This Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup is a warm and hearty dish perfect for chilly nights! It’s loaded with zesty tomato sauce, tender pasta, and your favorite veggies, all without dairy.
What’s great is how easy it is to make—just throw everything in one pot! I love to top mine with fresh basil and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. Yum! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing veggies. You can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. Both give a nice flavor without overpowering the dish.
Ground Meat: I love using ground turkey for a lighter option, but plant-based ground meat is perfect for a vegan twist. It gives the same texture and absorbs the flavors well!
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work well, but you can use gluten-free noodles if you need to avoid gluten. Just check the cooking time as they may vary!
Dairy-Free Ricotta: For a creamy finish, you can use store-bought dairy-free ricotta or quickly make your own with soaked cashews blended until smooth. It adds a delicious richness!
How Do I Achieve the Best Flavor in My Soup?
To make this soup extra tasty, focus on building layers of flavor. Start by slowly sautéing your onions until they’re translucent, then add garlic for that fragrant kick. Brown the meat well to create a deeper flavor base before adding your herbs.
- Be patient when cooking the onions—about 4-5 minutes should do the trick!
- Always season as you go. A pinch of salt while cooking the meat helps enhance the flavor of the entire dish.
- Allow the broth and tomatoes to simmer together. This is where the flavors meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step!
Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (can substitute with plant-based ground meat for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth or beef broth (check for dairy-free)
- 4 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- Dairy-free ricotta or a dollop of dairy-free plain yogurt or cashew cream for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying this delicious soup in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Veggies:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step is key to building flavor!
2. Adding Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until it’s fragrant. This will help bring out the garlic’s beautiful aroma!
3. Browning the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef or turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s fully browned (about 6-8 minutes). If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it.
4. Stirring in the Spices:
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cook for another minute so the spices can release their flavors.
5. Mixing in Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour the crushed tomatoes and vegetable or beef broth into the pot. Stir everything together to combine well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Cooking the Pasta:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Let the soup simmer until the noodles are tender, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick.
7. Fresh Herbs for Taste:
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and optional basil. This adds a fresh pop of flavor!
8. Serving:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each one with a spoonful of dairy-free ricotta, yogurt, or cashew cream if you’d like. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can give it that cheesy flavor!
9. Garnishing:
Finish with a garnish of more fresh herbs and a few grinds of black pepper. It’s all about those finishing touches!
10. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of your Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup!
This soup captures all the delicious components of traditional lasagna without any dairy, making it perfect for those with sensitivities or anyone looking for a lighter comfort meal. Enjoy every flavorful spoonful!
Can I Substitute the Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based ground meat for a vegan option, or even try lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, flavorful alternative. Just ensure to adjust cooking times if necessary.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Use Instead of Nutritional Yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast, try adding a sprinkle of grated vegan cheese or a spoonful of tahini for a different flavor profile. Both add creaminess and richness to the soup!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just make sure to add the noodles right before serving to prevent them from getting mushy. Reheat on the stove until warmed through!
