Lasagna Soup. If you’ve ever been in the mood for lasagna but didn’t want to spend hours assembling layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce, this is the perfect solution. It combines all the rich, savory flavors of your favorite lasagna dish in a one-pot, comforting soup form. Easy to make, hearty, and packed with flavor, lasagna soup is the answer to those days when you crave something warm, filling, and a little indulgent-without the hassle.
This recipe draws inspiration from classic lasagna but in a much more convenient and streamlined version. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, rainy days, or even a cozy weekend meal. You might have come across different takes on lasagna soup, but today, we’ll be diving into a version you can find in Publix-a trusted grocery chain known for their fresh ingredients and ready-to-cook options. The Publix Lasagna Soup recipe is well-loved by many for its simple yet rich combination of flavors.
Let’s get into it!
Lasagna Soup Publix Recipe
This Lasagna Soup recipe from Publix is the ideal balance of texture and flavor. The layers of pasta are perfectly complemented by a tomato-based broth, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese mixture that brings the whole thing together. Imagine all the goodness of lasagna, but in a lighter, more soup-friendly format. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry; most of these should be readily available at your local Publix (or any grocery store for that matter). Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground beef (1 lb): This is your protein base. You can substitute with ground turkey or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the meat and create the base for the soup.
- Yellow onion (1 medium): Adds a savory, sweet depth to the soup. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip or use a milder variety like green onions.
- Garlic cloves (3-4, minced): Because garlic makes everything better! It infuses the broth with a lovely, aromatic flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The foundation for the soup’s rich tomato base.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Helps thicken the soup and adds a bit of sweetness.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Gives the soup a savory depth. If you prefer a lighter taste, you can swap it for chicken or vegetable broth.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces, 6 oz): You could use traditional lasagna noodles or any other pasta you like (rotini or fusilli work great too).
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The creamy base that gives the soup its signature lasagna vibe.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Adds meltiness and gooeyness to the soup.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to balance the richness.
- Dried Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. Perfect for infusing that “Italian” flavor profile.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, ensuring the soup is perfectly seasoned.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herby finish.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get down to the details of making this soul-warming soup. It’s actually pretty straightforward, but don’t be fooled-each step builds layers of flavor that will leave your taste buds celebrating. Here’s how you make it:
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Cook The Ground Beef
- In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
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Add The Liquids
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine, ensuring there’s no stuck meat or veggies on the bottom.
- Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
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Add The Pasta
- Break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and stir them into the soup.
- Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Prepare The Cheese Mixture
- While the soup is simmering, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a separate bowl.
- Stir until well combined, and set aside.
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Final Assembly
- Once the noodles are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Serve by spooning the soup into bowls, then add a generous dollop of the cheesy mixture on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a bright, aromatic finish.
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: Using ground beef gives the soup a rich, savory base. It’s a great choice for a hearty soup. If you’re going for a lighter version, lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles: The beauty of lasagna noodles in this soup is their ability to soak up all the flavors while maintaining their texture. Breaking them up into smaller pieces ensures they cook evenly and can be easily spooned up.
- Tomatoes: The combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce creates a well-balanced base for the soup. Crushed tomatoes provide the right amount of chunkiness, while the sauce adds a smooth richness.
- Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan-these are the cheeses that make lasagna so comforting. Ricotta offers a creamy texture, mozzarella brings that meltiness, and Parmesan adds a sharp bite. It’s the ultimate cheese trio!
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the lasagna noodles are cooking directly in the broth, be careful not to overcook them. They’ll continue to soften even after you take the soup off the heat.
- Customize the Cheese: If you want to add more richness, you can mix in some heavy cream or cream cheese with the ricotta. Want it cheesier? Add extra mozzarella.
- Beef Swap: If you’re not a beef fan, try using ground sausage, which will bring a nice spice and depth to the soup, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, so feel free to prep it the day before and store it in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Replace the ground beef with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add in some spinach for a burst of greens.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a few red pepper flakes to the soup base or incorporate spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Meatball Lasagna Soup: Instead of using ground beef, try mini meatballs for a fun twist on the traditional lasagna soup. You can even buy pre-made meatballs for ease.
Final Words
Lasagna soup is one of those magical dishes that can bring comfort and joy in every spoonful. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even meal prep. The great thing about this Publix-inspired recipe is how easy it is to make and customize. Whether you stick to the original ingredients or get creative with variations, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.
The blend of rich, savory broth, hearty noodles, and creamy cheese mixture is a crowd-pleaser that delivers the same satisfaction as traditional lasagna-but with way less effort. So, go ahead and whip up this lasagna soup for your next dinner-it’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
FAQs
What Is Lasagna Soup From Publix?
Lasagna Soup from Publix is a hearty, comforting soup inspired by traditional lasagna. It typically includes a mix of pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and seasonings, all combined in a flavorful broth to create a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s often served with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup At Home Like The Publix Version?
Yes, you can make a similar version of Publix’s Lasagna Soup at home by using ground beef or Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs, and broken lasagna noodles. Ricotta cheese and mozzarella are often added at the end for that creamy, cheesy texture.
What Are The Key Ingredients In Publix’s Lasagna Soup?
The key ingredients typically include ground beef or sausage, lasagna noodles, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. It’s seasoned with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with salt and pepper.
How Do I Make Lasagna Soup Creamy Like Publix’s Recipe?
To make the soup creamy like Publix’s version, you can add ricotta cheese or cream cheese to the soup base. Once the soup is nearly done, stir in the cheese until it melts smoothly. Some recipes also use heavy cream or milk for additional richness.
Can I Substitute The Ground Beef In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like lentils or plant-based ground meat. The flavor profile will vary, but these substitutions still create a hearty and satisfying soup.
How Long Does It Take To Make Lasagna Soup From Publix?
The total time to make Lasagna Soup typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the recipe and cooking methods. Most of the time is spent simmering the broth and allowing the flavors to meld together, with a few minutes at the end for adding the cheese and pasta.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Lasagna Soup. It’s best to freeze it without the noodles and cheese added, as they can become mushy when reheated. Instead, store the soup base in an airtight container and add the noodles and cheese after reheating.
What Type Of Pasta Is Used In Lasagna Soup?
Traditional lasagna noodles are broken into smaller pieces to mimic the shape of pasta typically used in lasagna. However, you can use other types of pasta like rigatoni or penne if you prefer a different texture or if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
Is Lasagna Soup A Healthy Meal Option?
Lasagna Soup can be a nutritious meal, but its healthiness depends on the ingredients used. To make it healthier, you can opt for lean meats like ground turkey, reduce the amount of cheese, and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Yes, both slow cookers and Instant Pots are great for making Lasagna Soup. In a slow cooker, you can add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. In an Instant Pot, you can cook the soup under pressure for about 10-15 minutes, then finish by adding cheese.