When it comes to dinner, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And if you're a fan of lasagna, then you're in for a treat with this lasagna soup recipe. It takes the classic flavors of lasagna and transforms them into a delicious, easy - to - make soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
Let's start with the ingredients. You'll need a combination of beef and Italian sausage. The beef adds a rich, meaty flavor, while the Italian sausage brings in that distinct Italian spice. For the pasta, choose a small, tube - shaped pasta like ditalini or macaroni. These will cook well in the soup and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
To make the base of the soup, you'll want a chunky tomato sauce. You can use a store - bought sauce or make your own from scratch. If you're making it from scratch, start by sautéing some onions and garlic in a large pot. Onions add a sweet, savory flavor, and garlic gives a wonderful aroma and a bit of a bite. Once they're softened, add in some canned tomatoes, both whole and crushed. The whole tomatoes will give the soup a nice chunky texture, while the crushed tomatoes will create a smooth base.
Now, let's talk about the cooking process. First, brown the beef and Italian sausage in a pan. Break them up into small pieces as they cook. Once they're fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Then, add the cooked meat to the pot with the onion and garlic mixture. Stir it all together, and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
Next, add the pasta to the pot. Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the pasta and the meat. You can adjust the amount depending on how thick or thin you like your soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. As the pasta cooks, it will absorb some of the liquid and thicken the soup.
While the soup is simmering, you can add some additional seasonings. A sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, and thyme will give the soup that classic Italian flavor. You can also add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
As the soup continues to cook, the flavors will intensify. The beef and sausage will infuse the broth with their deliciousness, and the pasta will become tender. After about 20 - 25 minutes, the pasta should be cooked through, and the soup will be ready to serve.
To make the soup even more decadent, you can top it with some shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt over the hot soup, creating a gooey, cheesy layer. You can also add a dollop of ricotta cheese for an extra creamy texture. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor.
This lasagna soup is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences. If you're a vegetarian, you can skip the meat and add some extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also adjust the spiciness by adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
It's a great meal for a cold evening or when you're looking for something quick and easy to make. You can make a large batch of it and store the leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for later. Just reheat it on the stove, and you'll have another delicious meal ready in no time.
So, the next time you're in the mood for a classic lasagna but don't want to go through the hassle of layering and baking, give this lasagna soup a try. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a different, more convenient form. Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll have a warm, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.