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Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
2. Make the Soup Base
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Simmer and Add Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and continue to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. If using spinach, add it at this time and stir until wilted.
4. Prepare the Cheese Topping
- Mix the Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
5. Serve the Soup
- Ladle into Bowls: Spoon the hot lasagna soup into bowls.
- Top with Cheese: Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly into the soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to soften in the hot soup.
- Add Spinach or Kale for Extra Nutrition: Stirring in some leafy greens like spinach or kale boosts the nutritional content and adds color.
- Use a Blend of Ground Meats: For more flavor, try using a combination of ground beef, pork, or sausage.
Variations
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Use Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, try using rotini, farfalle, or any other short pasta.
- Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Lasagna Soup
- All the Flavors of Lasagna Without the Hassle: This soup captures the essence of lasagna in a simplified, one-pot meal.
- Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for cooler weather, the creamy broth and cheesy topping make it an ideal comfort food.
- Quick and Easy: It’s much faster to make than a traditional lasagna, making it great for weeknight dinners.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: The ground meat and cheese provide a good source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
- Tomatoes for Antioxidants: The marinara sauce and diced tomatoes offer lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that promotes heart health.
- Optional Greens Add Fiber: Including spinach boosts the fiber and adds essential vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Creamy Lasagna Soup is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl. This hearty dish combines the rich taste of tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping that melts into the warm soup, making each spoonful satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe offers all the beloved components of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Give this comforting soup a try and let it become a new staple in your meal rotation!