This classic Lasagna Soup brings together centuries of culinary tradition with modern techniques to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
The harmonious balance of rich tomato broth and savory meats creates a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for your secret.
I discovered this recipe during my travels through Italy, where local chefs have perfected it through generations of careful refinement.
Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or hosting a special celebration, this Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup delivers impressive results with straightforward preparation.
The History and Cultural Significance
• High Protein Lasagna traces its origins to Ancient Rome, where it was originally created as a layered pasta dish.
• The dish evolved over decades as tomatoes were introduced to Europe, eventually becoming the beloved version we know today.
• In Italian culture, this dish traditionally appears at family gatherings, symbolizing warmth and comfort.
• While many variations exist across different regions, the authentic version maintains a rich, meaty sauce that sets it apart from imitations.
Recipe Overview
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Essential Equipment Guide
Large Pot: A large pot is crucial for making the soup base, allowing for even cooking of all ingredients. Alternatives include a Dutch oven or a stockpot. Look for one with a heavy bottom to prevent burning.
Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the soup, as it won’t scratch the pot and allows for better control. Plastic or silicone spatulas can work in a pinch. Choose one with a comfortable grip.
Ladle: A ladle is essential for serving the soup, ensuring even distribution of ingredients. A deep ladle with a pouring spout is best. Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic are good options.
Ingredients
For the Base
|
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | olive oil | for sautéing |
| 1 medium | onion | finely chopped |
| 3 cloves | garlic | minced |
| 1 pound | ground beef | adds protein and richness |
For the Soup
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 cups | chicken broth | provides savory base |
| 1 can (28 ounces) | crushed tomatoes | for depth of flavor |
| 2 tablespoons | tomato paste | enhances tomato flavor |
| 1 teaspoon | dried oregano | adds Italian flair |
| 1 teaspoon | dried basil | for earthy aroma |
| 1 cup | whole wheat lasagna noodles | broken into pieces |
Seasonings
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | salt | enhances overall taste |
| 1/2 teaspoon | black pepper | adds slight heat |
| 1/4 teaspoon | red pepper flakes | optional, for spice |
Toppings
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | ricotta cheese | for creaminess |
| 1/2 cup | parmesan cheese | freshly grated |
| 1/4 cup | fresh basil | chopped, for garnish |
Preparation Methods
Sautéing: Sautéing involves cooking ingredients quickly in a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. This technique helps to develop the flavors of the onion and garlic, forming a flavorful base for the soup. Ensure the oil is hot before adding ingredients to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
Simmering: Simmering is crucial for melding flavors together without boiling. It allows the soup to develop a rich taste. Keep the heat low and watch for small bubbles breaking the surface, adjusting as necessary to avoid a rolling boil.
Pasta Cooking in Soup: Cooking pasta directly in the soup allows it to absorb the flavors while thickening the broth. Monitor the pasta closely to prevent overcooking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by gathering all ingredients and measuring them out.
Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves.
Ensure the ground beef is thawed and ready for cooking.
Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, roughly an inch in size.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot with the onion and garlic.
Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over.
Ensure there are no pink spots remaining.
Drain excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
Step 4: Add Tomato Components
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste.
Mix well to combine with the beef and onion mixture.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated to avoid clumps.
Step 5: Incorporate Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the tomato mixture.
Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently.
Cover the pot, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This allows the flavors to deepen and marry together.
Step 7: Add Lasagna Noodles
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
Ensure they are submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
Cook for 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring an even distribution of noodles and beef.
Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Critical Timing and Temperature Guide
Sautéing: Sauté onions and garlic over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until onions are translucent, avoiding high heat to prevent burning.
Simmering: Maintain a low simmer for 15 minutes, with small bubbles breaking the surface, to develop flavor without boiling off the liquid.
Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta in the soup for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to ensure even cooking and avoiding mushy texture.
Pro Tips for High Protein Lasagna
• Ingredient Selection: Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh herbs to enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
• Preparation Secret: Toast the tomato paste briefly on the pot's surface to enhance its natural sweetness and depth before mixing.
• Temperature Management: Keep a consistent simmer for the broth to ensure flavors meld without boiling off too much liquid.
• Texture Enhancement: Stir the soup occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent noodles from clumping together.
• Flavor Layering: Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste too acidic, balancing the soup's overall flavor.
• Make-Ahead Strategies: Prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate. Add noodles and simmer before serving to preserve texture.
• Restaurant-Quality Finishing Touches: Use freshly grated parmesan for a richer taste and finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
• Equipment Optimization: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Texture Too Dense: This issue can be caused by overcooked pasta. To fix, ensure you add the pasta only in the last 10 minutes of cooking to maintain al dente texture.
• Flavors Unbalanced: If the soup is too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar. Taste frequently as you adjust to avoid over-sweetening.
• Soup Too Watery: Increase the heat slightly to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more tomato paste to thicken.
• Meat Clumping: Break the ground beef into small pieces as it cooks, stirring frequently to ensure even browning.
• Noodles Sticking Together: Stir the soup occasionally, especially after adding the noodles, to prevent them from clumping.
Variations and Regional Differences
• Neapolitan Style: This version uses fresh mozzarella and includes a splash of red wine in the broth for depth.
• Sicilian Variation: Incorporates eggplant and uses pecorino cheese instead of parmesan, reflecting local ingredients.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based protein source while retaining the rich flavor.
• Spicy Calabrian Twist: Adds Calabrian chili peppers for a spicier version, using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Food Science Behind the Recipe
• Maillard Reaction: Browning the beef creates deeper flavors through the Maillard reaction, essential for a rich taste.
• Gelatinization: Cooking pasta in the soup allows starches to gelatinize, thickening the broth and enhancing mouthfeel.
• Flavor Extraction: Simmering allows for maximum extraction of flavors from the herbs and spices into the broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake people make when preparing Lasagna Soup? Overcooking the pasta, which results in a mushy texture. Add the pasta toward the end of cooking.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but it's best to freeze without the pasta and add fresh when reheating to maintain texture.
How can I make this soup vegetarian? Substitute the ground beef with lentils or beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? Cottage cheese or a vegan alternative can be used for a similar creamy texture.
Why is my soup too acidic? The type of tomatoes used can affect acidity. Adding a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking? Stir the soup frequently after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
What's the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.
Serving and Presentation Guide
• Traditional Presentation: Serve in a rustic-style bowl topped with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh basil.
• Modern Plating: Use a shallow dish to highlight the colorful ingredients, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Family-Style: Serve in a large communal bowl with a ladle, allowing everyone to serve themselves and customize toppings.
• Garnish Options: Offer a variety of garnishes like chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and grated cheeses for personal preference.
Conclusion
This Easy High Protein Lasagna Soup offers a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.
With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it's a dish that will surely impress.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Italy from the comfort of your home.
