Save It Lasagne Soup with Caramelized Onion Swirl brings all the nostalgia and comfort of traditional lasagne into a soul-soothing soup bowl. Layers of tomato-rich broth simmer with savory beef, tender noodles, and an irresistibly creamy ricotta-onion swirl that mimics melted lasagne cheese. It is a weeknight favorite when craving a hearty meal without assembling an entire casserole.
When a friend dropped by unexpectedly last fall, I made this soup on a whim and watched everyone scrape their bowls. Now it is my secret trick for warming up a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for richness and silky texture look for extra virgin with a green-gold tint
- Large onion: essential for depth in the base choose a firm bulb without dark spots
- Garlic cloves: providing warmth and aromatics fresh garlic gives the best punch
- Carrot and celery: classic mirepoix veggies that deepen and balance flavor select crisp stalks and bright carrots
- Ground beef: brings a hearty savor use freshly ground chuck for optimal flavor
- Dried oregano and basil: bring Italian flair make sure your dried herbs smell fragrant
- Crushed red pepper flakes: give gentle heat buy in small jars to keep them potent
- Tomato paste: adds umami and body look for deep red concentrate
- Canned crushed tomatoes: create a rich foundation opt for San Marzano if possible
- Beef or vegetable broth: forms the soup base homemade if you have it
- Lasagne noodles: provide that signature bite and chewyness select flat sheets and break by hand
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: amplify all flavors grind just before using
- Onions for the swirl: deliver sweet tang after caramelizing pick large yellow onions
- Unsalted butter: ensures nutty caramelization check for a creamy pale color
- Ricotta cheese: creamy and mild check labels for smooth and fresh ricotta
- Parmesan cheese: for sharpness and complexity purchase a wedge and grate yourself
- Fresh parsley: herbaceous finish go for flat-leaf if available
- Fresh basil or parsley: bright garnish adds final freshness
- Extra grated Parmesan: for serving because more cheese is always welcome
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Begin with heating olive oil in a large soup pot. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, stirring well. Keep the heat at medium to gently coax out their flavor. Let them soften for five to seven minutes until the onions are translucent but not browned. This slow approach lays a flavorful foundation.
- Infuse with Garlic:
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Stir often to avoid burning. This step heightens the soup’s warmth.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon. Allow the meat to spread out in the pot for even browning. Cook for six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains and edges start to caramelize. Drain excess fat for a lighter soup.
- Layer Herbs and Tomato Paste:
- Mix in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, and tomato paste. Keep stirring. Let this cook for about two minutes. You will notice the tomato paste deepen to a rusty red and the herbs becoming fragrant. This concentrates all the flavors.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and your broth of choice. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer then cover and let it cook for fifteen minutes. The broth will thicken as everything melds together. Stir now and then so nothing sticks at the bottom.
- Make Caramelized Onion Swirl:
- Meanwhile start the swirl in a wide skillet. Warm butter and olive oil together over medium heat and add the sliced onions with a small pinch of sugar. Stir to coat then let the onions cook for about twenty to twenty five minutes. Stir often and keep the heat as needed so onions soften and slowly turn golden and sweet not brown too fast. Season with a little salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly then mix with ricotta Parmesan and parsley in a medium bowl. Blend until creamy and set aside.
- Cook Noodles in Soup:
- Once the soup base has simmered add the broken lasagne noodles right to the pot. Simmer uncovered for ten to twelve minutes or until pasta is tender but still has a bite. If the soup is very thick at this stage add a splash of broth. Stir gently so noodles do not stick.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper as desired. The flavors should burst with savory sweet and tangy notes.
- Serve and Swirl:
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with a generous scoop of the caramelized onion swirl. Scatter with fresh basil or parsley and sprinkle extra Parmesan for an authentic finish.
Save It The caramelized onions are my favorite part because they remind me of Sunday suppers with my grandmother. She always said patience turns onions into magic. My family still talks about that savory cheese swirl whenever this soup is on the menu.
Storage Tips
Cool leftover soup completely before transferring into airtight containers. The soup keeps in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage freeze in single portions minus the swirl for up to three months. The onion swirl mixture can be stored separately in the fridge for two days and added when serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
To make this vegetarian swap ground beef for hearty lentils or your favorite plant based mince. Gluten free lasagne noodles work beautifully if needed. If out of ricotta try a mixture of softened cream cheese and a touch of Greek yogurt. Use pecorino instead of Parmesan for a sharper cheese kick.
Serving Suggestions
A crusty slice of toasted garlic bread or a light mixed salad rounds out the meal. Try a few dollops of swirl for extra cheesiness. Offer cracked black pepper and extra cheese at the table for custom toppings.
Cultural Roots of Lasagne Soup
This soup is a cozy riff on the beloved Italian lasagne, reinvented for easy weeknight comfort. By breaking up the pasta and swirling cheese right into the bowl, you get all the nostalgic flavors without hours of baking. Many Italian American families enjoy soup based versions as a hearty way to stretch beloved comfort foods in colder months.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in chopped kale or spinach right at the end for extra greens. Use fresh ripe tomatoes in late summer with a splash of balsamic. Try pumpkin puree for a fall twist to complement the onion swirl.
Save It A friend once declared this soup better than traditional baked lasagne after their second helping. It is now a hit at winter potlucks and family birthday dinners. Leftover soup makes the best next day lunches especially with a scoop of new swirl stirred in.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions for the swirl?
Cook sliced onions slowly with butter, olive oil, and a touch of sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until deep golden and sweet. Patience is key for full caramelization.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince, and use vegetable broth to create a meat-free version with great texture and flavor.
- → What’s the best type of noodles to use?
Broken lasagne noodles offer authentic texture, but any chunky pasta can work. For gluten-free needs, substitute with suitable pasta varieties.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool completely and store soup and onion-cheese swirl separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat gently when needed; add broth to adjust thickness.
- → How do I garnish each bowl?
Ladle the soup, add a spoonful of the onion swirl, and finish with fresh basil or parsley plus extra Parmesan for bright color and added flavor.
- → Can the onion swirl be made ahead?
Yes, prepare the caramelized onion swirl up to two days in advance. Refrigerate and stir well before serving for best freshness.