There is something truly comforting about a warm bowl of lasagna, but what if you could enjoy all that hearty, cheesy goodness in a cozy soup form without worrying about gluten or dairy? This Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need to satisfy those cravings. It combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic herbs with tender gluten-free pasta, all swimming in a luscious tomato and marinara broth. Plus, the dairy-free ricotta topping adds a creamy touch that brings everything together for a soul-warming meal that everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients that enhance each other perfectly. Each item brings a crucial element, whether it’s the savory depth from the meats, the brightness and color from tomatoes and herbs, or the satisfying texture from gluten-free pasta. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll gather for this delicious soup.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base for browning the meat and infusing subtle fruity notes.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory flavor and a meaty texture to the soup’s foundation.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a mildly spiced, aromatic richness that elevates every spoonful.
- 1/2 onion (diced 1/4-inch): Delivers sweetness and a slight crunch that balances the meatiness perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers an irresistible punch of aroma and a subtle kick to brighten the broth.
- 18 oz diced tomatoes: Choose a quality brand like Hunt’s for consistent texture and natural sweetness.
- 3.5 cups marinara sauce: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a slightly herbed, saucy depth.
- 5 cups chicken broth: Forms a savory, flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together seamlessly.
- 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to provide classic Italian aroma.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances acidity from the tomatoes.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity to the broth during simmering.
- 1 box gluten-free lasagna (broken into 1-inch pieces): Ensures the pasta cooks evenly and blends smoothly into the soup.
- Dairy-free ricotta cheese (Kite Hill almond milk ricotta): A creamy, plant-based finish that mimics traditional ricotta perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, lending fresh herbal brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (with casings removed) and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. This step is crucial since it builds the savory base flavor that will infuse the entire soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This layer of aroma enhances complexity and creates a flavor foundation for your broth.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Marinara, and Broth
Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Mix everything well to combine, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes so all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta
Break the gluten-free lasagna noodles into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the simmering soup. Cook until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, typically about 8-10 minutes depending on the brand. Keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of dairy-free ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. These finishing touches add creaminess and brightness to every spoonful of this comforting dish.
How to Serve Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must for adding a fresh burst of color and mild herbaceous flavor. The creamy dollop of dairy-free ricotta cheese not only mimics that classic lasagna finish but also adds luscious texture that ties everything together delightfully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a one-pot meal, but if you’d like to round it out, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy roasted vegetables. Gluten-free garlic bread or simple toasted baguette slices can also be a great accompaniment for dipping into that rich tomato broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls to highlight its hearty, comforting vibe. You can also layer the soup in clear glass mugs for a fun and elegant presentation, showing off the colorful pasta and vibrant herbs. For gatherings, consider a soup bar where guests can top their bowls with extra herbs, vegan parmesan, or gluten-free crackers for a customizable twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of flavors while preventing the noodles from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to undercook the gluten-free pasta slightly before freezing, as it can become mushy when reheated. Freeze the soup in portioned containers for easy future meals, and it will keep well for 2-3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick. For the best flavor and texture, avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the pasta tender.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great lean alternatives. Just make sure to season them well to get that robust flavor we love in this Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Is there a substitute for almond milk ricotta?
If almond milk ricotta isn’t available, any dairy-free ricotta-style cheese, such as cashew-based or coconut-based varieties, will work wonderfully to keep this recipe fully dairy-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the meats for plant-based sausage and beef crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This way, you can still enjoy the familiar comforting flavors with a vegan twist.
What brand of gluten-free pasta do you recommend?
We love pasta made from brown rice or millet because they hold up well in soups and have a nice texture. Just be sure to check the cooking time on the box as it can vary by brand.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe leans mild, especially if you use mild Italian sausage. However, you can always add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat if you like a spicier bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe is a game changer for anyone craving comfort food without compromise. It manages to capture all the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna in an easy, cozy soup form that’s both allergy-friendly and downright delicious. I can’t recommend it enough — so grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, satisfying happiness!
Print
Tasty Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Tasty Gluten Free and Dairy Free Lasagna Soup offers a rich and hearty Italian-inspired meal perfect for those avoiding gluten and dairy. Combining ground beef, Italian sausage, savory spices, and gluten-free lasagna noodles in a flavorful tomato broth, it delivers the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm and easy-to-make soup form.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, casings removed)
- 1/2 onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 18 oz diced tomatoes (preferably Hunt’s)
- 3.5 cups marinara sauce
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 box gluten-free lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
- Ricotta cheese (dairy-free option: Kite Hill almond milk ricotta)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown meats: In a large pot, heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound each of ground beef and Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon for even cooking.
- Sauté aromatics: Add 1/2 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and liquids: Stir in 18 ounces of diced tomatoes, 3.5 cups marinara sauce, and 5 cups chicken broth. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Season the soup: Add 2.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add gluten-free lasagna noodles: Break the gluten-free lasagna noodles into 1-inch pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
- Final touches: Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning with extra salt if needed. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of dairy-free ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness.
Notes
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to maintain the gluten-free nature of this soup.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute regular ricotta with Kite Hill almond milk ricotta or another plant-based ricotta.
- Breaking the noodles into small pieces helps mimic the texture of lasagna sheets in soup form.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly broth, but this will alter the diet classification.
- Adjust salt according to your broth’s sodium content.
