After a long day filled with hustle and bustle, there’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm soup that embraces you like a cozy hug. When I first tried my hand at this Easy Ground Turkey Lasagna Soup, the alluring aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through my kitchen whisked me away to my favorite Italian eatery. This recipe is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna—it delivers all the comforting flavors you love without the fuss of ricotta.
With tender noodles, savory ground turkey, and fresh vegetables swimming in a rich, hearty broth, this dish is not just an easy weeknight meal; it’s an experience. The best part? Each bowl is fully customizable—add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs to lift your spirit, making this soup perfect for both family dinners and quick lunches. So, if you’re tired of the fast food grind and craving something wholesome, let’s dive into this deliciously simple soup that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why is Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta a must-try?
Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Crowd-pleaser: Bursting with rich flavors, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
Customizable: Whether you prefer a bit of spice or extra cheese, you can tailor each serving to your taste.
Healthy Twist: Featuring ground turkey offers a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
Comfort Food: It captures the essence of traditional lasagna, providing warmth and coziness in every spoonful.
Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Olive Oil – Use Bertolli Extra Virgin for the best flavor when sautéing.
• Onion – Diced medium for even cooking and a strong flavor foundation.
• Green Pepper – Diced into 1/2-inch pieces to add sweetness and crunch.
• Zucchini – Cut into 1/4-inch thick half-moons for texture and color.
• Garlic – Freshly minced recommended for aromatic depth and richness.
• Ground Turkey – The star protein; can substitute with ground beef or chicken for variety.
• Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to personal taste.
• Pepper – Use to provide mild heat; adjust to preference.
• Oregano – Dried oregano adds that classic Italian flavor for your soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Sprinkle for spice; omit if you prefer a milder soup.
For the Soup Liquid
• Marinara Sauce – Rao’s Homemade is recommended for a rich base flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes – Use canned with juice to enhance tanginess and texture.
• Chicken Stock – Unsalted varieties are best for controlled seasoning and depth.
• Water – Adjust the consistency to your liking.
For the Noodles
• Lasagna Noodles – Broken into 1-inch pieces for easy eating; cook separately for leftovers.
For Finishing Touches
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a richness and silkiness to the broth.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for better melting and a savory finish.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Use freshly shredded for a delightful topping that melts beautifully.
This Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta is both hearty and wholesome, ready to warm any chilly evening!
How to Make Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta
Heat Oil: Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and green pepper, sautéing until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Veggies: Toss in the zucchini, cooking until it softens slightly, around 3-4 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown Turkey: Push the veggies to the side and add ground turkey. Cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Season: Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the spices.
Combine Liquids: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, and water. Stir well, then bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles now, cooking for 12-15 minutes until they’re tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches: Stir in the unsalted butter, giving the soup a luxurious finish. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, topped with parmesan and mozzarella.
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta options are perfect for the busy home cook wanting to save time during the week! You can chop the vegetables (onion, green pepper, zucchini, and garlic) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cook the ground turkey and mix in the seasonings a day before serving; just refrigerate it in a separate container. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting soup, simply combine the prepared ingredients with the marinara, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, and broken noodles, then simmer until heated through. Following these steps ensures you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal on the table with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep noodles separate if you plan to reheat, as they can become mushy.
Freezer: Freeze without noodles in a sturdy container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the soup as needed.
Expert Tips for Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta
Noodle Timing: Don’t add noodles too early; this prevents them from becoming mushy and keeps your soup enjoyable.
Grease Control: Always drain excess fat after browning turkey to avoid a greasy soup, ensuring a lighter dish.
Flavor Depth: For the best flavor, brown the turkey well without constant stirring, allowing for caramelization that enhances taste.
Leftover Care: If you have leftovers, store noodles separately to maintain texture, and reheat gently to avoid mushiness.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your broth towards the end and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor for your Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta.
Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta Variations
Customize your delightful bowl of soup and transform this comforting dish into something uniquely yours with these fun variations.
Protein Swap: Replace ground turkey with ground beef, shredded chicken, or spicy Italian sausage for a flavor twist. Each option will lend a different essence to the soup, making it exciting every time!
Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles to enjoy this dish without worry. It’s a perfect way to cater to dietary preferences while still savoring the classic flavors.
Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition and a pop of color. The more, the merrier when it comes to nutrients!
Herbaceous Delight: Sprinkle fresh herbs such as basil or parsley on top before serving. This enhances both the aroma and the overall presentation, giving your soup a vibrant finish.
Cheesy Goodness: Double down on cheese by mixing in ricotta or goat cheese along with the mozzarella for a richer, creamier texture. It can elevate your dish to new heights of indulgence.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for an extra spicy experience. It’s perfect for those who love their food with some heat to ignite their taste buds!
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. This will add an extra layer of creaminess, making it feel decadent on chilly nights.
By taking these variations into account, you can ensure that your Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta feels fresh and exciting every time, perfectly suited to your taste!
What to Serve with Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta?
Pairing your soup with delightful sides can elevate your dinner experience into something truly special.
Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery texture complements the broth’s warmth while adding a delightful aroma to your meal. Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious soup!
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup, making it a welcome addition to your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized root vegetables add depth and further nutrition to your meal while enhancing the comforting flavors.
Parmesan Crisps: These crispy, cheesy bites are an excellent crunch addition that harmonizes beautifully with the flavors in your soup.
Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or a light-bodied red wine will enhance the Italian experience, bringing out the savory notes of the broth.
Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with a rich chocolate mousse, providing a luxurious conclusion that’s light yet decadent.
Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ground turkey for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ground turkey, look for a package that designates it as “lean” or “extra lean,” which typically contains 93% or 99% lean meat. This will keep your soup lighter and healthier. Be wary of meat with dark spots or a questionable smell, as these could indicate spoilage.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very good question! For storing your Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days. If you’ve cooked your noodles within the soup, I recommend separating them to retain their texture. Reheat gently for the best results!
Can I freeze this soup?
You sure can! To freeze your lasagna soup, it’s best to leave out the noodles if possible. Pour the cooled soup into a sturdy freezer container, then cover it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for a homestyle touch.
What if my soup is too thick?
No worries! If your soup ends up thicker than you like, simply add a splash of chicken stock or water while reheating. Stir gently until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about adjusting to your taste!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely, especially if you’re serving it to others. This recipe is naturally lower in fat because of the ground turkey, but if you’re cooking for someone with allergies, keep an eye out for ingredients like gluten in lasagna noodles and dairy in the cheese. You can easily swap in gluten-free noodles and dairy-free cheese for a variation that accommodates different dietary needs!
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
Very! If marinara sauce isn’t on hand, you can create a delightful substitute by blending canned tomatoes with herbs like basil, oregano, and a bit of garlic powder. This will give you a nice base for your soup while still delivering that comforting Italian flavor!
Simple Lasagna Soup No Ricotta: Cozy Comfort in Every Bowl
Equipment
- - Large pot
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Use Bertolli Extra Virgin for the best flavor.
- 1 medium Onion Diced.
- 1 medium Green Pepper Diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 1 medium Zucchini Cut into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.
- 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
- 1 lb Ground Turkey Can substitute with ground beef or chicken.
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to personal taste.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Adjust to preference.
- 1 tsp Oregano Dried.
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Sprinkle for spice.
For the Soup Liquid
- 24 oz Marinara Sauce Rao's Homemade recommended.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes Canned with juice.
- 4 cups Chicken Stock Unsalted.
- 2 cups Water Adjust the consistency to your liking.
For the Noodles
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles Broken into 1-inch pieces.
For Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter Adds richness.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Freshly shredded.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and green pepper, sautéing until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the zucchini, cooking until it softens slightly, around 3-4 minutes. Then, mix in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the veggies to the side and add ground turkey. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the spices.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, and water. Stir well, then bring to a boil before reducing to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles now, cooking for 12-15 minutes until they’re tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the unsalted butter, giving the soup a luxurious finish. Adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, topped with parmesan and mozzarella.