This Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with delicious tomatoes, fresh basil, and tender pasta, making every spoonful a treat.
Whenever I make this soup, my family can’t get enough! It’s so easy to whip up, and I love how it turns a classic lasagna into a cozy soup. Perfect with some bread on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing because of its flavor and health benefits. If you’re out, you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter, depending on your preference.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both bring delicious flavor. For a leaner option, choose turkey or chicken. You can skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version and replace it with mushrooms or lentils.
Crushed Tomatoes: These give the soup its base. Fresh tomatoes work too, especially in the summer. If you’re low on tomatoes, consider tomato sauce or puree, but taste for seasoning adjustments.
Fresh Basil: This is key for that classic lasagna flavor. If you can’t find fresh basil, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount since dried is more potent.
Lasagna Noodles: Use regular or whole wheat noodles. Gluten-free pasta works as a substitute, just adjust cooking times as needed.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor in your soup starts with sautéing the onions and garlic well. Take your time with it! This releases their natural sweetness. Don’t rush the simmering stage either; it helps all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
- Start with medium heat when cooking onions and sausage; this avoids burning.
- Add spices right after the garlic for maximum flavor release.
- Fresher ingredients (like basil) added at the end keep the flavor vibrant and bright.
With these tricks, your Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup will taste amazing every time!
Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious bowl of Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Base:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Now season your soup with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Mix well!
4. Let It Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to come together.
5. Cook the Noodles:
This is where the fun starts! Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Cook until they are al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. It’s time to take the pot off the heat!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls. For a delicious finish, top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. If you like, add a bit of fresh or shredded mozzarella on top for extra creaminess.
8. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot with your favorite bread for dipping!
Enjoy this hearty, comforting soup that captures the essence of traditional lasagna in every warm, delicious spoonful!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check cooking times, as gluten-free noodles may require a shorter or longer cooking time. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by replacing the ground meat with mushrooms, lentils, or even a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Just sauté the veggies until softened and follow the rest of the recipe as is!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember that the pasta may soften more upon reheating, so you can cook the noodles separately when you’re ready to eat and add them in fresh!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to sauté them with the onions for the best flavor and texture before adding in the liquids.