Campbell Lasagna Soup Recipe

Ah, comfort food-there’s something about a hearty, soul-warming bowl of soup that hits just right. When you think of lasagna, you usually picture a cheesy, meaty dish baked to golden perfection, right? But what if I told you that you could take the same rich flavors of lasagna and turn it into a soul-satisfying soup? Enter Campbell Lasagna Soup-a twist on a beloved classic that’s not only quick and easy to make, but also perfectly suited for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or even meal prep.

Imagine all the elements that make lasagna irresistible: layers of seasoned meat, gooey cheese, savory marinara sauce, and soft pasta-now all in a steaming bowl of soup! With a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that warms you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something comforting, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Let’s dive into the magic that is Campbell Lasagna Soup, shall we?

Campbell Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Campbell Lasagna Soup takes the essence of lasagna and infuses it into a comforting, flavorful soup. It’s simple to make and filled with all the delicious layers of the classic dish, but without the need for hours of preparation or baking.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this hearty, cheesy, and meaty soup:

Ingredients Needed

  • Ground beef or ground turkey: The foundation for your protein-packed soup. Ground beef gives a rich, savory flavor, but you can switch it up with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Italian sausage (optional): Adding a bit of sausage gives the soup a zesty, flavorful kick. If you’re not a fan, you can stick with just the ground beef or turkey.
  • Yellow onion: Finely chopped, it provides a savory base for your soup.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic, minced. Nothing beats the aromatic depth that garlic adds to a dish.
  • Tomato paste: It gives the soup a concentrated, umami-packed tomato flavor.
  • Canned crushed tomatoes: The heart of your tomato base-rich and tangy.
  • Beef broth (or chicken broth): For that savory depth and to create the soup’s liquid base.
  • Dried oregano: A key herb for Italian dishes-it’s a staple in any lasagna flavor profile.
  • Dried basil: Another classic Italian herb that brings a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
  • Lasagna noodles: Broken into smaller pieces, these become the perfect pasta for your soup.
  • Ricotta cheese: For that creamy, cheesy element that makes lasagna so irresistibly indulgent.
  • Mozzarella cheese: This will melt into the soup and give it that ooey-gooey texture.
  • Parmesan cheese: A sprinkling of this brings in a nutty, salty bite that rounds out the cheese blend.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to bring this comforting soup to life, step by step:

  1. Brown The Meat

    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the ground beef (and optional sausage) to the pot. Use a spatula to break it apart, cooking until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Onion And Garlic

    • To the browned meat, add your finely chopped onion. Stir it around for a couple of minutes until softened and fragrant.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and aromatic.
  3. Stir In Tomato Paste And Tomatoes

    • Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute or two. This allows the paste to deepen in flavor before adding the canned crushed tomatoes.
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir everything together.
  4. Add The Broth And Seasoning

    • Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth), and then add in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a boil.
  5. Add Lasagna Noodles

    • Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and drop them into the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to low and let the noodles cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
  6. Make The Cheesy Mixture

    • While the soup is simmering, in a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This will create a creamy, cheesy blend that mirrors the layers of lasagna.
  7. Finish The Soup

    • Once the noodles are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesy mixture into the soup, stirring gently to let the cheese melt into the broth.
  8. Serve And Enjoy

    • Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring you get a good mix of meat, pasta, and broth. Top with additional shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh basil or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into a few key ingredients that make this soup so amazing:

  • Ground Beef/Turkey: This is your primary source of protein and flavor. Ground beef provides a rich, hearty taste, while ground turkey gives a leaner option with a more subtle flavor.
  • Italian Sausage: Adding sausage gives the soup an extra layer of flavor with spices like fennel and paprika. If you use spicy sausage, you’ll get a delightful heat that balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Tomato Paste & Crushed Tomatoes: These two pantry staples are essential in providing the soup with that deep, tangy tomato flavor that we associate with lasagna. Tomato paste is more concentrated, so it deepens the soup’s overall taste, while crushed tomatoes contribute a lighter, fresher note.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces allows them to cook quickly in the soup, but still retain that characteristic chewy, comforting texture. The noodles soak up all the flavors of the soup, making every bite an explosion of taste.
  • Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan: These three cheeses combine to create that signature lasagna texture. Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella gives melt-in-your-mouth gooeyness, and Parmesan brings a salty, nutty bite that’s just the right finishing touch.

Expert Tips

  • Sauté the garlic and onion until soft: Don’t rush this step. The more you cook the onion and garlic, the deeper the flavor they bring to the soup.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles: Lasagna noodles can turn mushy if cooked for too long in the soup. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness before they lose their texture.
  • Use quality broth: Since broth is a base for the soup, using a good quality beef or chicken broth will elevate the overall taste. Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works just fine.
  • Top with fresh basil: A bit of freshly chopped basil on top of each serving brings a burst of brightness and freshness that cuts through the richness of the soup.
  • Let it rest: If you have time, let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken up slightly.

Recipe Variations

One of the beautiful things about this soup is its versatility! You can customize it to fit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ways to mix it up:

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and load up on vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms. You can add extra protein with lentils or a plant-based sausage alternative.
  • Add More Heat: If you love a little spice, add some red pepper flakes to the broth or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
  • Swap the Cheese: If ricotta isn’t your favorite, try cottage cheese or mascarpone for a different texture. You can even use dairy-free cheese options if you’re following a plant-based diet.
  • Add a Side of Bread: Serve this soup with crusty bread for dipping or toasted garlic bread for the ultimate lasagna-like experience.

Final Words

This Campbell Lasagna Soup is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. It brings all the familiar flavors of lasagna into a cozy, one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or keeping it all to yourself, it’s a meal that’s hard to resist. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day!

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