If you’re craving the comfort of classic lasagna combined with the convenience of a hearty soup, you are in for a treat with this Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe. This dish captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna but in a warm, cozy bowl that’s perfect for any day. What makes it truly special is the addition of Greek yogurt, which adds a silky creaminess without weighing down the broth. Every spoonful is a delightful mix of savory meat, tangy tomato, tender pasta, and creamy cheese that feels like a big hug from your favorite Italian dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in building depth, texture, and vibrant color in your soup. From the robust ground beef to the fresh herbs, you’ll see how simple components come together for an unforgettable meal.
- 1.25 lb ground beef: Using lean beef like Laura’s Lean helps keep the soup rich but not greasy.
- 28 oz marinara sauce: A high-quality marinara such as Rao’s Homemade brings real depth and authenticity.
- 14 oz diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh burst and subtle sweetness to complement the sauce.
- 1 large onion (diced): Sautéed onions create a flavorful base with a touch of sweetness and texture.
- 36 oz beef broth: The broth infuses the soup with savory, meaty richness and thins it to the perfect consistency.
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Builds on the fresh onion’s flavor for an extra punch.
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that sets the tone for authentic Italian taste.
- 1 tsp oregano: Adds a peppery, slightly bitter depth to balance the tomatoes.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smokiness that livens up the soup.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes: A little heat to give a gentle kick—adjust to your preference.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
- 12 sheets lasagna (broken into 2-inch pieces): These broken pieces cook in the soup just like noodles but with classic lasagna texture.
- 1.25 cup plain Greek yogurt: Fage Greek yogurt works great for adding creaminess without overpowering fat.
- 1.25 cup mozzarella: Melts beautifully to give gooey, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Dolloped on top for rich, creamy bursts.
- Fresh basil: Adds bright, fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
- Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, salty finish that perfectly complements the creamy elements.
How to Make Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the lean ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This browning step is crucial because it creates those yummy caramelized bits that build rich flavor. Remove excess grease if needed, then add the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Combine Sauces, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in your marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything into a hearty base. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently so all those herbs and spices can infuse the broth with robust taste.
Step 3: Add the Lasagna Pieces
Break the lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces and stir them directly into the simmering soup. This is what gives you that delightfully chewy pasta texture that reminds you of classic lasagna layers, only in soup form. Let it cook until the pasta pieces are tender, watching closely so they don’t overcook and become mushy.
Step 4: Stir in the Greek Yogurt and Cheeses
Turn off the heat and stir in the plain Greek yogurt along with the shredded mozzarella. The yogurt enriches the broth with creamy tang, while the mozzarella melts to add that signature cheesy pull. For an extra touch, ladle the soup into bowls and add spoonfuls of ricotta on top for creamy bursts in every spoonful.
How to Serve Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese are the perfect finishing touches. They brighten the flavors and add a lovely pop of color to your bowls. You can also add a drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes for extra pizzazz.
Side Dishes
A crusty Italian bread or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this soup, perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A simple mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinaigrette makes a nice fresh contrast without competing with the soup’s intense flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this rich lasagna soup in small soup crocks or even inside hollowed-out bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation. You could also layer it with extra cheese on top and briefly broil to get a bubbly, golden crust that mimics baked lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture, separating the pasta if you want to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, though keep in mind that the texture of the Greek yogurt might change slightly after thawing. To freeze, cool completely then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling or separating. Stir often and add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this soup. It won’t have quite the same richness as beef, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in this recipe?
If Greek yogurt isn’t your thing, you can try sour cream or mascarpone cheese for creamy tang, but Greek yogurt adds that perfect balance of richness without heaviness, making it a standout ingredient here.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The marinara and herbs will keep it deliciously flavorful.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, dried basil works too; however, fresh basil brings a bright freshness that really elevates the finished dish. Add dried herbs while cooking to develop flavor, and sprinkle fresh basil on top just before serving if you can.
Why is the cooking time so long?
The longer simmering in this Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe allows the flavors to meld deeply, and the pasta to cook perfectly while absorbing all those savory juices. The results are worth the wait for a rich, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more satisfying to eat. Its layers of flavor and comforting textures feel like a warm celebration of Italian classics in every bowl. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a special occasion in your dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
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Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Rich Lasagna Soup with Greek Yogurt transforms traditional lasagna flavors into a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring robust ground beef, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and classic Italian seasonings, this soup is enriched with broken lasagna noodles and topped with creamy Greek yogurt, mozzarella, ricotta, fresh basil, and parmesan for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1.25 lb ground beef (I use Laura’s Lean for less grease)
- 28 oz marinara sauce (I prefer Rao’s Homemade for more depth)
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 large onion (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 36 oz beef broth
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 12 sheets lasagna (broken into 2-inch pieces)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1.25 cup plain Greek yogurt (use Fage Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency)
- 1.25 cup shredded mozzarella
- Ricotta cheese (about 1/2 cup, to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease if desired.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 3 hours and 15 minutes (195 minutes) to allow flavors to meld and deepen.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: After simmering, add the broken lasagna sheets to the pot. Cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until noodles are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Yogurt Topping: In a small bowl, spoon the plain Greek yogurt to be used as a creamy topping, which adds a tangy richness to each serving.
- Assemble and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Dollop with Greek yogurt and spoon on shredded mozzarella and ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated parmesan for a beautifully layered and flavorful finish.
Notes
- Simmering the soup slowly for over 3 hours enriches the flavor; adapt cook time as per your schedule.
- Use broken lasagna sheets to mimic the texture of traditional lasagna in soup form.
- For a creamier soup, stir some of the ricotta into the broth before serving.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for different dietary preferences.
