I Tried To Make Lasagna Soup. Amateur Cook Challenge and Review
I Tried To Make Lasagna Soup. Amateur Cook Challenge and Review is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by SJohnsonVoiceOvers on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $19.67 total, $3.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 32 oz Ground Turkey (2 x 16‑oz packages, 93% lean)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Onion (minced, about 1 medium onion)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp Fennel Seeds (lightly toasted)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 4 cup Unsalted Beef Broth (low sodium)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz, plain)
- 2 cans Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (whole container)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Parsley (fresh or pre‑packaged, chopped)
- 1 tbsp Basil (fresh, chopped (optional))
Instructions
Prep Aromatics and Spices
Finely mince the garlic, dice the onion, and lightly toast the fennel seeds in a dry skillet for 30 seconds. Measure out pepper, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Turkey
Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, fennel seeds, and smoked paprika. Cook until no pink remains, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the minced onion and garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Build the Soup Base
Transfer the turkey mixture to the large pot. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, and fire‑roasted diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a light boil.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Simmer and Adjust Seasoning
Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust with extra smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh basil as desired.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low
Add Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium
Prepare Ricotta Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Drop a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture on top and let it melt slightly before eating.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High Protein, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Nut-Free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Turkey: Ground Chicken, Ground Pork
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder
- Instead of Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Unsalted Beef Broth: Store‑bought broth, Homemade broth
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Regular pasta
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Parsley: Dried parsley
- Instead of Basil: Dried basil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning the ground turkey to mimic Italian sausage flavor
- Ensuring the soup reaches a light boil before adding noodles
- Breaking lasagna noodles into appropriate bite‑size pieces
- Cooking noodles to al dente without over‑softening
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast fennel seeds briefly to unlock their sweet, licorice flavor before adding to the turkey.
- Use fire‑roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky depth.
- Break the lasagna noodles before adding to ensure even cooking and prevent large sheets from clumping.
- A dollop of ricotta on top adds a cool, creamy contrast to the hot broth.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Add additional beef broth or water a quarter cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce cooking time by a minute or two, or add noodles later in the simmering stage.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, crushed red pepper, smoked paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze soup (without noodles) for up to 2 months; add fresh noodles when reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta‑Parmesan topping a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Soup can be made fully ahead; reheat gently and add fresh noodles if needed.
- Store broth and tomato components separately if you plan to freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Turkey Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
While traditional Italian cuisine does not feature a soup version of lasagna, Italian‑American home cooks have adapted the classic layered dish into a comforting soup, especially for colder months. It blends the hearty flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a one‑pot meal, reflecting the American tradition of turning beloved dishes into quick, family‑friendly versions.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian‑American cooking?
Some families use ground beef or pork instead of turkey, add mozzarella cubes, or swap beef broth for chicken broth. In the Midwest, you might find a version with spinach and ricotta, while Southern adaptations often include a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
How is Turkey Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically ladled into deep bowls, topped with a spoonful of ricotta‑Parmesan mixture, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Many serve it alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic knots to soak up the flavorful broth.
What occasions or celebrations is Turkey Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
This soup is popular during fall and winter gatherings, such as family game nights, Thanksgiving leftovers, or casual holiday parties, because it provides warmth and uses pantry staples that are often on hand.
What makes Turkey Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish captures the classic lasagna flavor profile—Italian sausage seasoning, tomato‑rich broth, and cheese—while offering a lighter protein option with turkey. The ricotta topping adds a creamy contrast that isn’t typical in standard soups, making it a standout comfort food.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Turkey Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include under‑seasoning the turkey, adding noodles before the broth reaches a boil (which can make them soggy), and overcooking the noodles so they turn mushy. Also, forgetting to taste and adjust the broth can leave the soup bland.
Why does this Turkey Lasagna Soup recipe use fennel seeds and crushed red pepper instead of pre‑made Italian sausage?
Fennel seeds provide the sweet, licorice note that defines Italian sausage, while crushed red pepper adds the desired heat. Using ground turkey allows a leaner base, and seasoning it yourself gives you control over spice level and salt content.
Can I make Turkey Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid. For longer storage, freeze without the noodles and add fresh broken noodles when reheating.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Turkey Lasagna Soup?
The broth should be a rich, reddish‑orange color with visible tomato pieces and herbs. The broken lasagna noodles should be tender yet still slightly firm (al dente). The ricotta topping should be creamy and spreadable, creating a white swirl on the surface.
What does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers specialize in?
The YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers focuses on experimental home cooking, often testing multiple recipes and providing candid, humorous commentary while showcasing the trial‑and‑error process of learning to cook.
How does the YouTube channel SJohnsonVoiceOvers' approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
SJohnsonVoiceOvers blends humor with honest, unpolished cooking attempts, often combining several recipe sources into one unique version. Unlike polished tutorial channels, this creator emphasizes learning from mistakes and encourages viewers to experiment rather than follow a perfect script.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
