Ultimate Lasagna Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup tomato sauce (or passata)
1/2 cup red wine (optional, but adds depth)
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp fennel seeds (this gives that authentic lasagna flavor)
8 oz mafalda pasta or broken up lasagna noodles
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. If using sausage, consider removing the casings for a smoother texture.
Add Liquids & Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato sauce, and red wine. Add the sugar, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
Pasta: Add the mafalda pasta or broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the pasta is tender, usually around 10 minutes.
Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Mix well. This will be a dollop on top of each soup serving, so it should be thick but mixed well.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Dollop a spoonful of the cheese mixture on top, allowing it to melt slightly. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, fresh basil, and parsley.
Optional: For a crispy touch, you can toast some baguette slices with garlic and butter, then place them on top of the soup to mimic the lasagna's top crust.
Enjoy your ultimate lasagna soup with a side of crusty garlic bread and a fresh green salad!
Note: If you prefer a more layered effect like traditional lasagna, you can layer the cheese mixture at the bottom of the bowl, add soup, and then top with more cheese. As you dive in, you'll get layers of flavors similar to biting into a piece of lasagna. Here are some of my favorite Products - Affiliate Links below
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