Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage 🍖
1 medium onion, diced 🧅
3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
4 cups chicken or beef broth 🍲
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
2 tablespoons tomato paste 🍅
1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿
1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 🧂
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces 🍝
1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish 🌿
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the Meat
Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Add dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Continue to simmer until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
Noodle Texture: For al dente noodles, cook them separately and add to individual bowls before ladling the soup over them.
Flavor Enhancement: Allowing the soup to simmer longer can deepen the flavors.
Cheese Variation: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lasagna Soup offers the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Enjoy this modern twist on a classic dish, bringing the warmth and comfort of lasagna to your table in a delightful new way! 🍲
