This Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup is a warm and cozy dish filled with rich flavors. It has all the goodness of classic lasagna without the cheese, using creamy alternatives instead!
Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of slurping up lasagna? It’s like a hug in a bowl! I love to top mine with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor and color. 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef/Turkey: You can use ground beef or turkey for a hearty protein. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms to give a similar texture.
Broth: Dairy-free beef broth adds depth to the soup, but vegetable broth works well if you want a lighter flavor. Homemade broth can also be a great choice if you have the time!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes give a juicy base. You could substitute fresh tomatoes when in season. Just remember to peel them and chop before adding!
Dairy-Free Ricotta: The ricotta alternative is key for that creamy touch. If you don’t have access to a store-bought version, blended silken tofu can mimic the texture nicely.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for wilting into the soup, but feel free to swap in Swiss chard, kale, or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup?
To enhance the flavor of your soup, it’s essential to properly sauté the onions and garlic. This brings out their sweetness and aromatic qualities:
- Cook onions in oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Adding garlic after the onions are softened prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.
- Don’t rush the simmering process. Allow the flavors to meld for at least 10-15 minutes after adding your broth.
A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor profile if you like a little kick!
Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups dairy-free beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup dairy-free ricotta or cottage cheese alternative (e.g., almond or cashew based)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: Nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup will take about 15-20 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So in total, set aside approximately 45-50 minutes for the whole cooking process. Enjoy the delicious aromas filling your kitchen as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s completely browned. If there’s any excess fat, drain it out to keep the soup lean. This gives your soup a nice meaty base.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook these together until the onions are soft and translucent—this should take about 3-5 minutes. The garlic will add wonderful flavor!
3. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Next, mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well, letting those flavors combine.
4. Create the Soup Base:
Pour in your choice of dairy-free beef or vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the pot to a boil, and you’ll notice all the flavors starting to come together.
5. Add the Noodles:
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Incorporate the Spinach:
Finally, fold in the chopped fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts down—this should take about 2 minutes.
7. Serve it Up:
Dish out your soup into bowls, and add a generous spoonful of the dairy-free ricotta or cottage cheese alternative on top of each serving. It adds a creamy texture that makes this soup feel indulgent.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top with fresh basil leaves and, if you’d like, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or dairy-free parmesan for extra flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your comforting and delicious Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may cook a bit faster, so monitor the cooking time closely.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, and consider adding a bit more broth to loosen the consistency if needed!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely mix in other vegetables! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them up and add them along with the onions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
