Step 1: Cook the Meat

  1. Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  3. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Drain excess fat if needed.

Why This Step Matters:
Cooking the meat first builds the flavor base for the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat.
  2. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Pro Tip: Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make the soup taste bitter.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes to caramelize and deepen its flavor.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
  3. Season with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Why This Step Matters:
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty base.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

  1. While the soup simmers, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the broken lasagna noodles or other pasta and cook until al dente (slightly firm).
  3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Alternative: You can cook the pasta directly in the soup, but this may absorb more liquid and make the soup thicker.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh parsley or basil.
  2. Stir until combined and set aside.

Why This Step Matters:
This creamy cheese mixture replicates the cheesy layers of traditional lasagna.

Step 6: Combine the Soup and Pasta

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the pot of soup, stirring to combine.
  2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  2. Top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
  3. Garnish with additional shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pro Tip: Let the cheese mixture melt slightly into the soup before digging in for a truly lasagna-like experience.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair the soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Serve with a glass of red wine to enhance the Italian flavors.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover soup (without the pasta) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the soup base (without the pasta or cheese mixture) for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: All the flavors of lasagna without the layering and long bake times.
  2. Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
  3. Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  4. One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up, especially if you cook the pasta in the soup.

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, delivering the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. With its savory broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, soul-warming meal ready in no time. Give it a try—you’ll love every spoonful!