Delicious Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup combines the comforting, rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease and heartiness of a soup. This dish is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving Italian comfort food. It is simple to make, offers a great way to use pantry staples, and can be customized to suit your taste. Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness!

Ingredients

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 oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

For the Ricotta Topping

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 egg (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
4. Season: Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Incorporate the Noodles

5. Add Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and spinach (if using). Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are al dente.

Step 4: Make the Ricotta Mixture

6. Mix the Ricotta: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg (if using). Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Serve

7. Dish Out: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous scoop of the ricotta mixture.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle some extra shredded mozzarella and parsley on top for presentation.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with mushrooms or a variety of your favorite vegetables.
• Cheese Lovers: Feel free to add more cheese or try different types, such as goat cheese or feta.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; consider adding fresh basil or thyme right before serving.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days and can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

Lasagna soup is a delightful fusion of flavors, creating a hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of warmth. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, it’s a comforting dish that everyone will love. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy this tasty twist on a classic Italian recipe! Your taste buds will thank you.