If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage is a must-try. It’s everything you love about lasagna, but in a rich, slurpy, soupy form that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in how all the layers of flavors-like the tangy tomato sauce, savory sausage, and gooey cheese-meld together in a warm, bubbling broth. Imagine lasagna without the hassle of layering sheets of pasta and baking it in the oven.
Lasagna soup is a brilliant fusion of Italian comfort food and a soup-based meal. The Italian sausage adds a delightful spiciness, while the ricotta and mozzarella bring in that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for more. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for a chilly evening, and you can easily adjust the spice levels or add extra vegetables to suit your taste. Ready to dive into this flavorful bowl of deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Lasagna Soup With Italian Sausage Recipe
This lasagna soup is so easy to make, it’s like a shortcut to the same cozy vibes you get from traditional lasagna. It’s a one-pot meal that combines everything you love about lasagna and turns it into a quick, soupy version that’s just as satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
The ingredients are simple, yet packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – The sausage provides the essential flavor base. You can go for ground pork or turkey for a leaner option.
- Onion – Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
- Garlic – Because, let’s face it, garlic makes everything better. It adds a fragrant, rich depth to the soup.
- Crushed tomatoes – This creates the tangy, savory broth that ties the whole soup together.
- Tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a smooth richness.
- Beef broth – Provides a savory base for the soup that’s rich without being too heavy.
- Lasagna noodles – Broken into pieces to mimic the lasagna layers in the soup, these noodles soak up the flavors of the broth and are just the right texture.
- Ricotta cheese – This creamy cheese is the star of the dish, offering that lasagna-like cheesy filling.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melty, gooey mozzarella adds texture and a cheesy finish to the soup.
- Parmesan cheese – For the salty, nutty kick on top.
- Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that brings that classic Italian flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like a little heat in their soup.
- Fresh basil (optional) – For garnish and a fresh, herbaceous touch.
Cooking Instructions
This recipe is all about layering flavors, but don’t worry-it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is easy! Here’s how to make this mouthwatering soup:
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Cook The Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. This step should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is browned and crispy, remove excess grease if necessary.
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Sauté The Aromatics
To the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 3 minutes). Add in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with flavor, setting the stage for the rich broth.
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Build The Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow all the flavors to meld together.
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Add The Lasagna Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into 2-3 inch pieces and stir them into the soup. Let them cook until tender, which will take about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the noodles, as they can easily become overcooked.
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Finish The Soup
Once the noodles are done, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella. Allow the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. You can also adjust the seasoning at this point by adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.
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Serve And Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the remaining mozzarella cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Ingredient Insights
- Italian Sausage: This sausage is the backbone of the recipe, providing that juicy, savory flavor. If you prefer less grease or spice, you can opt for turkey sausage or chicken sausage. The richness of pork, however, gives the soup that classic Italian “comfort food” vibe.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes bring a tangy brightness to the broth, while tomato paste thickens the soup and deepens the flavor. Using both creates a nice balance of acidity and richness in the soup.
- Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces is a great way to make the soup more manageable. They absorb the tomato broth, becoming flavorful and tender. Don’t overcook them; you want them to hold their shape but still be soft enough to absorb the flavor.
- Ricotta and Mozzarella: The ricotta gives the soup a creamy texture that mimics the ricotta layer in traditional lasagna, while mozzarella adds the melty cheese pull that’s so satisfying in every bite.
Expert Tips
- Make it Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to marry. You can easily prepare it in advance and reheat it for a quick weeknight dinner. Just be cautious of overcooking the noodles when reheating.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: If you love extra gooey cheese, try adding more mozzarella at the end. You can also swap out the ricotta for cream cheese or burrata for a different creamy texture.
- Adjust the Consistency: If your soup gets too thick after the noodles have absorbed the liquid, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. A splash of heavy cream will also add richness.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and color, throw in some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These will add layers of flavor without taking away from the lasagna essence.
Recipe Variations
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Vegetarian Version
Skip the sausage and opt for vegetarian crumbles or lentils as a protein source. Add in extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or spinach for a nutrient-packed alternative.
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Spicy Kick
If you love spice, use hot Italian sausage or add more red pepper flakes. You can also add a diced jalapeño or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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Gluten-Free Option
Swap out the lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles to make the dish lighter and gluten-free.
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Creamy Ricotta Spin
For an extra indulgent twist, add heavy cream along with the ricotta cheese. This creates a rich, velvety broth that will take the soup to the next level.
Final Words
Lasagna Soup with Italian sausage is a dish that combines all the best flavors of a classic lasagna but in a quicker, soupier form. It’s comforting, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, creamy, or veggie-packed, this recipe can be adjusted to suit any dietary preference or craving.
The Italian sausage, cheese, and tomato-based broth create an irresistible combo that makes every spoonful an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, cold weather, or just when you need something that feels like a big warm hug in a bowl.
FAQs
What Is Lasagna Soup With Italian Sausage?
Lasagna soup with Italian sausage is a hearty and flavorful soup inspired by the classic lasagna dish. It combines Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese in a rich broth, offering the same comforting flavors as traditional lasagna but in a soup form.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead Of Italian Sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef for Italian sausage in the recipe. However, you may want to add extra seasonings like fennel seeds, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to replicate the flavor of Italian sausage.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make lasagna soup with a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and onions before adding them to the slow cooker along with the broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and add the noodles and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What Type Of Pasta Works Best For Lasagna Soup?
Short, sturdy pasta such as rotini, elbow macaroni, or broken lasagna noodles work best in lasagna soup. The pasta should be able to hold up in the soup without getting too soft or mushy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-free?
Yes, you can make lasagna soup gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure the broth and any seasonings used are gluten-free, as some packaged products may contain gluten.
How Can I Make Lasagna Soup With A Vegetarian Option?
To make a vegetarian version of lasagna soup, you can substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or other vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze it without the noodles. Cook the soup, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add fresh pasta so it doesn’t become mushy during freezing and thawing.
How Do I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it over medium heat on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed to thin it out.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese For The Topping?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or mascarpone. These options will give you a similar creamy texture and flavor to the ricotta.
How Can I Make The Soup Spicier?
To make the lasagna soup spicier, you can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even fresh chopped jalapeños while cooking the soup. Adjust the heat to your personal preference by adding more or less depending on how spicy you want it.