Introduction
Transform the humble lasagna into a luxuriously comforting soup, a culinary masterpiece that redefines weeknight dining. This recipe elevates everyday ingredients, creating a depth of flavor that will impress even the most discerning palate. Prepare to be transported to a realm of gastronomic delight with each spoonful of this exquisite creation.
Why This Works
This recipe’s brilliance lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver complex, layered flavors. The careful balance of rich tomato, savory meat, and creamy cheese creates a harmonious symphony on the tongue. The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the sophisticated taste profile makes it suitable for the most refined dinner party.
Key Ingredients
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🧅 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🥓 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (or your favorite sausage!)
- 🥩 1/2 pound ground beef
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 🧀 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🍝 9 lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 🥣 6 cups beef broth
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4️⃣ Add the beef broth and broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
5️⃣ Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer until the cheeses are melted and the soup is heated through.
6️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Handy Tips
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality ground meats and fresh herbs.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- If the soup becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
Heat Control
Maintaining a gentle simmer is crucial. High heat will scorch the tomatoes and potentially burn the noodles before they cook through. Low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a velvety smooth texture.
Crunch Factor
While this soup is primarily creamy and comforting, you can introduce a delightful textural contrast by adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra layer of flavor, sauté the garlic and onion in a little olive oil before adding the meats.
- A splash of red wine adds complexity and depth.
- Using pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly.
Storage Tips
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid rapid temperature changes that can affect the texture and creaminess of the soup.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. Package it in a beautiful insulated container with a handwritten label detailing the recipe and serving suggestions. A small jar of high-quality olive oil or balsamic glaze would make a lovely accompaniment.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sausage: Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
🌟 Mushroom Medley: Add a cup of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy depth.
🌟 Spinach & Artichoke: Incorporate a can of artichoke hearts and a handful of fresh spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
🌟 Creamy Pumpkin: Puree some roasted pumpkin and add it to the soup for a seasonal delight.
Troubleshooting
- Noodles too mushy: Reduce cooking time slightly. Use sturdier noodles if necessary.
- Soup too thick: Add more beef broth to thin the consistency.
- Soup too thin: Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite cheeses – Asiago, Fontina, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, adapt the cooking times according to your slow cooker’s instructions. Brown the meat separately, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
This Elevated Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. We hope you savor each spoonful and share this culinary masterpiece with those you cherish. Happy cooking!
Elevated Lasagna Soup: A Symphony of Flavor
A comforting bowl of lasagna soup that combines all the traditional flavors of lasagna with the ease of a soup, topped with creamy ricotta and fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, stirring occasionally. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, topping each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.