Lasagna Soup

This Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a comforting, hearty bowl of soup, with rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, and tender pasta, topped with creamy ricotta and melted cheese.

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Did You Know?
Lasagna Soup is a fun twist on the traditional dish! It offers the same cheesy, comforting taste without the layering and baking time. Perfect for busy nights!

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Yield
Approximately 6 servings

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or substitute with other pasta)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

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Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the beef or chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. (Add more broth if the soup becomes too thick as the noodles cook.)

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Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

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Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy warm.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 4g, Net Carbohydrates: 26g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 60mg, Sodium: 800mg, Sugars: 8g

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Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Use Italian Sausage: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
2. Try Different Cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute cottage cheese or add extra mozzarella for a cheesy finish.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
4. Cook Pasta Separately: To avoid mushy noodles in leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving.
5. Portion and Freeze: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick, comforting meals.
6. Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients.
7. Control Spice Level: Adjust crushed red pepper for a milder or spicier kick.
8. Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and color.
9. Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a full meal.
10. Create Layers: For a "layered" effect, add cheese just before serving, allowing each bite to have a cheesy surprise.

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Let’s Learn About the Flavor Boosting Ingredients
Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes create a rich, hearty base for this soup, while mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese bring the cheesy essence of lasagna. These ingredients combine to deliver a satisfying, comforting meal in every spoonful.