Picture this: you’re craving lasagna, but you’re short on time and energy. The layers, the prep, the baking… it’s a lot, right? Now, imagine all that comfort and flavor in a bowl, ready in less than an hour, with minimal effort. Enter the Lazy Lasagna Soup – the perfect solution to your lasagna cravings when you don’t feel like assembling everything in layers or turning on the oven.
Lazy Lasagna Soup combines all the rich flavors of a classic lasagna, but it’s quick, cozy, and one-pot. It’s an ideal weeknight meal, especially on those days when you want something hearty but don’t want to sacrifice quality. You get the melty cheese, the savory sauce, and the meaty goodness, all in a thick, comforting soup form. It’s an absolute winner for anyone who loves lasagna but isn’t in the mood to spend all day cooking.
So, let’s dive in and make this easy yet incredibly satisfying dish! Trust me, after the first spoonful, you’ll be hooked.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This soup is essentially a simplified, yet still delicious, version of the traditional lasagna. It includes all the flavors you know and love but with a twist – everything is in one pot and cooked on the stove.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get started, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Lazy Lasagna Soup. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!
For The Soup
- Ground meat: Beef, pork, turkey, or a combo. This forms the savory base of the soup.
- Onion: Chopped, for that sweet, aromatic flavor that infuses the broth.
- Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup. They bring tang, depth, and a rich tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Adds a savory base, but chicken broth works too if you’re using turkey.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces. You can use regular lasagna noodles, or swap in no-boil noodles.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to bring that quintessential Italian flavor.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For sautéing your veggies and meat.
For The Ricotta Mixture
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy, smooth base for the cheesy layer that you’ll spoon into the soup at the end.
- Mozzarella cheese: A generous amount, shredded. Mozzarella adds that melty, gooey goodness we all associate with lasagna.
- Parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty kick to balance out the rich mozzarella and ricotta.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s not fussy or time-consuming. You don’t need any special kitchen skills to pull this off – just a couple of easy steps and you’re golden.
Cook The Meat And Veggies
- Heat up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a little olive oil.
- Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until they’re softened and aromatic.
- Add in your ground meat. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Add The Broth And Tomatoes
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Let it come to a simmer, giving the flavors time to meld.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Add The Lasagna Noodles
- Break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches each) and add them to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, until the noodles are tender. This usually takes 10-12 minutes, but check for doneness.
Make The Ricotta Mixture
- While the soup is simmering, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
Serve The Soup
- Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls.
- Spoon a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture into each bowl of soup. The heat of the soup will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, lasagna-inspired swirl.
- Top with extra parmesan and mozzarella if desired, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a moment to highlight the key ingredients and why they work so well in this recipe.
- Ground meat: The choice of meat here is flexible. Ground beef is classic, but using ground turkey or a blend can help cut down on fat while still offering great flavor. For a richer taste, you can also use sausage.
- Ricotta cheese: The creamy texture of ricotta makes it the perfect choice for adding a luscious, cheesy layer without having to worry about the lasagna layers. It’s a softer cheese compared to mozzarella, making it ideal for melting into the soup.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides that gooey, melty, stretchy quality we all love in lasagna. It’s a must for that comforting feel.
- Lasagna noodles: By breaking them into smaller pieces, you maintain the essence of lasagna, but without the hassle of layering. The noodles soak up the flavorful broth, becoming an integral part of the soup’s texture.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme) brings that Italian, herby aroma to the soup, tying everything together perfectly.
Expert Tips
For those who want to elevate this recipe to the next level, here are some expert tips:
- Sauté the meat and veggies until browned: Don’t rush this step. The browning adds rich, caramelized flavors to the soup base. It makes all the difference.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are the backbone of the soup’s flavor. If you can, opt for San Marzano tomatoes – they’re sweeter and less acidic than regular ones.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Since they’ll continue to absorb liquid, you want to stop cooking them just before they’re fully done. They should be tender but not mushy.
- Add extra veggies: If you want to sneak in more veggies, try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini towards the end of cooking. They’ll soften in the hot broth without overcooking.
- Make it spicier: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the soup as it simmers. It gives it a subtle kick without overpowering the flavor.
Recipe Variations
One of the great things about Lazy Lasagna Soup is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations you can try depending on your mood or dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian version: Replace the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add in more vegetables, like carrots or spinach.
- Gluten-free version: Simply swap the lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook faster or slower than traditional noodles.
- Cheesy garlic bread on the side: Want to make this feel even more like lasagna? Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a toasted baguette to dip into the soup.
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot: If you’re looking to set it and forget it, this soup can easily be adapted to a slow cooker or Instant Pot. In the slow cooker, sauté the meat and veggies first, then add the rest of the ingredients and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the meat and veggies, then pressure cook for 5 minutes.
Final Words
Lazy Lasagna Soup is the perfect compromise between a hearty, home-cooked meal and the need for something quick and easy. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor, and you won’t find yourself spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a flexible recipe, so you can adjust it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a comforting bowl for yourself, this soup is sure to please.
FAQs
What Is Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Lazy lasagna soup is a simplified version of traditional lasagna that combines all the classic lasagna ingredients-like ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese-into a hearty soup. It’s quicker to prepare than regular lasagna, making it a convenient, one-pot meal.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef For Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground beef in lazy lasagna soup. It will reduce the fat content while still providing a good source of protein. You may want to season the turkey a bit more to enhance flavor.
What Type Of Pasta Works Best For Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Broken lasagna noodles, or any small pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini, work best for lazy lasagna soup. The idea is to use a pasta that will hold up well in the soup without becoming too soggy. Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces if you’re using them.
Can I Make Lazy Lasagna Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, lazy lasagna soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together more as it sits, which can make it even more flavorful. Just store the pasta separately if you plan to freeze it, as pasta can get soggy when frozen.
Can I Use Ricotta Cheese In Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! Ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in traditional lasagna, and it can be added to lazy lasagna soup for that signature creamy texture. Stir it in toward the end of cooking to allow it to melt into the soup.
Is There A Vegetarian Version Of Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with plant-based protein, such as lentils, crumbled tempeh, or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for added flavor.
How Can I Make Lazy Lasagna Soup Spicier?
To make lazy lasagna soup spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños during cooking. You can also opt for spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an added kick.
Can I Freeze Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze lazy lasagna soup. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
What Can I Serve With Lazy Lasagna Soup?
Lazy lasagna soup pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a simple green salad, garlic bread, or crusty bread for dipping. A side of roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad can also complement the flavors of the soup.
Can I Make Lazy Lasagna Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt lazy lasagna soup for the slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth, pasta, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the cheese and pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.