Lasagna Soup is one of those comfort foods that has it all – heartwarming, rich, and packed with layers of flavor. If you love traditional lasagna but want a quicker, easier version, this recipe is a game-changer. Instead of all the meticulous layering and baking, you get all the wonderful flavors of lasagna, but in a cozy, soup form.
In today’s version, we’ll dive into Bobby Deen’s Lasagna Soup recipe, which brings the beloved classic to life in a way that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. Bobby Deen, known for his lighter take on Southern comfort food, has crafted a recipe that’s hearty without being too heavy, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something savory and comforting.
So, if you’re ready for a delicious, soul-soothing dish that’s easy to make and loved by everyone, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Lasagna Soup Bobby Deen Recipe
This Lasagna Soup brings together all the best flavors of the traditional lasagna but with a fraction of the effort. Bobby Deen’s recipe uses lean ground beef and a few simple ingredients, all simmered together into a flavorful broth. The pasta is added at the end, soaking up the rich sauce, and finished off with some cheesy goodness.
It’s the kind of meal you can make in one pot, which not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps all the ingredients come together for an unbelievably delicious result.
Ingredients Needed
To make this lasagna soup, here’s what you’ll need:
- Lean Ground Beef (or Ground Turkey): This forms the base of the soup, offering a meaty flavor that’s essential for that lasagna taste. Bobby Deen’s version calls for lean beef, which helps cut down on excess grease while still keeping the meat flavorful.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the soup. It’s sautéed with the meat, releasing its flavor and enhancing the broth.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is a must here. It brings an aromatic and savory note that makes this soup smell irresistible.
- Diced Tomatoes (canned): These tomatoes are crucial for the soup base. They break down and create a rich, tangy sauce that’s the backbone of the soup’s flavor.
- Tomato Sauce: Along with the diced tomatoes, the tomato sauce adds a velvety texture and enhances the overall tomato flavor. It’s what ties the soup together.
- Chicken Broth: The broth makes up the liquid of the soup, offering a savory depth. If you prefer beef broth, you can swap it for a more robust flavor.
- Dried Basil and Oregano: These two herbs are essential to capturing the classic Italian flavors of lasagna. They add that fragrant, herby undertone that makes this soup sing.
- Bay Leaves: These add a subtle, earthy aroma and flavor, perfect for slow-simmered dishes like this one.
- Lasagna Noodles: Traditionally, lasagna noodles are wide and flat, but here we use broken-up pieces of the noodles. This allows them to soak up the broth and flavor without losing their signature texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: No lasagna is complete without this creamy, slightly sweet cheese. A dollop of ricotta in your soup will give it the authentic lasagna experience, and it melts beautifully into the broth.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: You’ll want this gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese to sprinkle on top of the soup just before serving. It gives that quintessential lasagna finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: A touch of this sharp, nutty cheese adds extra flavor when sprinkled over the top just before serving.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get into how to turn these ingredients into a delicious pot of lasagna soup!
- Brown the Meat: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup leaner.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Season the Soup: Add in the dried basil, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse the liquid.
- Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the soup. Continue to cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not overcooked. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly become mushy.
- Stir in the Cheeses: Once the noodles are ready, remove the soup from heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts into the broth, creating a creamy texture. Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, saving a little bit of mozzarella for garnish.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining mozzarella cheese and any extra Parmesan. For a little fresh contrast, you can garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately, and enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness of your lasagna soup!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef vs. Ground Turkey: Ground beef gives the soup a rich, satisfying flavor, but ground turkey is a leaner option that still holds up well in the dish. You can even use a mix of both for a balanced taste.
- Tomatoes: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce creates the perfect balance of chunky and smooth. The diced tomatoes provide texture, while the sauce gives the broth a velvety finish.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is ideal if you have it, but dried basil works just fine for a more accessible option. Oregano is another must-have herb in this soup; it brings that familiar Italian flavor that makes you think of lasagna right away.
- Cheese: Ricotta is the star of the dish because of its creaminess, but mozzarella brings the stringy, melty texture we all crave. Parmesan rounds out the flavor profile with its sharp, nutty notes.
Expert Tips
- Customize Your Noodles: If you can’t find lasagna noodles, you can substitute them with other types of pasta. Ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente.
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great options. They add flavor and nutrients without disrupting the dish’s lasagna vibes.
- Make it Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time! The flavors only get better as they sit, so feel free to store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop and add a little extra broth if it thickens too much.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning. It’ll give the soup a subtle kick without overpowering the flavors.
- Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, top your lasagna soup with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground meat for plant-based protein or lentils to make this soup vegetarian. You could also use more vegetables, like zucchini and eggplant, to bulk up the soup while keeping it light.
- Vegan: For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. There are great vegan ricotta options available that can still give you that creamy texture without the dairy.
- Spicy Version: To give your soup an extra kick, try adding chorizo or spicy sausage, or even throw in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This will bring a bit of heat to contrast the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Overload: If you’re a cheese lover, add more ricotta and mozzarella than the recipe calls for. You could even top the soup with a few extra cheese layers and broil it in the oven for a cheesy, bubbly crust.
Final Words
Bobby Deen’s Lasagna Soup is a total winner when it comes to comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying – basically the kind of meal that’ll make you feel warm and cozy on the inside. Whether you’re craving a traditional lasagna flavor with less work, or just in need of a hearty soup to feed a crowd, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
From the rich broth to the melted cheese and tender noodles, it’s everything you love about lasagna but with a deliciously comforting twist.
FAQs
What Is Lasagna Soup Bobby Deen Recipe?
The lasagna soup Bobby Deen recipe is a lighter and more convenient version of traditional lasagna. It combines all the flavors of lasagna, including pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, in a soup form. This recipe is designed to be hearty, flavorful, and easier to prepare than classic lasagna, often using ingredients like lean ground beef or turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and a rich tomato base.
What Are The Main Ingredients In Bobby Deen’s Lasagna Soup?
The main ingredients in Bobby Deen’s lasagna soup include lean ground beef (or turkey), onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, low-sodium chicken broth, lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Herbs such as basil and oregano are also used for flavor.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Ground Beef For Lasagna Soup?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in Bobby Deen’s lasagna soup. It still provides a good amount of protein and works well with the flavors of the soup.
How Do I Make The Lasagna Noodles In Bobby Deen’s Recipe?
In Bobby Deen’s lasagna soup recipe, you break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. The noodles are cooked directly in the broth, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the soup and become tender.
Can I Prepare The Lasagna Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare lasagna soup ahead of time. It can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, if you plan to store it for later, it’s best to add the noodles just before serving to avoid them becoming too soft and soggy.
How Can I Make The Lasagna Soup Vegetarian?
To make the lasagna soup vegetarian, you can replace the meat with plant-based protein options such as lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that the cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.
What Is The Best Way To Serve Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is typically served hot in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta can enhance the flavor. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I Freeze Bobby Deen’s Lasagna Soup?
Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid during storage.
What Can I Substitute For Ricotta Cheese In The Lasagna Soup?
If you prefer a substitute for ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a combination of Greek yogurt and Parmesan. Each of these options will provide a similar creamy texture but with slightly different flavor profiles.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Bobby Deen’s Lasagna Soup?
Bobby Deen’s lasagna soup takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to prepare and cook. This includes time for browning the meat, simmering the soup, and cooking the noodles.