Description
A comforting and easy-to-make lasagna soup that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- For Ricotta Topping:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg (optional, for thicker ricotta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and onion; cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. (Can simmer longer for deeper flavor).
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite).
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta topping: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and egg (if using). Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella (if using), and additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, you can simmer the soup base for longer than 20 minutes.
- If you prefer a thicker ricotta topping, include the egg.
- Optional garnishes like shredded mozzarella, extra Parmesan, and fresh parsley add to the presentation and taste.