Description
Hearty lasagna soup delivers classic Italian comfort in a soul-warming bowl, blending rich marinara, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Hungry diners will savor each spoonful of this simple, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to home kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Vegetables:
- 1 yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Liquid and Sauce Base:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) Prego traditional Italian sauce
- 4 cups (32 ounces / 960 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
Pasta:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) lasagna noodles
Optional Cream:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Cheese Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef or sausage with onions in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until meat browns and onions soften, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Quickly incorporate minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Pour in Prego sauce, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Add basil, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring liquid mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, developing rich, layered flavors.
- Break lasagna noodles into rustic pieces and gently add to simmering broth. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches tender yet firm consistency.
- Optional: Swirl heavy cream into soup for enhanced velvety texture, creating a more luxurious mouthfeel.
- Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, generously topping with mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives.
- Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting a reduced-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-packed option.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing soup base ahead of time and adding noodles just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg