Savor the Comfort: Irresistible Lasagna Soup for Chilly Evenings

Warm up with our 'Savor the Comfort' Lasagna Soup recipe, featuring rich tomato broth, Italian sausage, and gooey cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Savor the Comfort: Irresistible Lasagna Soup for Chilly Evenings

As the days grow shorter and the crisp air of fall sets in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping up in a cozy blanket with a bowl of something warm and hearty. One of my favorite comfort meals to make when the temperature drops is Lasagna Soup. It brings all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, slurp-able form that warms you from the inside out. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something both comforting and satisfying without the fuss and time commitment of assembling a full lasagna.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pot and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste:

Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing its rich flavor to develop.

4. Simmer the Soup:
   Return the browned meat to the pot. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef or chicken broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

5. Cook the Noodles:
   Increase the heat to medium and add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are al dente, about 10 minutes.

6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan. Mix well with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

7. Assemble the Soup:
   Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top of each serving. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the hot soup.

8. Garnish and Serve:
   Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, savoring the delightful marriage of lasagna textures and flavors in soup form.

Conclusion:

This Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish that comes together quickly and fills your home with the comforting aromas of an Italian kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends with its hearty, inviting taste. Whether you enjoy it solo or with crusty bread for dipping, this soup will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe repertoire for chilly evenings. So grab your favorite spoon and enjoy the warmth and comfort of this irresistible Lasagna Soup!