– **Title**: Easy Lasagna Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
– 2 cups uncooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, ladle soup into bowls and spoon a dollop of the ricotta mixture on top of each serving.
7. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Easy Lasagna Soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both add rich flavor to the soup. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For vegetarian friends, consider using plant-based sausage or lentils.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients create a solid base for the soup. Yellow onions are sweet and caramelize nicely. You can swap them with shallots or use garlic powder in a pinch.
Crushed Tomatoes: They bring the essential tomato flavor. If fresh tomatoes are in season, use about 10-12 ripe tomatoes instead. You can also use tomato puree for a smoother texture.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken pieces make cooking easier. No lasagna noodles on hand? Try any small pasta like rotini or even ravioli for extra texture.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds creaminess to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. You could also try mascarpone for a richer taste!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor Out of My Soup?
The key to a tasty lasagna soup is building flavors. Start by browning the meat—this adds depth. Then, don’t rush! Sautéing the onions and garlic until soft unlocks their sweetness.
- Cook the meat until well-browned, then drain any excess fat.
- Add onions and garlic, and stir regularly to prevent burning.
- Let the soup simmer long enough for all the herbs and spices to blend nicely, about 15 minutes.
Don’t forget to taste before serving! Adjust salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance. Enjoy making this comforting dish!
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious lasagna soup will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to cook. In just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a warm and comforting meal ready to share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it away. This keeps your soup from being too greasy!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté them together for about 3-5 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and becomes fragrant. This step makes your soup flavorful!
3. Create the Soup Base:
Now it’s time to add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything well and bring it to a boil. It should smell fantastic!
4. Simmer the Flavors:
Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle together nicely.
5. Cook the Noodles:
After the soup has simmered, it’s time to add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook them in the soup for about 10 minutes, or until they’re al dente. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get mushy!
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Once the noodles are ready, mix in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, stirring until they’re melted and combined. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This is where the creamy goodness starts to shine!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Now, it’s time to serve your wonderful lasagna soup! Ladle it into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for that lovely finishing touch. Dig in and enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef or Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute. Just make sure to season it well, as it can be a bit milder in flavor. You might also want to add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for extra depth.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture. Just blend it a little for a smoother consistency. Cream cheese is another option; it will give a richer flavor, but make sure to soften it first for easy mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Lasagna Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini when you add the tomatoes and broth. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, ensuring everything is tender before adding the noodles.
