Lasagna soup

Lasagna soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a bowl. It’s perfect for a cozy meal and much quicker to make than classic lasagna. Here’s how to make it:

Lasagna Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups (960ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 410g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz or 425g) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the chicken or beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
   • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the Noodles:
   • Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot.
   • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare the Cheeses:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Serve the Soup:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Tips:

• Noodles: If you prefer, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, mafalda, or broken spaghetti.
• Cheese Mixture: For a creamier texture, you can stir the cheese mixture directly into the soup before serving.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Leftovers: This soup thickens as it sits. If you have leftovers, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Enjoy your warm and comforting lasagna soup!