Description
Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired soup that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make bowl. Featuring a savory mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, this soup delivers all the cozy satisfaction of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Perfect for chilly nights, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the tastes of Italy in a comforting soup form.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 2 cups small pasta (e.g., ditalini or orecchiette)
Cheeses
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook meat: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add liquids and herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and chopped fresh basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook pasta: Once the soup is bubbling, add the small pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gently stir in the ricotta cheese until fully blended into the soup. Be careful not to boil after adding ricotta to maintain creamy texture.
- Serve with mozzarella: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese to melt slightly before enjoying.
Notes
- Use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference for heat.
- Small pasta like ditalini or orecchiette works best to mimic lasagna noodles in soup form.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor but can be replaced with extra dried oregano if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding ricotta to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: lasagna soup, Italian soup, comfort food, ground beef soup, sausage soup, cheesy soup, easy dinner
