Ret Soup
Introduction
Lasagna Soup Extravaganza is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, hearty soup that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Ground beef: 450 grams
– Onion, chopped: 150 grams
– Garlic cloves, minced: 15 grams
– Italian seasoning: 5 grams
– Red pepper flakes: 1 gram
– Tomato paste: 60 grams
– Diced tomatoes: 400 grams
– Tomato sauce: 500 ml
– Beef broth: 1 liter
– Bay leaf: 1
– Mafalda pasta or broken lasagna noodles: 200 grams
– Ricotta cheese: 250 grams
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 100 grams
– Parmesan cheese, grated: 50 grams
– Fresh basil, chopped: 15 grams
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
6. In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Stir in the cooked pasta.
8. In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
9. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil.
10. Enjoy this comforting and hearty Lasagna Soup Extravaganza with your family and friends.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3
Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Step 4
Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 5
Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Step 6
In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 7
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard. Stir in the cooked pasta.
Step 8
In a bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 9
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil.
Step 10
Enjoy this comforting and hearty Lasagna Soup Extravaganza with your family and friends.
Notes
Note 1
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Note 2
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or omit it entirely and add more vegetables.
Note 3
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note 4
Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Note 5
Consider garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and fresh basil for enhanced flavor.
Storage Instructions
Lasagna Soup Extravaganza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup thickens upon refrigeration, simply add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to restore its desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty lasagna soup is perfect on its own but can be enhanced with a variety of side dishes. Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For added texture, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella or freshly grated Parmesan on top of the soup just before serving. Pair it with a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors of the dish and enjoy a cozy dining experience.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings), Lasagna Soup Extravaganza contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 30 grams
– Carbohydrates: 40 grams
– Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
– Sugars: 6 grams
– Fat: 20 grams
– Saturated Fat: 10 grams
– Sodium: 800 mg
These values may vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a healthier alternative, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. To make the dish vegetarian, substitute the meat with lentils or a mix of mushrooms and spinach. Whole wheat pasta can be used in place of the Mafalda or lasagna noodles for added fiber. For dairy-free options, try using cashew cheese or a plant-based cream to replace the ricotta and mozzarella. Adjust herbs and spices according to your personal preference for a customized flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Brown the Meat
Cooking the ground beef over medium heat until browned helps develop a rich flavor. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sautéing the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent enhances the base flavor of the soup. This step releases the natural sugars in the onion and infuses the soup with savory notes.
Building Flavor with Seasonings
Adding Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes while sautéing allows their essential oils to bloom, elevating the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Simmering for Depth
Bringing the combined tomato and broth mixture to a boil and then reducing it to a simmer enables all the ingredients to meld together. Simmering for about 20 minutes helps develop a deep, hearty flavor.
Cooking Pasta Separately
Cooking the pasta separately until al dente ensures that it maintains its texture. Adding it to the soup at the end prevents it from becoming mushy.
Creating the Cheese Mixture
Combining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a creamy topping that mimics the traditional layers of lasagna. This mixture adds richness to each serving.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs
Topping the soup with fresh basil not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the overall flavor, giving it a bright, fresh finish.
FAQ
Can I use different meats for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage to suit your preference.
Is there a vegetarian version of Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
What type of pasta can I use?
Mafalda pasta is ideal, but you can use any small pasta shape or broken pieces of lasagna noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Can I skip the cheese?
While the cheese adds creaminess and flavor, you can skip it or adjust it based on your dietary preferences.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and ensure the other ingredients, like broths and sauces, are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup Extravaganza is a heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the comforting essence of soup. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal meal for family gatherings or a cozy night in. By serving this delicious soup, you are bound to impress your loved ones while indulging in that classic Italian taste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Swap out the ground beef for a medley of seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious meatless option.
Spicy Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup
Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick, and add some diced peppers for added flavor and texture.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Substitute the beef broth with chicken broth and incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken. Use creamy Alfredo sauce in balance with diced tomatoes for a unique twist.
Seafood Lasagna Soup
Incorporate shrimp and scallops for a seafood rendition, adding herbs like dill and parsley for a refreshing taste that still honors Italian roots.
Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup
Add fresh spinach and ricotta cheese to create a cheesy, nutritious soup that is vibrant and full of flavor.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Prepare the soup in a slow cooker for an effortless meal. Combine all ingredients and let it cook on low for several hours for an even deeper flavor infusion.
