Introduction
Craving a warm, comforting meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your soul? Look no further than Cheesy Lasagna Soup! This hearty and flavorful dish is a twist on the classic lasagna, featuring all your favorite Italian ingredients in a creamy, cheesy broth.
Imagine this: a rich tomato base infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, simmered with tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting soup is the perfect solution for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Ingredients
Jump to Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cheesy Lasagna Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups water
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil, undrained
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 cups uncooked mafalda pasta (mini-lasagna noodles)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Italian style croutons
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Get ready to create a symphony of flavors in your kitchen!
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
- Build the Base: Stir in the water, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato paste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pasta Time: Add the uncooked mafalda pasta to the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning and pepper. Continue to simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Broil to Perfection: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the hot soup into 6 oven-safe bowls or casseroles. Top each bowl with 1/4 cup of Italian style croutons. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cheesy Finish: Broil the soup for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This creates a beautiful, gooey crust that adds another dimension to the soup.
Extra Information
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot while simmering.
- Customize your pasta: You can use other types of pasta like penne or even small shells.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of chopped mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Storage: Leftover Cheesy Lasagna Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions:
This soup is perfect served with a side of crusty bread for dipping. For a more complete meal, pair it with a simple salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe serves 6 people.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 25g
Note: This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Common Questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes without garlic and olive oil? Yes, you can use plain diced tomatoes, but you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil and a clove of minced garlic to enhance the flavor.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? You can certainly make the soup base ahead of time, but it’s best to add the pasta right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback!
Source: food.com