Lasagna Soup

Cozy, cheesy, and packed with all the classic flavors of lasagna, this one-pot soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving lasagna without the hassle!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and sausage)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or other pasta like rotini or shells)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Meat

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
3. Drain excess fat, if needed.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
2. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the Pasta

1. Add the broken lasagna noodles (or other pasta) to the pot.
2. Stir well and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. While the soup simmers, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
2. Set aside for adding to the soup.

6. Add the Cheese Mixture

1. Once the pasta is cooked, add spoonfuls of the cheese mixture directly into the soup.
2. Gently stir to incorporate, allowing the cheese to melt and make the soup creamy.

7. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
3. Serve warm with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: All the flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with this simple, hearty meal.
• Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone.

Tips for Success

• Customize: Swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and replace ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms.
• Make Ahead: The soup reheats well, but cook the pasta separately if storing for leftovers to avoid sogginess.