Starter Farmhouse

Fall season is approaching quickly so I figured this would be a great time to upload a wonderful lasagna soup recipe.

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing better than warming up with a hearty and comforting bowl of lasagna soup. This delightful twist on the classic lasagna is perfect for those chilly fall evenings. Whether you’re a fan of traditional pasta or need a gluten-free option, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into this delicious, soul-warming meal!

Tips and Variations

• Gluten Free: Substitute the regular paste with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat and sausage alternatives.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to each bowl for a gooey, cheesy delight.
• Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth or water if needed.

Freezing For Later

This is a very easy and somewhat hands off meal prep item since is freezes well with the proper preparation.

• Boil Separately: Boiling the noodles separate from the soup base so they do not continue to cook while sitting in the boiling hot soup.
• Rinse Immediately: (If the noodles were boiled separately) Once cooked to your desired doneness, strain into a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Undercook: Be sure to not to fully cook the noodles or else them will be mushy and unpleasant upon reheating. I would advise cutting the cooking time short by approximately 2-3 minutes but keep the suggested boiling time in to consideration.
• Cooling: Let the soup cool completely before transferring into the storage container and sticking it in the freezer.

Recipe

Ingredients

• Meat & Vegetables:
  • 1 lb Lean ground beef
  • 1 lb Mild or hot Italian sausage
  • 1 cup Chopped onions
  • 2 Bell peppers, diced
  • 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced
  • 6 cloves of Garlic, minced or confit garlic
• Liquids & Cream:
  • 1/2 cup Heavy whipping cream
  • 10-12 cups Liquid (beef broth, chicken broth, or water)
• Pasta:
  • Pasta of choice (substitute with gluten-free noodles if desired)
• Seasonings:
  • 1 1/2 tsp Pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 1/2 tsp Basil
  • 2 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
   • Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
   • Stir in the minced garlic or confit garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Create the Soup Base:
   • Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well to combine.
   • Gradually add the liquid (beef broth, chicken broth, or water) to the pot, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Season the Soup:
   • Add the pepper, salt, basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasonings to taste.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • If using regular pasta, add it directly to the simmering soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • If using gluten-free noodles, cook them separately according to the package instructions, then add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
   • Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delicious lasagna soup.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting lasagna soup. It’s a perfect way to bring the cozy flavors of the season to your table. Enjoy!