Lasagna Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Twist on a Classic Dish

Lasagna Soup is a comforting, one-pot dish that brings all the rich flavors of classic lasagna into a warm and hearty bowl. It’s packed with ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasonings, and noodles, all topped with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella!

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy texture)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
   • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Tomatoes & Broth:

   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
   • Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Cook the Noodles:

   • Add broken lasagna noodles and let them cook in the soup for 10-12 minutes, or until tender.
   • Stir in heavy cream if using, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

5. Prepare the Cheese Topping:

   • In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese together.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
   • Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy warm!

Tips:

• For a thicker soup, reduce broth by ½ cup or simmer longer.
• Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just add a little broth when reheating.