I've Been Craving This Soup All Winter
I've Been Craving This Soup All Winter is a medium Italian recipe that serves 5. 540 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $21.40 total, $4.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (break into thirds; about 6‑8 noodles)
- 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean preferred)
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Oil (high smoke point for searing)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped; add at end to avoid burning)
- 4 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 Tbsp Beef Bouillon Powder (optional, adds umami)
- 1 Tbsp Italian Herb Paste (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
- 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes (1 can)
- 28 oz Tomato Sauce (1 can)
- 8 oz Whole‑Fat Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat for richness)
- 2.5 oz Boar's Head Garlic & Herb Cheese (half a pack, adds extra flavor)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (roughly chopped)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped; divided for garnish)
- 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (or salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 0.25 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 pinch Sugar (balances acidity)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep Fresh Herbs & Garlic
Remove basil stems, stack leaves, roll into a tight cylinder and slice thinly. Rough‑chop the parsley. Peel garlic cloves, crush with the flat side of the knife, then roughly chop.
Time: PT10M
Make Herbed Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl combine ricotta, crumbled Boar's Head garlic‑herb cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, half of the chopped basil and parsley, a pinch of all‑purpose seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix until uniform, then refrigerate until serving.
Time: PT5M
Sear Ground Beef
Heat avocado oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the 2 lb ground beef, breaking it up just enough to create a crust. Let it sit untouched for 2‑3 minutes, then stir to develop a deep brown color. Once browned, use a ladle to skim off excess fat, leaving a thin layer in the pot.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes until it begins to soften.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Season the Base
Stir in beef bouillon powder, all‑purpose seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian herb paste, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Garlic
Add the chopped garlic now (after the paste) to prevent burning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Deglaze with Beef Broth
Pour in 4 cups beef broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomato Products
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into thirds (about 6‑8 pieces) and add them to the soup. Simmer, uncovered, for 15‑20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: medium
Finish with Fresh Herbs & Balance Flavors
Stir in the remaining chopped basil and parsley, a pinch of sugar, and adjust salt, pepper, and extra bouillon if needed. Simmer another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Plate and Add Ricotta Dollops
Ladle soup into bowls. Using an ice‑cream scoop or 1/4‑cup measure, place a generous dollop of the chilled ricotta mixture on top of each bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 540
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Penne, Rigatoni
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Avocado Oil: Olive oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Beef Bouillon Powder: Beef stock cubes
- Instead of Italian Herb Paste: Dried Italian seasoning + olive oil
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato purée
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Marinara sauce
- Instead of Whole‑Fat Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Boar's Head Garlic & Herb Cheese: Cream cheese mixed with garlic powder
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: Simple salt & pepper
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Sugar: Honey (tiny drizzle)
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater
- Ice Cream Scoop or 1/4‑cup Measure (optional)
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sear the ground beef long enough to develop a crust.
- Add garlic after the paste to avoid burning.
- Deglaze with broth to capture all browned flavor.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Chill the ricotta mixture before adding as a topping.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use avocado oil for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles into thirds for bite‑size pieces that cook evenly.
- Add a pinch of sugar at the end to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after pasta cooks.
Stir in additional beef broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Add the broken lasagna noodles later, or use a shorter cooking time and test frequently.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust with more salt, a pinch more bouillon, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Ricotta topping is watery.
Drain the ricotta in a fine‑mesh sieve for 10‑15 minutes before mixing with the cheese blend.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store soup in airtight containers for 3‑4 days. Keep ricotta topping separate and add fresh before reheating.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without ricotta) in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat; add fresh ricotta when serving.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the herbed ricotta mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Soup reheats beautifully; store in individual portions for quick meals.
- If making a large batch, cool the soup quickly in an ice bath before refrigerating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern American adaptation that captures the classic flavors of traditional Italian lasagna—layers of meat, cheese, tomato, and herbs—into a comforting broth. It reflects the Italian tradition of turning beloved dishes into hearty soups for colder weather, especially in Italian‑American households.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
While there is no historic Italian "lasagna soup," regional lasagna styles (e.g., Bolognese from Emilia‑Romagna, Neapolitan with ricotta and mozzarella) inspire the soup’s ingredients. Some cooks substitute pork sausage for beef or add regional cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How is lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta or a swirl of mozzarella, and finished with fresh basil or parsley. A side of crusty bread or garlic toast is common to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna soup is popular during cold winter months, family gatherings, and holiday meals such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s celebrations, where a warm, filling dish is appreciated.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include ground beef (or pork), Italian tomato products, fresh basil and parsley, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for a leaner meat, canned diced tomatoes for crushed, and shredded cheese blends if specific cheeses are unavailable.
What other Italian dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Serve lasagna soup alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic focaccia, or a classic Caprese salad. A glass of Chianti or a light red wine complements the rich broth.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, adding garlic too early (it burns), not developing a crust on the ground beef, and forgetting to balance the acidity with a pinch of sugar. Following the critical steps prevents these issues.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe add garlic at the end instead of at the beginning?
Garlic burns quickly at high heat, turning bitter. Adding it after the tomato paste and herbs have cooked gives flavor without the risk of scorching, ensuring a sweet, aromatic note.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the soup (without the ricotta topping) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Keep the herbed ricotta separate and add a fresh dollop when reheating and serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done cooking?
The broth should be rich, slightly thickened, and glossy. The broken lasagna noodles should be al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. The cheese topping should be creamy and slightly melted on the surface.
How do I know when the lasagna soup is done cooking?
Taste a piece of pasta; it should be al dente. The broth should have a balanced flavor—savory, slightly sweet, and not overly acidic. A quick visual check for a glossy, slightly reduced sauce confirms it’s ready.
What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen focuses on practical, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that emphasize efficiency, meal‑prep friendliness, and approachable techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Mr. Make It Happen blends classic Italian flavors with modern convenience, often using one‑pot methods, quick ingredient swaps, and clear visual cues, whereas many traditional Italian channels may emphasize longer, multi‑step preparations and regional authenticity.
What other Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen known for?
The channel is known for recipes like Quick Chicken Parmesan, One‑Pot Spaghetti Bolognese, Creamy Risotto in 30 Minutes, and Easy Margherita Pizza with store‑bought dough.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
