Description
Cheesy Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna, blending all the classic flavors into a warm, creamy, and easy-to-make soup perfect for cozy dinners.
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 for garnish (optional)
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 prevent greasy soup.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to develop the soup base.
- Add Noodles and Seasonings: Add the broken lasagna noodles along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until fully blended, creating a creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and the soup is rich and cheesy.
- Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness and color, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the Cheesy Lasagna Soup hot for a delicious, comforting meal that combines the best elements of lasagna in a cozy soup format.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and omit the meat, or substitute with plant-based sausage.
- If you want a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity slightly or simmer a bit longer before adding cheeses.
- For extra spice, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent cheese separation.
