Lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty soup form. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe that you can prepare in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Ingredients
- Noodles and Meat:
- 1 lb lasagna noodles, broken into quarters
- 1.5 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- Vegetables:
- 10 oz onion, finely chopped (1 large)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Liquids:
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken stock (or beef/vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper for heat
- Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease. - Sauté Garlic and Add Tomato Paste:
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. - Combine Liquids and Seasonings:
Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, heavy cream, and all the dried herbs (basil, oregano, parsley), along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. - Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered until the noodles are al dente (about 10-12 minutes). - Prepare Cheese Mixture:
While the soup simmers, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional herbs in a bowl. - Finish the Soup:
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the cheese mixture into the soup, allowing it to melt slightly but still retain its shape. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the soup up to step 4, then refrigerate it without adding noodles. When ready to serve, boil it again and add noodles.
- Freezing: Store without cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
This lasagna soup is perfect for chilly nights and is sure to be a hit with family and friends! Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!
