Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 ½ cups lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics:
   • Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken or beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Noodles:
   • Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
   • While the soup simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley.

Enjoy your warm and cozy lasagna soup! Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional suggestions for this recipe!