Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Ingredients and Seasoning:
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Pour in the broth and water, stirring well to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Cheeses:
- Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. The cheeses will melt into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy broth.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Customize the Meat: You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. Mixing ground beef and sausage gives a deliciously savory flavor.
- Control the Heat: For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Thin or Thicken the Broth: If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Creamy Tomato Base: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier broth.
- Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
One Pot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience with a few tasty sides:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Green Salad: A crisp side salad with Italian dressing makes a great contrast to the hearty soup.
- Wine Pairing: If you’re enjoying a glass of wine, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the tomato-based flavors.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the liquid over time, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when you reheat it. This helps maintain the best texture.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add extra broth or water if needed.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- All the Flavors of Classic Lasagna: You get the delicious layers of flavors—meaty, cheesy, and tomatoey—without the time-consuming assembly.
- One Pot Convenience: Fewer dishes to wash make this an ideal recipe for busy nights.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, whether you prefer it vegetarian, extra cheesy, or with a little kick of heat.
Conclusion
One Pot Lasagna Soup delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with Italian flavors that everyone will enjoy. With its one-pot convenience, this recipe makes it easy to bring the comfort of lasagna to your table without the hassle of layering and baking.
Try it tonight and enjoy the classic taste of lasagna in a new, cozy form!
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