Save It This bold lasagne soup packs all the layers of flavor you crave from the classic baked dish into one comforting bowl. Each spoonful delivers savory meat, tender pasta, melty cheese, and a vibrant kimchi crunch that takes everything to a new level of cozy and exciting.
I first made this when craving lasagne but short on time and oven space. Now everyone asks for that spicy topping on every soup I make.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or plant-based alternative: gives rich flavor and hearty protein Always choose lean beef for less grease or a highly seasoned plant-based meat for a great swap
- Italian sausage: offers depth and that signature herby savor Crumble your own from good links for brighter flavor than pre-ground
- Diced onion, carrot, and celery: lay down a sweet savory base Always dice veggies the same size so every bite cooks evenly
- Garlic: builds aroma Use fresh cloves and mince finely for that true Italian warmth
- Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste: give tangy sauciness and lush texture Always seek canned tomatoes with no added sugar for clean taste
- Beef or vegetable broth: carries all the flavors If using store-bought, choose the lowest-sodium option
- Fresh spinach: adds color and a gentle pop of greens Tender baby spinach works best just stirred in at the end
- Dried oregano and basil: evoke classic Italian soul Use good quality herbs for boldness
- Chili flakes: give subtle heat Only add if you love a gentle tingle
- Salt and black pepper: round it out Grind your pepper fresh for a peppery kick
- Lasagne noodles: bring the homey pasta feel Break regular sheets into rustic pieces
- Ricotta cheese: offers creaminess and contrast Look for smooth whole-milk ricotta for real silkiness
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: together add melt and rich flavor Grate cheese yourself for the best melt and depth
- Kimchi: creates the crunchy spicy topper Always use well-fermented, tangy kimchi for maximum flavor
- Sesame oil: delivers nuttiness Choose toasted dark sesame oil for the best effect
- Sesame seeds: lend crunch and aroma Toast them in a dry pan for maximum flavor
- Spring onions: brighten up each serving Choose crisp, vibrant green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- Heat a generous splash of olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat Give the ground beef and sausage plenty of space in the pot Cook them slowly while breaking up the meat continuously Let them turn richly brown all over which gives your soup a deep savory base This usually takes five full minutes and patience pays off
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Add onion garlic carrot and celery When they hit the pot listen for that sizzle Stir everything together and keep it all moving Slowly cook for five to seven minutes until all vegetables are tender and the onions are beginning to go golden This is where your soup’s sweetness and depth come from
- Layer in the Seasonings:
- Next stir in the tomato paste dried oregano dried basil chili flakes salt and black pepper Cook this for one minute only This step wakes up the seasonings and makes the tomato paste lose any raw taste You will smell all the aromatics coming alive
- Add Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth Stir everything up before you bring it all to a strong boil The bubbling helps the flavors start blending together Then turn the heat down to a gentle simmer so your soup does not evaporate too much
- Simmer with Pasta:
- Add your broken lasagne noodles now Stir them to separate so they do not stick together Simmer for about ten to twelve minutes Only stir occasionally Check the noodles are just al dente and not mushy
- Stir in Spinach:
- Gently fold in the fresh spinach and let it simmer for two minutes only The spinach should wilt but stay vibrant green Taste and add more salt if needed
- Make Kimchi Crunch:
- While the soup simmers heat sesame oil in a separate skillet over medium high heat Toss in the chopped kimchi and let it cook three to four minutes Stir only once or twice so it crisps a bit Add the sesame seeds at the end and turn off heat The smell will be nutty and sharp
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle hot soup into big bowls For every serving add a good spoonful of ricotta then shower over mozzarella and Parmesan Spoon a big heap of kimchi crunch on top to wake the whole dish up Fresh spring onions give a crisp finish right before eating
Save It Kimchi is my secret weapon here Its tangy crunch brings the whole dish alive I remember the first time the aroma hit my kitchen and my family flocked in before it was even ladled out
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool fully before sealing in airtight containers This soup keeps in the fridge three days and tastes even better on day two Reheat over gentle heat on the stove or in the microwave Stir well and add a splash of broth to refresh the texture
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian version swap the meat for lentils or plant based sausage with vegetable broth Use gluten free lasagne noodles if you are sensitive Feel free to use kale or chard if spinach is out of season or you want a stronger green Ricotta can be swapped for creamy cottage cheese if needed
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crusty skillet bread for dunking or a green salad for something light and fresh on the side Pair with a crisp white wine for a dinner party feel Even kids seem to love the comfort of this soup with garlic bread
Cultural and Historical Context
This recipe is a true fusion It combines Italian American lasagne traditions with the bold pickled punch of Korean kimchi Lasagne soup is a well loved shortcut comforting pasta lovers for years while kimchi topping brings genuine new contrast That spark of heat and tang is a nod to the way both cultures love big flavors and shared tables
Seasonal Adaptations
Use baby kale in winter for extra heartiness Add fresh tomatoes in summer for a lighter soup Top with chive blossoms or wild garlic when in season for a burst of spring green
Save It This soup brings comfort and surprise together with every spoonful. Kimchi crunch makes it special for both weeknights and gatherings alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What meats can be used in this soup?
Traditional ground beef and Italian sausage work well. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based meat or lentils.
- → How is the kimchi crunch prepared?
Kimchi is sautéed in sesame oil until crispy, then tossed with sesame seeds and spring onions for texture and flavor.
- → What type of noodles are best?
Broken lasagne noodles are ideal for bite-sized pieces that mimic classic pasta sheets in the soup.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, increase or decrease chili flakes and kimchi quantity to suit your taste for heat and tanginess.
- → What cheeses complement this dish?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan add creaminess and a savory finish to each serving.
- → Are there allergen concerns?
The soup contains milk (cheese), wheat (noodles), sesame (kimchi crunch), and possibly soy or fish from kimchi.