Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free) Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious twist on a classic, you will adore this Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free). It brings all the cozy, rich flavors of traditional lasagna but in a warm, bowl-ready format that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of savory ground meats, a robust marinara base, tender gluten free noodles, and fresh spinach creates a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s completely dairy free without sacrificing that indulgent taste you crave. Ready to dive in and discover your new favorite soup recipe?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward making this heartwarming dish. Each one plays a key role, from building depth of flavor to enhancing texture and color, resulting in a soup that’s as satisfying as it looks.
- Olive oil: This adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a fragrant base.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory meatiness to the soup.
- Ground Italian pork: Adds extra flavor and a tender texture, boosting the meaty goodness.
- Small onion (chopped): Delivers a natural sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for that classic savory kick and aromatic punch.
- Marinara sauce: The rich tomato foundation that brings authentic Italian flavor; Rao’s is a great choice for quality.
- Diced tomatoes (with liquid): Adds a fresh tomato texture and bright acidity.
- Low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful, savory liquid that keeps the soup hearty but not salty.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the Italian vibes with herbs like basil and oregano.
- Sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors; adjust to your liking.
- Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a touch of spice to awaken the palate.
- Spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients without overpowering the dish.
- Gluten free lasagna noodles (broken in half): The star of the soup, delivering hearty bites that soak up all the savory broth.
How to Make Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free)
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma. This step is key as it creates the flavor foundation. Next, toss in the ground beef and Italian pork, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Once ready, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes along with their juices, and the chicken broth for a perfect balance of richness and lightness. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Stir everything together well, then increase the heat to bring the soup to a lively rolling boil. This bubbling moment is when everything begins to blend beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Gluten Free Noodles
Once boiling, add the broken gluten free lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, letting the noodles cook and soak up all the delicious flavors. Be sure to stir frequently during this time to keep the noodles from sticking together. After about 15 minutes, check for tender noodles that are cooked perfectly but not mushy.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Spinach
Right before serving, toss in the fresh spinach. It will quickly wilt, adding vibrant green color and a lovely freshness to the soup. Give the soup one final taste, adjusting seasoning or adding more broth if you want a thinner consistency. This final touch turns it into the perfect, cozy meal you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free)
Garnishes
This Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free) is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with some simple garnishes. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley lifts the flavors with brightness. For those who tolerate dairy occasionally, a dollop of dairy-free ricotta or nut-based cheeses highlights the creamy texture without compromising the dairy-free promise. Crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good quality olive oil adds a nice finishing touch, too.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a completely nourishing meal. A crisp gluten free bread or garlic bread on the side is also amazing for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that savory broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls made from gluten free bread or in shallow pasta bowls that make it easy to scoop up each hearty bite. You can also layer the soup with dairy free cheese and bake it briefly as a deconstructed lasagna casserole for a creative take that delights both the eyes and palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, any leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles can soak up liquid over time, keep some extra chicken broth on hand to loosen it back up when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but with one tip: freeze it without the noodles if possible. Gluten free noodles can sometimes turn mushy after freezing and reheating. When ready to eat, thaw the soup and cook fresh noodles directly in the heated soup for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding broth as needed to achieve your preferred soup consistency. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking, and heat until warmed through but not boiling vigorously to preserve flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap ground beef and pork for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist on the flavor profile.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes as optional. If you prefer a milder soup, simply leave them out, and you’ll still enjoy a deliciously savory and comforting dish.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, replace the meat with hearty vegetables or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, ensure the marinara sauce is vegan-friendly.
What kind of gluten free noodles work best?
Gluten free lasagna noodles broken into pieces are ideal as they mimic the classic lasagna texture. If unavailable, use any stable gluten free pasta shape that holds up well in soups.
How do I ensure the noodles don’t get mushy?
Stir frequently while the noodles cook, and avoid overcooking them. When storing leftovers, add broth to loosen the soup, and consider cooking noodles fresh when reheating or thawing frozen soup.
Final Thoughts
Getting cozy with a bowl of Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free) is an absolute treat. It’s loaded with flavors you love from classic lasagna and easy to make, yet feels special enough to serve anytime. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or a wholesome meal that pleases everyone, this soup has got you covered. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
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Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (Dairy Free) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten Free Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty, and dairy-free twist on classic lasagna. Made with rich marinara, ground beef and Italian pork, gluten free lasagna noodles, and fresh spinach, this soup is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. It’s easy to prepare and naturally gluten free, making it an ideal option for those avoiding gluten and dairy.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian pork
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (I use Rao’s Marinara)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth, plus more for reheating
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spicy)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 box (10 oz) gluten free lasagna noodles, broken in half
Optional Garnishes
- Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese for serving (optional, dairy)
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and onions turn translucent. Then add the ground beef and ground Italian pork. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup lean.
- Add Soup Base Ingredients: Pour in the jar of marinara sauce, can of diced tomatoes with their liquid, and 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: Break the gluten free lasagna noodles in half and add them to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Continue until noodles are tender.
- Finish with Spinach and Seasoning: Just before serving, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the hot soup. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with extra salt, pepper, or broth if you want a thinner consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with ricotta or cottage cheese if desired for added creaminess (note: this adds dairy). Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna in a delicious soup form.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, omit the ricotta or cottage cheese topping.
- Use gluten free noodles to keep the soup gluten free and suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- You can substitute the meat with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for different dietary preferences.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit for a milder soup.
- Extra chicken broth can be added when reheating if you prefer a thinner soup consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 245 grams)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: gluten free lasagna soup, dairy free lasagna soup, Italian soup, gluten free soup, easy dinner recipe, comforting soup, low sodium soup, weeknight meal
