Description
A comforting and easy-to-make soup version of the classic Italian lasagna, featuring all the familiar flavors in a hearty, brothy format.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp 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 1-2 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for creaminess)
- For topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef or chicken broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. (For deeper flavor, simmer longer).
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamy soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- While the noodles cook, prepare the ricotta topping: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The soup benefits from a longer simmering time for deeper flavor development.
- Ensure you stir the noodles frequently while cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If using ground beef, drain the fat thoroughly after browning.