Lasagna Soup
Servingsservings
Prep timeminutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calorieskcal
Ingredients
- For the Soup Base
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (mild for the kids)
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups beef stock
2 cups water
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 bay leaves
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- For the Creamy Ricotta Topping
1 cup ricotta cheese
1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil
A pinch of salt and pepper
- For Garnishing
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, torn
Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Add in diced onion and sauté until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat and transfer the meat to your crock pot.
- Assemble the Soup: In the crock pot, add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Ensure they are submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still al dente.
- Prepare the Ricotta Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried basil, and fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture. Allow the warmth of the soup to slightly melt the cheeses, creating a rich, creamy finish. Sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and torn basil leaves for that luxurious touch.
- Enjoy: Serve the lasagna soup with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad, and watch your family dive into this comforting, kid-approved dish that marries all the flavors of classic lasagna into a bowl of soup without standing in the kitchen for hours cooking.
