Description
Cheesy Lasagna Soup offers a comforting and hearty twist on the classic Italian lasagna by transforming it into a warm, creamy soup filled with ground meat, rich tomato broth, tender lasagna noodles, and generous amounts of cheese. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend flavors.
- Add Noodles and Seasonings: Add broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until the soup becomes well combined and creamy, enhancing the texture and richness.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot to enjoy this comforting and cheesy lasagna soup at its best.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for more flavor or go half and half.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and skip the meat or replace with plant-based meat alternatives.
- Using broken lasagna noodles helps achieve the right bite and texture typical of lasagna in a soup form.
- If the soup thickens too much after sitting, add more broth or water when reheating.
- Fresh herbs as garnish are optional but add brightness and color to the presentation.
