Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef, browned, drained
- 1 lb Italian sausage, browned, drained
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 large can (28 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 small jar mushrooms, drained (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) any spaghetti sauce
- 1 box (32 oz) beef stock
- Olde Thompson Pinch of Rome Italian seasoning, 2-4 tbsp
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Lasagna Noodles:
- 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For Serving:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Garlic bread
Instructions:
Soup Preparation:
- In a large pot or crockpot, combine the browned and drained ground beef and Italian sausage.
- Add chopped onion, red pepper, diced tomatoes, drained mushrooms (if using), spaghetti sauce, and beef stock.
- Season with Olde Thompson Pinch of Rome Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Allow the soup to simmer. If using a crockpot, set it on low for 4-6 hours. If using a stovetop, simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Lasagna Noodles:
- About 1 hour before serving, add broken pieces of oven-ready lasagna noodles to the simmering soup.
- Allow the noodles to soften and cook until al dente.
Serve:
- Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
- Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with warm garlic bread on the side.
Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread! Feel free to adjust the seasoning and noodle quantity based on your preference. It’s a comforting and delicious meal that brings the flavors of lasagna to a warm and hearty soup.
Here are some helpful tips to make your Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread even more delightful:
- Homemade Garlic Bread: Consider making your own garlic bread for an extra special touch. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread it on sliced baguette or Italian bread and toast until golden brown.
- Variety of Italian Cheeses: Experiment with a variety of Italian cheeses for the topping. Pecorino Romano or Parmesan can add a distinct and savory flavor.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: Add a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness and a pop of color.
- Squeeze of Lemon: Enhance the soup’s brightness with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. It adds a subtle citrusy note.
- Extra Vegetables: Boost the veggie content by adding spinach, zucchini, or kale to the soup. These vegetables complement the flavors and add nutritional value.
- Italian Sausage Varieties: Try using different varieties of Italian sausage, such as spicy or sweet, to tailor the level of heat in the soup.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the soup base ahead of time and add the lasagna noodles about 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld for a more developed taste.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: If using a slow cooker, let the soup simmer on low for an extended period. The longer cooking time enhances the depth of flavors.
- Grated Nutmeg: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the soup. It’s a secret ingredient that complements the richness of the dish.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the soup just before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor addition.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: For added crunch, toast a handful of pine nuts and sprinkle them on top of the soup.
- Ricotta Herb Mixture: Mix the ricotta cheese with chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or chives before dolloping it onto the soup. This adds an herby kick to each bite.
- Homemade Beef Stock: If time allows, use homemade beef stock for a richer and more robust flavor. You can also mix store-bought stock with a small amount of beef broth for depth.
- Individual Garlic Bread Servings: Instead of serving whole slices of garlic bread, consider cutting them into smaller pieces for easy dipping into the soup.
Feel free to tailor these tips based on your preferences, and enjoy creating a delightful Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread!
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers related to the Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread recipe:
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones? Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but be sure to cook them separately according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup.
- How long does it take for the lasagna noodles to soften in the soup? The oven-ready lasagna noodles usually take about 1 hour to soften in the simmering soup.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add the noodles about 1 hour before serving.
- What can I substitute for Italian sausage? You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or a mix of both as a substitute for Italian sausage.
- Can I freeze the Lasagna Soup? It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. When reheating, add freshly cooked noodles to maintain their texture.
- What type of bread is best for garlic bread? Italian bread or a baguette works well for garlic bread. You can also use a rustic country loaf.
- How can I make the soup less spicy? Choose mild Italian sausage or omit the red pepper flakes from the recipe to reduce the spice level.
- What other cheeses can I use for topping besides mozzarella and ricotta? Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well for topping the soup.
- Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock? Yes, you can substitute vegetable stock for beef stock if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but be sure to peel and dice them before adding to the soup.
- Is the Pinch of Rome Italian seasoning necessary? No, you can use your favorite Italian seasoning blend or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- What sides go well with Lasagna Soup? Aside from garlic bread, a side salad or roasted vegetables complement the soup nicely.
- Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat, sauté the vegetables, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and follow the remaining steps.
Feel free to customize these answers based on your preferences and any modifications you make to the recipe!
Achieving the perfect Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread involves some secrets and techniques to enhance flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make your dish outstanding:
- Slow and Low Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer slowly to let the flavors meld. This helps develop a rich and savory base for the soup.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes, sausage, and beef stock. This contributes to a more flavorful and delicious soup.
- Homemade Beef Stock: If time permits, make your own beef stock for a robust and hearty flavor. It can elevate the overall taste of the soup.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Grate your cheese just before serving for optimal meltiness. Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan create a more luxurious texture.
- Layered Cheese Toppings: When serving, layer the shredded mozzarella on top of the soup and add a dollop of ricotta cheese. The combination of melted and creamy textures is divine.
- Garlic Bread Variation: Experiment with different types of garlic bread. You can use a baguette, ciabatta, or even make garlic knots for a fun twist.
- Herb-Infused Garlic Butter: Enhance the garlic bread by infusing the butter with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. It adds a burst of freshness.
- Balance the Acidity: If the soup is too acidic, balance it with a pinch of sugar. This helps round out the flavors without making it overly sweet.
- Customized Italian Seasoning: Create a customized Italian seasoning blend by combining dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a hint of rosemary. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
- Fresh Basil Garnish: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil just before serving. It adds a fragrant and bright note to the dish.
- Balsamic Reduction Drizzle: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the soup for a tangy and slightly sweet element. It complements the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Garlic Cloves: Roast whole garlic cloves and add them to the soup for a mellow and caramelized garlic flavor.
- Wine Infusion: Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the meat. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Small Batch Ricotta Mix-ins: Mix the ricotta with a bit of salt, pepper, and chopped herbs before adding spoonfuls to the soup. This gives the ricotta a seasoned and savory quality.
Remember to adjust these tips based on your preferences, and enjoy crafting the perfect Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread!
