, and lasagna noodles. Allow the mixture to reach a boil before reducing to a simmer. Cook until noodles are tender (around 20-30 minutes).
• Remove the bay leaf. Introduce the heavy cream if using and additional chicken broth until you reach your preferred soup consistency.
• Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with the three cheeses to your liking.

Notes

• The lasagna noodles give this soup its distinctive character. However, if you prefer, swap them out for 2 1/2 cups of uncooked small shells and adjust the simmering time accordingly.
• If you wish to skip the heavy cream but want a thicker soup, whisk 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with some chicken broth and stir into the soup to simmer and thicken.