Lasagna Soup-a name that might sound like the best of two culinary worlds colliding. And honestly, it really is! Imagine the heartiness and comfort of lasagna, but in the form of a cozy, slurpable soup. Lasagna is one of those classic dishes that’s hard to beat: layers of tender pasta, savory meat, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. But when you’re craving lasagna but don’t feel like assembling and baking layers in a traditional lasagna pan, lasagna soup comes to the rescue!
This dish brings all those incredible elements of lasagna together in a bowl. The beauty of Lasagna Soup is that it combines everything you love about lasagna into a comforting, one-pot meal that’s ready in a fraction of the time.
While there are several ways to make this soup, I’ll be focusing on a delicious and easy version that uses Prego Sauce, a store-bought classic that helps you cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is not just a time-saver, but it also allows for creativity. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping, or just looking for a soul-warming dish, this recipe is bound to please.
Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce Recipe
Ingredients Needed
- Prego Marinara Sauce (or any of their variations like Traditional, Garlic & Herb, or Meat Sauce): 24 oz jar
- Ground Beef: 1 lb (you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (vegetable broth works as a substitute)
- Lasagna Noodles: 8-10 sheets, broken into smaller pieces (the broken pieces mimic the layers of lasagna)
- Ricotta Cheese: 1/2 cup (this adds that creamy, cheesy element)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, shredded (for melty, gooey goodness)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (for an extra punch of flavor)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped (for garnish and freshness)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste (seasoning is key)
Cooking Instructions
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Brown The Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or any ground meat you’re using), breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
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Sauté The Veggies
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the same pot, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. You want that savory smell to fill the air, right?
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Add The Sauce & Broth
Pour in the Prego sauce and chicken broth. Stir it all together, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. The Prego sauce already has a wonderful blend of spices and seasonings, which gives the soup a depth of flavor without much extra effort on your part.
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Add Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the simmering sauce mixture. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
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Incorporate The Cheeses
Add the ricotta cheese and stir it in gently. It will melt into the soup, making it creamy and luxurious. Now, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, saving a little of the mozzarella for garnish later.
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Season And Simmer
Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. The cheese should melt, and the flavors will have had time to meld together beautifully.
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Serve & Garnish
Ladle the hot, bubbling soup into bowls, and top with fresh basil and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Serve with a side of crusty bread for that extra indulgence.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in the soup is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break it down:
- Prego Sauce: The star of the show, Prego is a convenient and well-seasoned tomato sauce. It provides a solid foundation of flavor with tomatoes, herbs, and spices, making the base of this soup rich and tangy.
- Ground Beef: Beef gives the soup its hearty, meaty texture. It absorbs the tomato sauce and seasonings, creating a savory depth. But, as mentioned, you can switch to turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Lasagna Noodles: The broken pieces of lasagna noodles act as the “layers” in this soup. They soak up the flavors of the sauce while maintaining a nice bite. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter touch.
- Cheese: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan give that signature lasagna cheesiness that’s so comforting. Ricotta brings richness, mozzarella adds that ooey-gooey pull, and Parmesan enhances with a sharp, nutty bite.
- Herbs & Spices: Italian seasoning gives that classic Italian flavor profile, while garlic and onion build the savory base. A dash of red pepper flakes can kick things up a notch, giving it just enough heat to balance the richness.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Lasagna noodles can turn mushy if overcooked, so keep an eye on them while simmering. Stir often to prevent them from sticking together. Aim for al dente.
- Add the Cheese at the End: For a creamy and smooth texture, stir the ricotta and mozzarella in near the end of the cooking process. This ensures they melt perfectly without clumping.
- Customize the Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can swap in other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken will give you a lighter version, while sausage will add a savory richness.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous flavor when sprinkled on top right before serving. Don’t skip this step-it’s a game-changer!
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: Garlic is non-negotiable. The fragrance it adds during the sautéing process elevates the entire soup.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the meat entirely and load up the soup with more veggies like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You could even use plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty texture.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you like heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even a small diced jalapeño to the mix. It’ll add a kick that contrasts perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic before adding all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, adding the noodles and cheeses about 30 minutes before serving.
- Meatball Lasagna Soup: Instead of using ground meat, make mini meatballs to add to the soup. They can be pan-fried or baked beforehand and then dropped into the soup during the simmering phase.
Final Words
Lasagna Soup is one of those dishes that’s surprisingly easy to make, yet somehow feels like an indulgent, cozy meal you’d want on a chilly evening. The combination of hearty pasta, savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese is simply irresistible. It’s a comfort food classic, updated for convenience and flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility-you can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your personal preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional version or experiment with variations, you’ll always end up with a warm and satisfying meal.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce?
For lasagna soup with Prego sauce, you will need ground beef or sausage, Prego marinara sauce, chicken broth, onion, garlic, lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and various Italian seasonings like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Can I Use A Different Brand Of Marinara Sauce Instead Of Prego?
Yes, you can substitute Prego marinara sauce with any other marinara or pasta sauce brand, but Prego’s consistency and flavor tend to complement lasagna soup well, providing a rich and flavorful base.
How Do I Make Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce?
To make lasagna soup, brown the ground beef or sausage with onions and garlic in a large pot. Add Prego sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings, and bring to a simmer. Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender. Add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and cook until melted and creamy. Serve hot with extra cheese on top.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can prepare lasagna soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients (including Prego sauce, broth, noodles, and cheeses) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until noodles are tender and soup is heated through.
Can I Use Gluten-free Noodles For Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles in place of traditional noodles. Just ensure the noodles are broken into smaller pieces and cook them until tender in the broth mixture.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, you can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
How Can I Thicken Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce?
If your lasagna soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little more ricotta cheese, simmering it longer to reduce the liquid, or using cornstarch or a slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) to thicken the broth.
Can I Prepare Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce In Advance?
Yes, lasagna soup can be made in advance. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce?
Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth to adjust the consistency.
What Should I Serve With Lasagna Soup With Prego Sauce?
Lasagna soup is great when paired with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with extra grated Parmesan or fresh basil for garnish to enhance the flavors.