Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, offering all the rich flavor of traditional lasagna served in a hearty, comforting soup. It’s filled with pasta, ground meat, cheese, and a savory tomato base. Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to whip up and sure to warm your soul!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage optional, but adds great flavor
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups pasta any kind—elbow, rotini, or lasagna noodles works fine
- 2 cups spinach or kale feel free to use frozen, just thaw it out
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for some heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese or cottage cheese can be swapped in
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil for good measure! Toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using) and start browning it until it’s fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, and let those savory smells fill the air!
- Sauté the Veggies: Once the meat is browned, add in your diced onion and garlic. Sauté these for another 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Now, it’s time to add in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. You might want to scrape the bottom of the pot to mix in any flavorful bits that stuck. Yummy!
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in your dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: Now, add in your choice of pasta. If you're using lasagna noodles, break them into smaller pieces before adding. Let everything cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t get too mushy!
- Add the Greens: Stir in your spinach or kale and let it cook down for about 2-3 minutes until it's just wilted. This adds a lovely color and boosts the nutrition of your soup!
- Ricotta Time: Next, drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese into the soup and swirl it gently to combine. If you like extra cheesiness, toss in some more mozzarella cheese on top to melt in!
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your hearty lasagna soup hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Grab a spoon, a piece of crusty bread, and dig in!