A hearty, cozy, protein packed soup that tastes just like classic lasagna without the carbs! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Dietary Badges: High Protein | Low Carb | Keto Friendly
Ingredients
Soup Base
- Vegetable oil
- Italian sausage, ground
- Lean ground beef
- White onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato passata
- Chicken broth, low sodium
- Fennel seeds
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Cheese & Herbs
- Mozzarella, shredded
- Parmesan, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish (optional)
- Parmesan, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Cook the meat & aromatics
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil.
- Add Italian sausage, ground beef, and chopped onion. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned (7–8 minutes).
-
Add garlic
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Build the soup base
- Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato passata, and chicken broth.
- Add fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to combine.
-
Simmer
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
-
Add cheese & parsley
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley.
-
Serve & garnish
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.
Quick Tip: For extra cheesy flavor, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Browning the meat
- Browning the sausage and beef properly ensures rich flavor. Don’t rush—let the edges caramelize slightly.
Step 2: Garlic addition
- Garlic burns quickly; stir constantly for just 1 minute to release aroma without bitterness.
Step 3: Simmering the soup
- Simmer gently; a slow bubble is key to avoid scorching the tomato base.
Step 4: Stir in cheese
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling. Stir until creamy and smooth.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy depending on preference; turkey sausage works for leaner protein.
- Chicken broth: Low sodium preferred to control salt levels.
- Fennel seeds: Provide classic lasagna flavor; omit if unavailable.
- Cheese: Mozzarella can be replaced with provolone or fontina. Parmesan optional for dairy-free version.
Equipment Tip: A Dutch oven is ideal, but any large pot works fine.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Spicy version: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Vegetable boost: Add zucchini or spinach in the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Low-sodium: Use no-salt-added tomato products and broth.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread (low-carb keto bread if following keto).
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Dietary Highlights: High Protein | Low Carb | Gluten-Free | Keto-Friendly
Allergens: Contains dairy (cheese)
FAQs
Q: Can I use all ground beef instead of sausage?
- A: Yes, but sausage adds extra flavor. Add Italian seasoning for taste.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
- A: Replace meat with hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
Q: Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of passata?
- A: Yes, blend them for a smoother texture.
Q: How to prevent cheese from clumping?
- A: Remove from heat before stirring in cheese slowly.
Personal Notes
This Lasagna Soup was inspired by my love for comfort food during cold nights. It’s like eating lasagna without the carbs or fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. I love topping mine with extra parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan for that cozy, restaurant-style touch.
