Description
Hearty lasagna soup offers comfort in a bowl with layers of Italian-inspired flavors. Savory ingredients combine perfectly, inviting you to enjoy a delicious meal that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 8 oz (226 g) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups (473 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (226 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (113 g) ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef or Italian sausage in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, methodically crumbling and browning the meat until a rich golden color develops. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Aromatic Base: Introduce finely chopped onions to the browned meat, sautéing until translucent. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, allowing its fragrant notes to permeate the mixture.
- Liquid Foundation: Pour beef broth, marinara sauce, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes into the pot. Season generously with Italian herb blend, optional red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to allow flavors to harmonize for 10-12 minutes.
- Pasta Integration: Fracture lasagna noodles into rustic fragments directly into the simmering liquid. Stir periodically to prevent sticking and cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cheese Finale: Lower heat and fold in ricotta cheese, creating a luxurious consistency. Gradually incorporate shredded mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until cheeses meld seamlessly into the soup.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls. Adorn with freshly torn basil or chopped parsley. Accompany with additional grated Parmesan and crusty artisan bread for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Meat Selection Magic: Choose lean ground beef or spicy Italian sausage for maximum flavor depth and less grease.
- Noodle Breaking Technique: Fracture lasagna noodles into uneven, rustic pieces to create a more authentic, homemade soup texture.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Add ricotta and shredded cheeses off direct heat to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.
- Broth Balance Tip: Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season precisely according to personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg