You want lasagna…
But you do not want to emotionally commit to the making of lasagna.
Enter lasagna soup, the lazy way to lasagna but without all those layers.... Scroll on for the full recipe!
.
.
.
.
.
Recipe: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed. Add the onion, garlic and diced vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato purée, oregano, basil, thyme, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop. Stir in the broken lasagna sheets and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add the spinach or kale and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with bocconcini. Let them soften into the warm soup, then sprinkle with fresh basil.
Lasagna soup is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic taste of lasagna without the time-consuming process of layering pasta, cheese, and sauce. In my experience, this recipe is not only simple but also very versatile. One tip I’ve found useful is to use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme—they really elevate the flavor profile and give the soup a vibrant taste. Using broken lasagna sheets instead of whole pasta sheets helps the pasta cook faster and evenly throughout the soup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. You can also customize the vegetables added to suit your preferences or what you have on hand; diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers are great options to increase the nutrition and add extra texture. For a richer taste, try browning the beef mince well and draining the excess fat to keep the soup hearty yet not greasy. Adding leafy greens like spinach or kale near the end of cooking adds a nutritious boost and a lovely fresh color. The finishing touch of bocconcini cheese melting into the hot soup offers a creamy, indulgent bite that perfectly balances the tomato-based broth. Sprinkling fresh basil on top just before serving adds an irresistible aroma and freshness. This recipe is a great example of a comforting, easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require emotional commitment or hours in the kitchen but still delivers on taste and satisfaction. It’s particularly wonderful for colder days or when you want a filling meal with minimal effort. For those looking to make it even quicker, preparing the stock and chopping vegetables in advance can save additional time.
