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Directions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Cook the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground beef and pork mixture) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
- Add the onion and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the tomato products: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce, and mix well to combine. The tomato paste will help thicken the soup and intensify the tomato flavor.
- Season the soup: Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add the pasta: Once the soup is simmering, stir in the pasta of your choice. If you’re using broken lasagna noodles, you can either add them whole and let them cook in the soup or break them up into smaller pieces before adding them. Stir to make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer the soup: Continue to simmer the soup for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Topping
- Make the cheese mixture: While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheese topping. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a creamy cheese filling similar to the one you’d use in traditional lasagna.
Step 5: Assemble the Soup
- Serve the soup: Once the pasta is cooked, ladle the hot soup into bowls. The soup will be thick and hearty, with lots of flavorful broth and tender pasta.
- Add the cheese: Spoon a dollop of the cheese mixture into the center of each bowl of soup. The cheese will melt and create a rich, creamy topping, mimicking the cheesy layers of lasagna. If you prefer, you can also swirl the cheese into the soup for a creamy, cheesy texture throughout.
- Garnish: Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, accompanied by a side of crusty bread for dipping, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. This Easy Lasagna Soup is perfect for a cozy meal at home, and leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup:
- Customize the meat: Feel free to use a mix of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor. You can also substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use lasagna noodles: If you want to make the soup even more like classic lasagna, use broken-up lasagna noodles in place of other pasta. You can break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup.
- Add veggies: For a boost of nutrition, feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the soup. They’ll add flavor and texture while helping you sneak in more veggies.
- Make it ahead: Lasagna soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to reheat it, you may need to add a bit more broth as the pasta absorbs some of the liquid.
- Double the recipe: This soup freezes beautifully, so consider making a big batch to enjoy later. Just store the soup (without the cheese topping) in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Easy Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution when you’re craving the flavors of lasagna without all the work. With a rich, savory broth, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s a satisfying and comforting dish that comes together in less than an hour. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a cozy dinner on a cold night, this soup will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a bowl with this easy and delicious twist on the classic!
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