Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the pasta is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese (if desired). Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a richer flavor, deglaze the pot with a splash of dry red wine after browning the meat. Gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used. Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ricotta mixture can be made ahead of time and stored separately. For a spicier soup, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
