Are you craving the rich, satisfying flavors of lasagna but don't have the time or energy for all that layering? Then get ready to fall in love with Dano's Lasagna Soup! This easy recipe delivers all the classic lasagna taste in a quick and comforting bowl. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy meal is packed with flavor and is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. It’s a delicious dish the whole family will enjoy, a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, for a richer flavor)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Add the Noodles and Ricotta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir well to combine and ensure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite. Stir in the ricotta cheese.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Heat through until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup:
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: Slightly al dente noodles will hold their shape better in the soup.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your preference.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor by adding vegetables like chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Chicken Lasagna Soup: Substitute cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This quick dinner idea is perfect for a busy weeknight, offering a healthy and delicious meal that satisfies your lasagna cravings without the fuss. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers and seeing your delicious creations.