There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm bowl of soup, especially after a long day. Picture this: the aroma of sizzling garlic and savory ground beef fills your kitchen, transporting you to a rustic Italian trattoria. That’s how the magic of my Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta begins! This delightful dish combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a one-pot meal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
In under an hour, you can whip up a creamy, hearty medley of tomato, cheese, and aromatic herbs that will have everyone at the table dreaming of their favorite Italian feast. Plus, one of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences by swapping in different proteins or adding fresh vegetables. So, if you’re seeking a cozy dinner that satisfies the heart and delights the palate, join me in discovering this irresistibly creamy lasagna soup!
Why is Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta the ultimate comfort food?
Cozy Comfort: This rich lasagna soup wraps you in warmth with its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, perfect for chilly evenings.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s a convenient one-pot meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Customizable Delight: Tailor it to your liking by swapping proteins or adding fresh veggies like spinach or zucchini, ensuring it’s always a hit!
Cheesy Bliss: Topped with melting mozzarella and creamy ricotta, each bowl is a luxurious bite of cheesy goodness.
Family-Friendly: Perfect for all ages, this dish brings everyone together for a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Rich Lasagna Soup Ingredients
• Create your culinary masterpiece with these essential components!
For the Soup Base
• Ground Beef – Main protein that adds richness; swap with Italian sausage for an added kick.
• Onion – Provides sweetness and builds flavor in the base; shallots work beautifully as a substitute.
• Garlic – Essential for depth; increase the amount for a garlicky punch!
• Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces a touch of heat; omit for a milder soup.
• Italian Sauce – The flavor foundation; Rao’s sauce is a top choice for quality.
• Chicken Broth – Creates a comforting broth; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Brightens the flavor and gives texture; fresh tomatoes can be a delightful swap.
• Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato essence; crucial for achieving that rich soup texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar and Sugar – Balance the acidity; adjust to your taste for perfect harmony.
• Dried Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley) – Imparts earthy notes; Italian seasoning works well here too.
• Fennel Seeds – Adds a unique taste; feel free to skip if it’s not to your liking.
• Bay Leaf – Essential for depth; remember to discard it after cooking.
For the Noodles and Creaminess
• Lasagna Noodles – Creates structure; break into pieces for easy eating. Gluten-free noodles work too!
• Cream – Infuses richness; omit for a lighter consistency if desired.
For the Topping
• Fresh Basil – Adds a burst of freshness; parsley can be used instead.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan – Brings creaminess and flavor; try provolone if you want a twist!
• Ricotta – The ultimate finishing touch, making your rich lasagna soup truly comforting.
Unleash your inner chef with this ingredient lineup, and get ready to savor every spoonful of your rich lasagna soup!
How to Make Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta
Brown Beef: In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat, and add ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Sauté Onion & Garlic: Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, roughly 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in your Italian sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, dried herbs, and bay leaf. Mix until well combined, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Simmer Base: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then let it simmer for 10 minutes to build flavor.
Cook Noodles: Break your lasagna noodles into manageable pieces and add them to the bubbling broth. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovering for 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
Finish Soup: Remove that bay leaf, then stir in the cream for a rich finish. Adjust the broth consistency with more broth or water if it’s too thick. Heat through until warmed, but don’t boil again.
Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top generously with dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Finish with fresh basil for a lovely garnish.
Optional: Drizzle with olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the soup base (without the noodles and cream) up to 3 days in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen. Simply cook the ground beef, sauté the vegetables, and combine all the sauce ingredients before refrigerating in an airtight container. For optimal taste, store the lasagna noodles separately to avoid mushiness. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, just reheat the base on the stovetop, add the broken noodles, and simmer until tender. Stir in the cream just before serving for that rich, comforting finish. With this prep, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal ready in no time!
What to Serve with Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta?
Warm your heart and table with delightful accompaniments as you savor each spoonful of your creamy lasagna soup.
Garlic Bread: The perfect crunchy companion, this classic side offers aromatic garlic flavor to scoop up rich soup goodness.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and savory Parmesan create a refreshing balance, complementing the hearty soup wonderfully.
Crusty Italian Bread: Its rustic crust and soft inner crumb are ideal for dipping into the decadent soup, making each bite more satisfying.
Roasted Vegetables: Brighten your meal with a medley of seasonal veggies; their natural sweetness contrasts beautifully against the savory flavors of the soup.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft, buttery, and cheesy, these biscuits serve as a delicious vehicle for the rich broth, making each dip a treat.
Wine Pairing: A light-bodied Chianti or a bright Pinot Grigio can elevate the meal, enhancing the Italian flavors and adding a touch of elegance.
Embrace this comforting spread to create a cozy dinner experience that everyone will love!
How to Store and Freeze Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta
Fridge: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze without the noodles for up to 3 months. This helps maintain the soup’s texture; add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
Noodle Storage: Consider storing cooked noodles separately if you plan on keeping leftovers, as this will prevent them from becoming mushy in the soup.
Expert Tips for Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta
- Broth Balance: Add chicken broth gradually to ensure the soup isn’t overly watery. Too much can dilute the rich flavors.
- Fat Matters: Drain excess fat from the cooked beef to keep the soup lighter and prevent a greasy finish.
- Cream Timing: Always stir in the cream after removing the pot from the heat. This prevents curdling and keeps it silky smooth.
- Noodle Storage: If making ahead, store noodles separately to avoid a mushy texture in leftovers. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap proteins in your Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta. Just remember to adjust seasonings accordingly!
Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful soup your own with these easy swaps and additions!
Gluten-Free Noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to enjoy this soup without gluten—everyone can indulge!
Give your soup the same comforting texture, while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty plant-based option.
You still get that satisfying savory goodness without losing flavor—perfect for veggie lovers!Creamy Vegan: Swap cream for coconut milk or cashew cream, and use a plant-based cheese as a topping.
This indulgent variant keeps the creaminess while making it suitable for vegan diets.Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and give a colorful twist!
These additions not only provide vibrant flavor but pack a nutrient punch, making your soup even heartier.Spicy Kick: Incorporate more red pepper flakes or fresh chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
Each spoonful will bring warmth and excitement, perfect for spice aficionados looking for zest!Herb Infusion: Mix ricotta with fresh herbs like thyme or chives before dolloping it on top.
Suddenly, your rich lasagna soup transforms into a garden of flavors that brighten each bite.Nutty Finish: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and unique texture.
That delightful crunch complements the creamy soup and takes your dish to a gourmet level!Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese blends, such as gouda or feta, in place of mozzarella and parmesan.
This small switch opens a world of flavor possibilities, making every bowl a delightful surprise!
Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Rich Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, look for ground beef that is bright red without any gray spots. Fresh herbs like basil should be vibrant and fragrant, while tomatoes should be firm and shiny. If using crushed tomatoes from a can, check for no dents and choose a reputable brand for quality. Always choose cream that is fresh, and keep an eye out for mozzarella and ricotta that are creamy and have a pleasant, mild aroma.
How should I store the leftover Rich Lasagna Soup?
Very! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness. If you anticipate not finishing it all, consider freezing portions to enjoy later.
Can I freeze Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta?
Certainly! To freeze, I recommend doing so without lasagna noodles for the best texture. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and it can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding fresh noodles at that time for perfect results.
What can I do if my soup turns out too thick?
If you find your soup is too thick after cooking, don’t worry! Simply add more chicken broth or a splash of water while stirring on low heat until you reach your desired consistency. You can do this while reheating to ensure each bowl remains rich yet pourable.
Are there any dietary considerations for Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta?
Yes! If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, consider this: Gluten-free noodles can easily replace regular lasagna noodles. For those lactose intolerant, you can swap regular cream and cheeses with lactose-free alternatives. Also, if serving to pets, ensure there are no onion or garlic remains as these can harm them.
Can I customize the ingredients in my Rich Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully customizable. You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to suit your taste buds. Adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini not only boosts nutrition but also enhances flavor and color. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings, such as mixing fresh herbs into your ricotta before dolloping, making every bowl unique!
Creamy Rich Lasagna Soup with Ricotta for Cozy Weeknights
Equipment
- - Large pot
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes omit for a milder soup
- 24 oz Italian Sauce such as Rao's
- 6 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sugar adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dried Herbs such as Basil, Oregano, Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Fennel Seeds optional
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf discard after cooking
For the Noodles and Creaminess
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles broken into pieces
- 1 cup Cream omit for a lighter consistency
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil for garnish
- 1 cup Mozzarella shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan grated
- 1 cup Ricotta for topping
Instructions
Steps
- In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat, and add ground beef. Cook until it's nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, roughly 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in your Italian sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, dried herbs, and bay leaf. Mix until well combined.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and stir occasionally, then let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces and add them to the bubbling broth. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf, then stir in the cream for a rich finish. Adjust the broth consistency with more broth or water if too thick.
- Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top generously with dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Finish with fresh basil for garnish.