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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (and ground pork if using), and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the meat is browned, remove any excess fat from the pot, if necessary. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
#### Step 2: Add the Tomato Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine. Then add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 3: Add the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles (or alternative pasta) to the soup and stir to incorporate. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
#### Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until well combined.
#### Step 5: Serve the Soup
Once the pasta is cooked and the soup has thickened, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture, allowing the heat from the soup to melt the cheese. You can stir the cheese in, or let it remain as a creamy topping. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
#### Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve the Lasagna Soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. The cheesy, tomatoey, and meaty goodness will satisfy all your lasagna cravings in one comforting bowl.
## Customizing Your Lasagna Soup
One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to make the recipe your own:
### 1. **Make it Vegetarian**
For a vegetarian version of Lasagna Soup, simply omit the ground meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also add some plant-based protein, like lentils or crumbled tofu, to give the soup more substance.
### 2. **Use Different Cheeses**
While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. For a sharper flavor, try using provolone or sharp cheddar. If you want a more decadent soup, consider adding cream cheese to the cheese mixture for an extra creamy texture.
### 3. **Spicy Version**
If you like a little heat in your soup, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the broth or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This will give your Lasagna Soup a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
### 4. **Use Gluten-Free Pasta**
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily swap out the lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of gluten-free options available in most grocery stores, and they’ll work just as well in the soup.
### 5. **Add Extra Greens**
For a nutritional boost, add some extra greens to your soup. Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can be stirred in at the end of cooking. They’ll add color and health benefits without compromising the flavor.
## Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
– **Don’t overcook the noodles**: Be mindful not to overcook the pasta. It should be just tender and still have a bit of bite. If you’re concerned about overcooking, you can cook the pasta separately and then add it to the soup.
– **Use a good-quality broth**: Since the broth is a key component of the soup, be sure to use a flavorful beef or chicken broth. Homemade broth or low-sodium options are great choices for better flavor control.
– **Simmer to meld the flavors**: Letting the soup simmer for a while before adding the noodles will allow the flavors to deepen. You can even make the soup a day ahead and let it sit in the fridge to further enhance the taste.
## Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the flavors of lasagna but wants a quicker, simpler version. With its rich tomato-based broth, hearty meat, pasta, and gooey melted cheese, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for lasagna while saving you time in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or making it for a cozy gathering, Lasagna Soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
