If you’re someone who loves comfort food, there’s no denying the irresistible pull of lasagna. Now, what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all the rich, cheesy goodness of a traditional lasagna without all the layering and baking? Enter Lasagna Soup-a cozy, hearty dish that brings all the warm, indulgent flavors of lasagna in a soup format.
And when it comes to Lasagna Soup, one recipe that has captured the hearts of many is Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup. Known for her approachable and delicious recipes on The Pioneer Woman, Ree’s take on lasagna soup is packed with rich flavors, layers of cheese, and the comforting texture of traditional lasagna, but it’s served as a soup!
This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something satisfying, or even for those lazy weekend dinners when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to put in hours of work. So, let’s dive deep into Ree’s Lasagna Soup recipe, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know-from ingredients to expert tips to variations.
Lasagna Soup Ree Drummond Recipe
Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup recipe is a beautiful fusion of savory broth, pasta, and cheese, inspired by the beloved lasagna but with a simpler, more practical twist. Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires multiple layers and a baking dish, this version simulates the flavors of lasagna with ingredients that simmer together in one pot, creating a rich and flavorful broth-based soup.
It’s a dish that’s not only simple to make but also perfect for families and guests because it’s both filling and customizable. The balance of textures from the tender pasta, seasoned meat, and creamy cheese is what makes this soup stand out.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients in Ree’s Lasagna Soup are ones you probably already have in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up. Here’s a complete list of the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Ground beef (or ground turkey): This is the base of the soup. The meat gives it that hearty, savory depth.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the base of the soup.
- Garlic cloves: You can’t make a soup this flavorful without a good dose of garlic!
- Crushed tomatoes: These are the heart of your soup’s broth, creating that rich, tangy tomato base.
- Tomato paste: To thicken the broth and bring in that extra tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Enhances the savory quality of the soup. You could also use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter variation.
- Lasagna noodles: These are the traditional noodles used for lasagna, but here they are broken up into smaller pieces, simulating the lasagna experience without the layers.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which will infuse your broth with aromatic flavors.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
- Ricotta cheese: This adds a creamy, tangy element that will melt into the soup and give it that lasagna vibe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty cheese effect that we all love about lasagna.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling on top and adding a sharp, salty finish.
- Fresh basil (optional): For garnishing and a burst of fresh flavor to balance the richness.
Cooking Instructions
Making this soup is surprisingly easy, and it’s just a matter of building up the layers of flavor in one pot. Here’s how you’ll prepare it:
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Sauté The Meat & Veggies
- In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up as it browns. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
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Add The Tomatoes & Broth
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, letting them cook for a minute or two.
- Then, pour in the beef broth, and stir everything together. Add your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors time to develop and meld.
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Add The Lasagna Noodles
- Break the lasagna noodles into thirds or smaller pieces, and add them to the soup.
- Stir well and let them cook in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Final Touches
- Once the noodles are ready, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts into the soup, making it creamy.
- Taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the role each ingredient plays in making this soup so delicious:
- Ground Beef (or Turkey): This adds richness and depth. You can easily swap it for ground turkey or even sausage if you want to play with flavor. The fat in the beef helps bring out all the other flavors in the soup.
- Ricotta Cheese: It’s the secret weapon for giving the soup its lasagna-like creaminess. It melts beautifully into the hot soup, creating little pockets of rich, cheesy goodness.
- Lasagna Noodles: They’re the star of the show here, mimicking the texture of classic lasagna in a simpler format. Breaking them up allows for each bite to capture that signature lasagna flavor, without the fuss.
- Tomato Paste: This is a key ingredient for building that deep, concentrated tomato flavor that we associate with lasagna sauce.
Expert Tips
- Use a wide, shallow pan: This allows you to sauté the onions and garlic evenly before adding the meat and liquids, giving you a more developed flavor.
- Cook the noodles separately: If you want the noodles to stay a little firmer and not get too soggy, you could cook them separately and add them to the soup at the very end. This also gives you more control over the texture of the pasta.
- Make it ahead of time: Like many soups, Lasagna Soup gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a day. The flavors meld together, and the broth thickens, making it even more satisfying.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a little extra mozzarella add color, freshness, and that extra pop of flavor when serving.
Recipe Variations
One of the beauties of lasagna soup is how customizable it is. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use a variety of hearty vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add beans for some extra protein.
- Cheesy Overload: If you love cheese, go ahead and add layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and even provolone. More cheese = more flavor!
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the base for a little heat. If you’re a fan of spicy food, this will elevate the whole experience.
- Slow Cooker Option: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies on the stovetop, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, cook on low for 6-8 hours, and add the noodles toward the end.
Final Words
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about Lasagna Soup-the way all the flavors of a classic lasagna come together in a single pot, with minimal prep and cooking time. Ree Drummond’s recipe is the perfect example of how comfort food can be reimagined in a way that’s both simple and sensational. Whether you’re cooking for the family, preparing a dish for a gathering, or just treating yourself to a comforting bowl of warmth, this soup is sure to be a hit.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup?
Ree Drummond’s lasagna soup requires ground beef, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried Italian seasoning, lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
Can I Make Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time by cooking the soup base and storing it separately from the noodles. The noodles can be added just before serving to maintain their texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers Of Lasagna Soup?
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef In This Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in Ree Drummond’s lasagna soup for a leaner version. The flavor will still be delicious, though it may be slightly less rich.
What Kind Of Noodles Are Used In Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Ree Drummond uses broken lasagna noodles in her soup recipe. These pieces of lasagna noodles give the soup its signature texture, mimicking the classic lasagna layers.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese In This Lasagna Soup?
While the recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with other cheeses like cottage cheese or provolone, depending on your taste preference.
Is Ree Drummond’s Lasagna Soup Spicy?
Ree Drummond’s lasagna soup is not spicy by default. However, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Make Lasagna Soup According To Ree Drummond’s Recipe?
Ree Drummond’s lasagna soup takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare, including cooking time for the meat, simmering the broth, and assembling the soup.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt Ree Drummond’s lasagna soup for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, cook the soup base on low for 4-6 hours, adding noodles and cheeses at the end. For the Instant Pot, follow the sauté function for browning the meat, then cook the soup on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes.
How Can I Make Lasagna Soup More Vegetarian-friendly?
To make the lasagna soup more vegetarian-friendly, omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.