What happens when traditional lasagna meets soul-warming soup magic? You get Christmas Lasagna Soup, the ultimate Holiday Soup Recipe that transforms your favorite Italian comfort food into a hearty, ladleable masterpiece. This Festive Dinner Idea captures every beloved lasagna element, from rich meat sauce to creamy ricotta swirls, all nestled in a warming broth that screams Cozy Comfort Food.
Unlike regular pasta dishes, this Christmas Soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly simple techniques. Moreover, it serves eight generous portions, making it perfect for Family Christmas Dinner gatherings. The Cheesy Italian Soup combines ground beef, aromatic herbs, and three types of cheese into a bowl that feels like pure Holiday Comfort Food. Additionally, this Winter Soup Recipe can be prepared ahead, allowing busy hosts to focus on creating memorable moments rather than kitchen stress.
Ingredients
This Christmas Lasagna Soup requires fresh, high-quality ingredients that build layers of authentic Italian flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Holiday Soup Recipe.
Protein Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) or ground Italian sausage for extra spice
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced fresh
Tomato Foundation:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste for concentrated richness
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups water
Cheese Trio:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Seasonings:
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Substitution Options: Replace ground beef with turkey for lighter fare, or use vegetable broth with mushrooms for vegetarian versions. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly for dietary restrictions.
Timing
This Festive Dinner Idea requires strategic timing to achieve perfect results:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Notably, this timeline is 40% faster than traditional baked lasagna, which typically takes 90 minutes. Furthermore, active cooking time accounts for only 20 minutes, allowing multitasking during holiday meal preparation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic foundation sets the stage for your Christmas Soup.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until completely browned with no pink remaining. Meanwhile, season with salt and pepper. The meat should develop a light caramelization for maximum flavor depth.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste. Then, add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. The mixture should bubble gently as flavors begin to meld together.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in beef broth and water, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Subsequently, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the Holiday Comfort Food to develop rich, concentrated flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still have slight bite, as it will continue cooking in the hot broth.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove the pot from heat. In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese until smooth. Then, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta throughout the soup without stirring completely, creating beautiful white swirls. Finally, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the surface.
Nutritional Information
This Cheesy Italian Soup provides substantial nutrition per serving (serves 8):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 385 | 19% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 285mg | 28% |
The high protein content comes primarily from ground beef and three cheese varieties. Additionally, tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. The soup also delivers 25% of daily vitamin C needs and significant amounts of iron and zinc.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Winter Soup Recipe into a lighter version without sacrificing taste:
Protein Swaps: Use 93% lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce calories by 150 per serving. Alternatively, try plant-based ground meat for vegetarian options.
Cheese Modifications: Replace whole milk ricotta with part-skim versions and reduce mozzarella to ¾ cup. This change cuts 80 calories per serving while maintaining creamy texture.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking. These additions boost fiber content by 40% and add valuable micronutrients.
Sodium Reduction: Use low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes to decrease sodium content by 300mg per serving. Fresh herbs can replace some dried seasonings for brighter flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Family Christmas Dinner centerpiece with thoughtful accompaniments:
Bread Pairings: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread, garlic breadsticks, or rosemary focaccia. The bread helps absorb the rich, flavorful broth.
Salad Combinations: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh contrast to the hearty soup. Caesar salad also complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
Wine Selections: Chianti Classico or Sangiovese pair excellently with the tomato-based broth. For white wine lovers, Pinot Grigio offers crisp balance.
Garnish Ideas: Fresh basil leaves, extra grated Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil make elegant finishing touches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors when preparing this Cozy Comfort Food:
Overcooking Pasta: Add noodles during the final 15 minutes only. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid, creating thick, gluey texture.
Ricotta Temperature Issues: Always bring ricotta to room temperature before adding. Cold cheese can curdle when mixed with hot soup, creating unappetizing lumps.
Insufficient Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings after adding broth. Large soup quantities often require more salt and herbs than expected.
Skipping the Simmer: Allow the base to simmer fully before adding pasta. Rushed cooking results in underdeveloped flavors that taste flat and one-dimensional.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Properly stored Christmas Lasagna Soup maintains quality for several days:
Refrigerator Storage: Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. The soup keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
Freezer Guidelines: Freeze portions in individual containers for up to 3 months. However, note that pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing and reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add extra broth if the soup has thickened during storage.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the soup base without pasta up to 2 days ahead. Cook and add noodles just before serving for optimal texture.
Conclusion
This Christmas Lasagna Soup delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna in a warming, shareable format perfect for Holiday Soup Recipe collections. The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese swirls, and tender pasta creates a Festive Dinner Idea that satisfies both comfort food cravings and holiday entertaining needs.
Whether you’re serving this Winter Soup Recipe for Christmas Eve dinner or as a cozy weeknight meal, it promises to become a family favorite. The recipe’s flexibility allows for dietary modifications while maintaining its soul-warming appeal.
Ready to bring this Holiday Comfort Food to your table? Start by gathering your ingredients and prepare to create a Cheesy Italian Soup that will have everyone asking for seconds. Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your beautiful soup photos!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Christmas Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the meat and vegetables first, then transfer everything except pasta to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then add pasta during the final 30 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to break lasagna noodles?
A: Break dry noodles into 2-3 inch pieces by hand before adding to the soup. This size allows easy eating while maintaining the lasagna experience.
Q: Can I substitute different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Try cottage cheese instead of ricotta, or add provolone for extra flavor. Keep the total cheese amount similar for best results.
Q: How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
A: Keep extra broth handy and add as needed during cooking. The pasta will absorb liquid, so slight thinning is normal and expected.
Q: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, but store the pasta separately if possible. Cook fresh pasta in the reheated base for optimal texture and appearance.
Follow us on Facebook for fresh recipe ideas!
