– **Title**: Turkey Lasagna Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Stir in the spinach and let it wilt, about 2-3 minutes.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a spoonful of ricotta cheese to each bowl and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your hearty Turkey Lasagna Soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is perfect for this soup, giving it a lighter feel. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or beef can work well too, though beef will be richer.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth to the base. Yellow onions are my go-to here, but you can also use shallots or red onions for a milder taste.
Crushed Tomatoes: The crushed tomatoes form the heart of this dish. If you want a fresher taste, use canned whole tomatoes blended or fresh tomatoes blended in a food processor. You could even use tomato sauce in a pinch.
Lasagna Noodles: Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Broken fettuccine or even penne will work just fine!
Cheeses: I love the creaminess of ricotta with the Parmesan’s punch. If you’re watching fat intake, you can use low-fat versions, or substitute cottage cheese for a similar texture.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Ground Turkey?
Cooking ground turkey correctly is crucial to avoid it becoming dry. Ensure this step is handled with care! Start with a hot pan; this helps in browning the meat nicely.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Introduce minced garlic shortly after, just enough time to become fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, stirring often to break it apart. Cook until completely browned, about 5-7 minutes in total.
Don’t rush this step! Taking your time really helps keep the meat juicy. Plus, browning adds a great flavor base for the soup!
How to Make Turkey Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Turkey Lasagna Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll need about 35 minutes to have a delicious bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This is where the base flavor of your soup begins to develop!
2. Cooking the Turkey:
Next, add minced garlic and the ground turkey to the pot. Stir frequently, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces as it cooks. You want it to brown and be cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s no longer pink!
3. Adding the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a little spice), and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil; this will help all the flavors come together beautifully!
4. Cooking the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to keep everything mixed up and prevent sticking.
5. Preparing the Cheese Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a small bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This will make for a creamy and cheesy topping for your soup.
6. Serving the Soup:
When the noodles are soft and the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Add a generous dollop of your ricotta mixture to each bowl for a delightful creaminess.
7. Garnishing and Enjoying:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the soup for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your Turkey Lasagna Soup hot and enjoy every spoonful! Yum!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to add some heartiness to the dish.
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of Oven-Ready?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles, but make sure to break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. Additionally, you may want to simmer them for a few extra minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it thickens. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave out the ricotta topping until serving.
