To Make the Soup Base:
- Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup water (optional, to adjust thickness)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
About the Noodles:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Make the Soup Base
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Flavor 4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let the soup cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles 6. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the gently simmering soup. 7. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender (about 8-10 minutes).
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Topping 8. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 5: Serve 9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. 10. Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl. 11. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
- For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk before serving.
- To thin the soup, add extra broth or water as needed.
- This soup freezes well. Cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Enjoy the hearty and cheesy goodness of this lasagna soup! 🍲🧀
