Welcome to Hearty Lasagna Soup, a warm, comforting twist on a classic Italian favorite. Perfect for cool evenings, this soup combines all the beloved flavors of lasagna into a cozy, one-pot meal.
Olive oil serves as the base for browning the meat, adding a subtle flavor. Ground beef brings hearty protein, while a touch of salt and black pepper enhances its savory quality. The onion and garlic lend aromatic depth. Chicken broth forms the soup's savory backbone, blending beautifully with crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to create a rich, tomatoey base. Dried basil, oregano, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes provide classic Italian seasoning. Mafalda or broken lasagna noodles capture the essence of lasagna in soup form. The ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese mixture adds creamy, cheesy goodness, while mozzarella cheese offers that beloved melty texture. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and black pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As the beef cooks, you’ll notice flavorful bits sticking to the bottom of the pot — that’s all good stuff.
Once browned, throw in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, which should take another 3-4 minutes. The aroma should start filling your kitchen by now, and it’s a great indicator that you’re on the right track.
Next, pour in the chicken broth along with the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. This is where all the flavors begin to meld together beautifully.
Add your pasta to the pot, and let it simmer until it's al dente, which means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl. This mixture will be your creamy topping for the soup.
To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle a bit of mozzarella cheese on top and finish with a touch of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors in every bite!