Lasagna Soup With Spinach is an innovative and delightful twist on the classic Italian comfort food, transforming the traditional lasagna into a hearty, flavorful soup. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of lasagna with the warmth and coziness of a soup, making it perfect for those colder days when you crave something filling, comforting, and delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as it features easy-to-find ingredients while still delivering all the signature flavors of lasagna, like creamy ricotta cheese, meaty tomato sauce, and, of course, the soft, satisfying noodles. Adding spinach to the mix not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a delightful freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
If you’re looking to enjoy the essence of lasagna in a bowl, without the effort of layering and baking, then this Lasagna Soup With Spinach recipe is the perfect solution. Let’s dive into the details and break down how to make this warm, filling, and crowd-pleasing dish.
Lasagna Soup With Spinach Recipe
This Lasagna Soup recipe will take you just about 30-45 minutes to prepare, depending on your level of familiarity with the ingredients. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines all the traditional lasagna elements into a rich, creamy, and comforting soup. Best of all, you can customize it based on your preferences, making it as cheesy, meaty, or veggie-filled as you like. Below is the detailed recipe to follow:
Ingredients Needed
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich base flavor.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The classic meat for a lasagna soup. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Onion (1 large, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For an aromatic base and a savory kick.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): These provide the hearty tomato base that is the backbone of the soup.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): This forms the liquid foundation of the soup, giving it a nice, comforting consistency.
- Spinach (4 cups, fresh): Offers a pop of color and adds a nutritious punch. Feel free to use frozen spinach as well.
- Lasagna noodles (8 oz, broken into pieces): The pasta element of the dish. Breaking it up allows it to cook evenly in the soup without needing to layer it.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): The creamy element that mimics the cheese filling in traditional lasagna.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): For that melty, gooey cheese topping that lasagna is known for.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the dish.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): A key herb that provides a distinct Italian flavor.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Complements the basil and enhances the herby flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional, ½ teaspoon): For a little heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Cooking Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Season the soup: Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the spices.
- Cook the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer the soup for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Add the spinach: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach. Let it wilt into the soup for 2-3 minutes, until tender.
- Finish with cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, making sure it blends smoothly into the soup. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Beef: The richness of ground beef is perfect for this soup, as it provides that meaty, savory taste that lasagna is known for. It also releases its fat into the soup, adding depth. For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes, offering a leaner protein without sacrificing flavor.
- Tomatoes: Using both crushed tomatoes and tomato paste ensures that the soup has a deep, layered tomato flavor. The crushed tomatoes provide a more rustic, chunky texture, while the paste gives it a thicker, more concentrated taste.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is an excellent addition to this soup. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, especially iron, and adds a vibrant green color that contrasts nicely with the red of the tomatoes and the creamy cheese. It also balances out the richness of the meat and cheese.
- Lasagna Noodles: Instead of layering lasagna noodles, breaking them into pieces and adding them to the soup ensures that every spoonful has a bit of pasta. The broken noodles cook in the soup and absorb the delicious flavors, just like traditional lasagna sheets would.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Lasagna noodles can become mushy if overcooked in the soup. Be sure to check for doneness and remove the soup from the heat once they’re tender.
- Add cheese at the end: To prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or separating, always stir in the ricotta and mozzarella after you’ve taken the soup off the heat.
- Use low-sodium broth: If you want more control over the saltiness, opt for low-sodium chicken broth, as regular broth can be a bit too salty for this dish.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes wonderfully! Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stove.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version of this soup, swap the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The tomato base and cheese will still provide all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: To make the soup spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add in a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: If you love extra cheese, add an extra cup of shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta to the top of each bowl just before serving.
Final Words
Lasagna Soup With Spinach is one of those dishes that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna without the complicated layers and oven time. It’s versatile, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a warm bowl of goodness after a long day.
The best part is that you can tweak it to suit your tastes, whether you want to make it spicier, add more veggies, or pile on the cheese. It’s a recipe that’s both approachable and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for any season or occasion.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Lasagna Soup With Spinach?
The ingredients for lasagna soup with spinach typically include ground meat (such as beef or turkey), onions, garlic, tomatoes (canned or fresh), chicken broth, lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), spinach (fresh or frozen), ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and various seasonings such as basil, oregano, and salt.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Spinach Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of lasagna soup with spinach by omitting the meat and using plant-based substitutes, such as crumbled tofu, lentils, or mushrooms. Vegetable broth can also be used in place of chicken broth.
Can I Use Other Greens Instead Of Spinach In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other greens like kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as different greens may require different preparation methods.
How Do I Prepare The Lasagna Noodles For The Soup?
Lasagna noodles should be broken into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. You can either break them by hand or use a knife to cut them into smaller bits. The noodles cook directly in the soup and absorb the flavors as they simmer.
Can I Use No-boil Lasagna Noodles In Lasagna Soup?
Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used in lasagna soup. They will cook as the soup simmers, absorbing the broth and becoming soft. Just be sure to break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
How Long Does Lasagna Soup With Spinach Take To Cook?
Lasagna soup with spinach generally takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to prepare and cook. The soup comes together quickly, with the noodles needing 15-20 minutes to cook, and the spinach wilting within the last 5 minutes of simmering.
Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Spinach Ahead Of Time?
Yes, lasagna soup can be made ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from getting too soft.
How Can I Make Lasagna Soup With Spinach Creamier?
To make lasagna soup creamier, you can add a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese when serving. Another option is to stir in cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for a richer texture.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup With Spinach?
Yes, you can freeze lasagna soup with spinach. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add extra broth to adjust the consistency.
What Can I Serve With Lasagna Soup With Spinach?
Lasagna soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A side salad with a tangy dressing can also complement the dish well, adding some freshness to balance the richness of the soup.