– **Title**: High Protein Lasagna Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground turkey or lean beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz whole wheat or lentil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
– Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and ground turkey or beef. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped spinach or kale, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and spoon a dollop of the ricotta mixture on top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the soup.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty, protein-packed lasagna soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey or Lean Ground Beef: Both options are great for a hearty protein base. I lean towards ground turkey for a lighter option, but if you prefer beef, go for lean cuts to keep it healthier! Ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat are good substitutes too.
Onion and Garlic: A medium onion adds sweetness while minced garlic boosts flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch; just use about 1/4 teaspoon for every clove.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth enhances the soup’s depth. If you can’t find low-sodium, just adjust salt accordingly. Homemade broth is even better if you’ve got it!
Ricotta Cheese: I love using part-skim ricotta for creaminess without too much fat. If you need an alternative, cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese can provide similar creaminess.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles break easily, but you can use uncooked bowtie pasta or any other short pasta if you’re in a bind. Just adjust cooking times slightly.
How Do I Ensure the Noodles Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the noodles right is crucial for this soup. You want them tender, but not mushy! Here are a few tips:
- Break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces (about 2-3 inches). This makes them easier to handle in the soup.
- After adding noodles, keep the soup at a gentle simmer; too much boiling can overcook the pasta.
- Start checking the noodles for doneness after about 10 minutes, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
With these techniques, you’ll end up with a comforting soup that’s full of flavor and perfectly cooked noodles! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make High Protein Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious High Protein Lasagna Soup will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue to stir and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, you may want to drain it before moving to the next step.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a boil; this will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Add the Noodles:
Once boiling, drop in the broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat to medium-low, and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, and keep an eye on it until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
5. Finish Up the Soup:
When the noodles are just right, stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts and blends smoothly into the soup. Allow the soup to heat through for another couple of minutes to make sure it’s nice and warm.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and fresh chopped basil. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal that’s packed with protein!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat lasagna noodles for a healthier option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since whole wheat noodles might cook a bit differently. You might need to add an extra minute or two to ensure they’re tender.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a great substitute and will give you a similar creamy texture. You can blend it if you prefer a smoother consistency. Another option is to use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a similar richness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze the soup, keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning for best results, and feel free to adjust seasoning as needed!
