Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you adore the rich, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but crave something quicker and cozier, then this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It captures all the luscious layers of lasagna in a hearty, spoonable form, paired perfectly with golden, cheesy garlic bread that’s ideal for dipping. Every bite is a warm hug, combining savory tomato broth, tender noodles, and gooey cheeses, delivering ultimate comfort in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe right starts with simple ingredients that come together in beautiful harmony. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and garlicky flavors, along with rich textures that make this soup irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the meat and aromatics.
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Offers hearty richness and a satisfying meaty texture.
- Onion (diced): Builds sweetness and depth from the very start.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses every spoonful with bold, aromatic punch.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, making the broth rich and vibrant.
- Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle heat to balance the cheesy richness.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The heart of the soup, creating a bright, tangy base.
- Beef broth: Deepens the umami flavor and thins the soup to perfect sipping consistency.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): Deliver pasta comfort in every mouthful without the fuss of layered assembly.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a soft, fresh flavor contrast.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
- Fresh basil (chopped, optional): A fragrant garnish that brightens every bowl.
- Baguette (sliced): For the perfect base to the cheesy garlic bread that accompanies the soup.
- Butter (softened): Creates a rich spread that helps toast the bread beautifully.
- Garlic (minced) for bread: Gives the bread that unforgettable garlicky aroma.
- Dried parsley: Adds a lively green hint and subtle herbiness to the garlic butter.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Build Flavor
Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until perfectly cooked through, around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for developing the rich foundation and savory notes of the soup. After draining any excess fat, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing gently until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes to build an intense, layered flavor base.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the soup thickens slightly. This step transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, soul-warming meal perfect for any day you need a cozy escape.
Step 3: Prepare Cheesy Garlic Bread
While the soup simmers, preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix softened butter with minced garlic and dried parsley in a small bowl for that classic garlic bread spread. Smear this flavorful butter generously over baguette slices, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden with irresistible little brown spots. This cheesy garlic bread is an essential partner to the soup, perfect for dunking or enjoying on the side.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle it into bowls and crown each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, additional shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add fresh basil as a delightful aromatic garnish, making each bowl look as good as it tastes. Serve alongside your freshly baked cheesy garlic bread for the ultimate comforting experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates luxurious creaminess and sharpness against the warm tomato broth. A few torn basil leaves lend a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish, making it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
While the soup and cheesy garlic bread are star players, a simple green side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette gives a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or a light antipasto plate also pair wonderfully if you’re looking to broaden the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini mason jars or rustic bread bowls to impress guests. You can even sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and briefly broil the bowls for a bubbly cheese crust that doubles down on the lasagna experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the cheesy garlic bread separate to maintain its crispness and reheat just before serving.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. However, the pasta may become softer after freezing, so consider undercooking noodles slightly before freezing to retain texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. Reheat cheesy garlic bread in the oven to restore crispness and melted cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The tomato and herb base still gives you all the comforting flavors without compromise.
What’s the best cheese to use for the soup?
Traditional ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses work perfectly together for texture and flavor. Mozzarella melts to a gooey delight, ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan brings a salty, nutty finish.
Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes, just break them into pieces and adjust cooking time. Since oven-ready noodles are thinner, keep an eye on doneness to avoid overcooking and turning mushy.
Is it possible to make the garlic bread dairy-free?
Definitely! Use dairy-free butter and a vegan cheese substitute to create a delicious cheesy garlic bread that fits any dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a mild heat that complements the richness nicely. You can adjust or omit them entirely depending on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe is a true winner when you want something warming, cheesy, and quick to make without losing any of the joy of classic lasagna. I promise once you try it, it will become your go-to comfort food for busy nights or when you need a cozy meal to curl up with. So grab your pot and baguette, and dive into this bowl of cheesy, garlicky happiness!
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty and satisfying soup. Featuring ground beef simmered with crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles, it’s topped with a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Served alongside cheesy garlic bread, this dish makes for a perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Cheesy Garlic Bread Ingredients
- 1 small baguette, sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to release their flavors into the mixture.
- Add Liquids and Noodles: Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then add broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until noodles are tender and the flavors meld together nicely.
- Prepare Garlic Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and dried parsley. Spread this mixture evenly over baguette slices, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake Garlic Bread: Place slices on a baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Finish Soup: Just before serving, stir salt and pepper to taste into the soup. Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a spoonful of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve: Serve the hot soup alongside the cheesy garlic bread for dipping or on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles broken into pieces to save time—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
