This Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty noodles, hearty veggies, and a rich tomato base, it’s sure to please everyone—even those who love cheese!
I’m a fan of how cozy this soup feels, especially on chilly days. It’s easy to make and freezes well, so you can enjoy it later. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I love ground turkey for this soup because it’s lean and easy to cook. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chicken or beef works great too! For a vegetarian option, try lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles make this recipe simple. If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles will work; just boil them first. Gluten-free options are available too, like rice or chickpea pasta!
Dairy-Free Ricotta: I like using dairy-free ricotta for a creamy topping. If you don’t have it, plain dairy-free yogurt or even avocado can add a nice richness. You could also try blended soaked cashews for a homemade touch.
What’s the Best Way to Enhance Flavor in the Soup?
The key to great flavor starts with sautéing the onions and garlic. This step builds a rich base for your soup. Be sure to cook the onions until they’re soft; it usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush the garlic; just a quick 30 seconds will do!
- Break up your ground meat well when cooking. This ensures even flavor and texture throughout.
- Season at different stages. Adding salt and herbs while cooking helps the flavors develop. Taste as you go!
- Let it simmer! After adding the broth and tomatoes, a good 10-minute simmer allows everything to meld beautifully.
Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or ground chicken or beef)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 6 ounces (about 2 cups) no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- Dairy-free ricotta or plain dairy-free yogurt for topping (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Time Needed
This cozy Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook—so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and slightly translucent—about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This step helps to build a delicious flavor base!
2. Cook the Meat
Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 6-8 minutes. If you’re using chicken or beef, the cooking time should be similar, just make sure it is fully cooked through.
3. Season the Soup
Next, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together well to ensure the herbs coat the meat and vegetables.
4. Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, and add the finely chopped carrots. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to a tasty soup!
6. Add Noodles and Spinach
Add the broken lasagna noodles and chopped spinach to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
7. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This is your chance to tailor the flavors just the way you like them!
8. Serve and Garnish
Serve your delicious Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup hot, topped with a dollop of dairy-free ricotta or plain dairy-free yogurt, if you like. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for a little burst of flavor and color.
9. Enjoy!
This hearty soup captures all the flavors of classic lasagna but in a warm, comforting bowl. Enjoy it with some toasted crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or beef, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I Use Regular Lasagna Noodles Instead of No-Boil?
Yes, you can! Just cook the regular lasagna noodles separately according to package instructions before adding them to the soup. No-boil noodles make it easier, as they cook right in the soup!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, or you can microwave it in short intervals until heated through.
Can This Soup Be Made Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer. If freezing, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
