Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is an incredibly comforting, hearty dish that takes all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna and turns them into a warm, soul-satisfying soup. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese offers a familiar yet novel twist on an Italian classic. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach-it fills your heart too.
Unlike traditional lasagna, which can take a little time to assemble and bake, lasagna soup is a much quicker, more convenient way to enjoy all those delicious layers. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or when you’re craving something indulgent without the fuss.
Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese Recipe
This soup captures all the flavors you love from lasagna, but it’s served in a comforting bowl of soup. The ricotta adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness, while the mozzarella and Parmesan bring that classic Italian cheesiness. Add in some fresh herbs, a hearty meat sauce, and a tangle of pasta, and you have a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed
For this dish, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s the breakdown:
- Ground beef (or sausage): Provides the meaty, savory base for the soup.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic: The aromatic foundation that adds tons of flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes: Brings in the tangy, rich tomato base we associate with lasagna.
- Beef broth: For a rich, hearty base that gives the soup a satisfying depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to elevate the flavor profile.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces to mimic lasagna layers in a soup form.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and slightly sweet, it’s the ultimate comfort cheese that brings everything together.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup, creating those classic cheese pulls.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that brings balance to the richness of the soup.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Cooking Instructions
The great thing about lasagna soup is how easy it is to make, and all of it comes together in one pot! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this savory bowl of comfort:
-
Brown The Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage if you prefer) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
-
Sauté The Vegetables
To the pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for your soup.
-
Add Tomatoes And Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
-
Cook The Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles into the soup and stir to combine. Allow the soup to simmer until the noodles are tender, usually about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of your noodle pieces.
-
Finish With The Cheeses
Once the noodles are done, turn off the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The ricotta should melt into the soup, adding a luscious creaminess. If you want extra cheese pull, feel free to toss in a little extra mozzarella!
-
Garnish And Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef/Sausage: While ground beef is the most common choice for lasagna soup, using sausage (sweet or spicy) can bring additional flavor and a bit of heat if you like a spicier soup.
- Lasagna Noodles: You can opt for regular lasagna noodles or use no-boil lasagna noodles, which break up easily and cook directly in the soup. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they’ll continue to soften in the broth.
- Ricotta Cheese: Often overlooked in soups, ricotta has a mild and slightly sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich tomato broth. It also brings a delightful creaminess without being overwhelming.
- Parmesan Cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan if possible. It’ll melt better and give a sharper, more flavorful finish compared to the pre-grated version.
Expert Tips
- Layer the Cheese: For a lasagna-like experience, you can layer your ricotta cheese at the bottom of each serving bowl before ladling in the hot soup. This way, it’ll melt slightly but still maintain a bit of texture.
- Use a Mix of Meats: If you want more depth, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. The sausage adds a bit of spice and extra flavor complexity.
- Customize Your Noodles: Don’t have lasagna noodles on hand? You can substitute with other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep in mind that smaller pasta will absorb more liquid, so you may need to adjust the broth levels accordingly.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna soup actually gets better with time. You can make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld even further. Just reheat gently over the stove when you’re ready to serve.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and onions, or stir in some crushed chili peppers along with the Italian seasoning.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and use a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add plant-based crumbles if you want to keep it hearty and satisfying. For the broth, vegetable broth works beautifully.
- Chicken Lasagna Soup: Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter version of this dish. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken from a previous meal.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you’re a fan of spice, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies or a couple of chopped fresh jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes will also bring the heat.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread on the Side: For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve this soup with a side of cheesy garlic bread. Toast thick slices of your favorite bread, spread with butter, garlic, and a little mozzarella before broiling until golden.
Final Words
Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is one of those dishes that everyone will love. It brings the comfort and warmth of lasagna, but in a much easier and quicker format. It’s ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or simply when you’re craving something cozy.
This recipe takes the time-tested flavors of lasagna and distills them into a delightful soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Plus, you can customize it however you like-whether that means swapping meats, adding more veggies, or spicing it up to your taste.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese?
To make lasagna soup with ricotta cheese, you will need ground beef or Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and fresh basil (optional).
Can I Use Store-bought Lasagna Noodles For This Soup?
Yes, store-bought lasagna noodles work perfectly. Just break them into smaller pieces to make them easier to stir and to fit well into the soup. Alternatively, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
Can I Substitute Ricotta Cheese With Another Type Of Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese with other soft cheeses such as cottage cheese or mascarpone. However, ricotta provides a creamy texture that is ideal for this soup. You may want to adjust seasoning and consistency if you use a substitute.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese?
The total cooking time for lasagna soup with ricotta cheese is typically around 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes time for sautéing the vegetables and meat, simmering the soup base, and cooking the noodles.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make lasagna soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all the ingredients (except the ricotta and mozzarella) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, then stir in the ricotta and mozzarella just before serving.
What Can I Serve With Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese?
Lasagna soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for added flavor.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Yes, lasagna soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, it’s recommended to store the ricotta and mozzarella cheese separately and stir them in just before serving.
Is Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese Freezer-friendly?
Yes, lasagna soup with ricotta cheese can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese Without Meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers as a base. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Ricotta Cheese Spicier?
To add some heat to the lasagna soup, you can incorporate red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the amount to your taste preference for a spicier dish.