This Italian Homemade Lasagna Soup takes all the flavors of classic lasagna and turns them into a cozy, hearty soup. With layers of pasta, meat, ricotta, mozzarella, and a rich, flavorful tomato base, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or use mini pasta like bowtie or penne)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Build the Soup Base:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick together.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese (reserve some for topping), and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup:
- Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to the center of each bowl, letting it melt into the hot soup. You can also stir the cheese mixture directly into the soup for a creamy texture.
- Top with extra shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving. Serve with warm crusty bread for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and substitute with chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta shape you prefer.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach or kale to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Spicy Kick: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat or add a dash of hot sauce for more spice.
This Italian Homemade Lasagna Soup brings all the comforts of lasagna in a quick and easy soup form. It’s perfect for chilly nights and will become a family favorite in no time! Enjoy!
