Description
Comforting lasagna soup brings classic Italian flavors into a hearty bowl of goodness. Cheesy noodles, rich marinara, and savory herbs combine in a delightful one-pot meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces/414 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounces/414 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Herbs, Spices, and Broth:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or 2 1/2 cups of sturdy pasta like bowtie or campanelle)
Instructions
- Prepare the foundation by browning ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature. Render the fat and create a rich, caramelized base, breaking the meat into delicate crumbles.
- Enhance the aromatic profile by introducing diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
- Amplify the soup’s complexity by incorporating broth, tomatoes (diced and crushed), and tomato paste. Layer in a harmonious blend of dried herbs – basil, oregano, and thyme – seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Orchestrate the flavor development by allowing the liquid to reach a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the ingredients meld and intensify for approximately 20 minutes, creating a deep, robust taste profile.
- Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot, cooking until perfectly tender yet firm. Drain and reserve the noodles, keeping them ready to integrate into the soup.
- Craft a luxurious cheese blend by whisking ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan into a creamy mixture, creating a decadent topping that mimics classic lasagna’s richness.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the simmered soup, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Ladle into serving bowls and crown with the prepared cheese mixture.
- Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley, allowing the herbs to melt into the hot soup and create a final layer of aromatic complexity.
Notes
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, which can make the soup heavy and less appetizing.
- Cook pasta separately to maintain perfect texture and prevent it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Customize cheese blend by adjusting ratios or substituting with lactose-free options for dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg