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Craving lasagna flavors without the hassle? This soup packs all those classic tastes into one cozy bowl. It's everything you want from traditional lasagna but way quicker to make. My kids beg for this whenever the weather turns cold—it's like comfort in a bowl that warms you right up.
What Makes This Soup Special
This recipe came about when my family wanted lasagna but I was short on time. Mixing ground beef and sausage in a tomato-rich broth turned out to be a happy accident. You can cook it quickly on the stovetop or let it simmer in a slow cooker while you're doing other things. Nothing beats the joy of dipping hot garlic bread into that cheese-filled broth—that first spoonful gets me every time.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Sweet Italian Sausage: Adds that authentic Italian kick
- Ground Beef: Creates heartiness—ground turkey works too
- Garlic: Use fresh for the best taste
- Yellow Onion: Dice it small
- Tomato Paste: For deep, rich flavor
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity
- Dried Herbs: Basil and oregano for Italian flair
- Hot Sauce: Totally optional for heat lovers
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle warmth
- Salt and Pepper: Add to your liking
- Tomatoes: Diced and crushed varieties
- Chicken Broth: Forms your soup base
- Bay Leaf: Remove before eating
- Lasagna Noodles: Snap into smaller pieces
- Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color
Cooking Instructions
- Brown Your Proteins:
- Pull out your biggest soup pot and cook the sausage and beef together. Add chopped onions when the meat's halfway done—they'll grab all that yummy flavor. After everything's nicely browned, drain off extra grease and toss in garlic until it's nice and fragrant.
- Add Your Seasonings:
- Mix in tomato paste with all your dried herbs. Sprinkle in that bit of sugar and hot sauce if you want some kick. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything smells just right.
- Create Your Base:
- Pour chicken broth in and use your spoon to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the pot. Add your tomatoes and drop in that bay leaf. Bring everything to a bubble, then lower the heat so it can simmer gently.
- Handle The Pasta:
- In a separate pot, cook those lasagna noodles. Break them into smaller chunks after cooking—nobody wants to chase long noodles around their bowl!
- Finish And Serve:
- Don't forget to grab that bay leaf out before serving. Fill your bowls with soup, then comes the fun part—load up with all three cheeses and scatter fresh parsley on top.
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Our Family Favorite Comfort Soup
We found this recipe last winter when I had lasagna stuff but ran out of patience for all that layering. Now they ask for this more than traditional lasagna! There's something so satisfying about digging your spoon into that thick broth packed with meat and finding pockets of melty cheese. Whether it's a crazy weeknight or lazy Sunday, this soup never fails to hit the spot.
Play With Your Protein
I typically use a combo of ground beef and sausage, but I often switch it up depending on what's available. Ground turkey makes a lighter version, and sometimes I go all-sausage for extra punch. My sister sticks to just beef in hers and it's still amazing. Don't stress about getting it exactly right—this soup works with whatever meat you've got handy.
Pasta Possibilities
Broken lasagna noodles feel authentic, but don't worry if you're out. I've tossed in everything from bowties to elbows when that's all I had. My kids actually enjoy trying different shapes since each holds the broth in its own way. Just always cook your pasta separately—soggy noodles can ruin an otherwise perfect soup.
Little Tricks For Big Flavor
Want a secret from my grandma? Toss a Parmesan rind into the pot while it simmers. It adds this incredible depth you can't get any other way. The soup gets better the longer it hangs out—just stir occasionally. And always cook your pasta right before you plan to eat. That simple step makes such a big difference.
Perfect Pairings
This soup reaches new heights with some hot garlic bread alongside it. We love soaking bread chunks into the soup to catch all those flavors. Sometimes I'll make cheese biscuits instead—they vanish just as quickly. Whatever side you pick, make plenty because everyone always wants extra for dipping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Need different broth?
Beef tastes amazing. Vegetable works too. You can even combine them. Just aim for something flavorful. Tomato adds great depth.
- → Want to make ahead?
Make the base without noodles. Store pasta on its own. Combine when you're ready to eat. Everything stays nicer this way. Works well for freezing too.
- → Rather skip meat?
Try chopped mushrooms instead. Or go with lentils. Add extra vegetables for body. You'll still get plenty of flavor. Just boost your seasonings.
- → Can you freeze it?
Skip adding pasta before freezing. Just freeze the liquid part. Cook fresh pasta when serving. Keeps well for three months frozen. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
- → Got different cheese?
Any Italian cheese will do. Blended types are wonderful. Freshly grated tastes best. Look for ones that melt smoothly. Be careful with salt content.
- → Getting too thick?
Splash in more broth gradually. Don't overdo the pasta. Keep stirring regularly. Avoid overcooking it. You can fix it quickly.
- → Taking it somewhere?
Transport ingredients separately. Combine at your destination. Pack extra cheese on the side. Bring spare broth. Warm everything slowly.
- → Need it faster?
Pick quick-cooking noodles. Prep ingredients beforehand. Start with the meat. Single pot works perfectly. Flavor won't suffer.
- → Making big batch?
Doubling works great. You'll need a larger pot. Monitor your liquid levels. Cooking might take longer. Stir it more frequently.
- → Want more taste?
Toss in fresh herbs. Go for spicy sausage. Try different cheese combos. Add seasonings throughout cooking. A splash of wine can help too.
- → Noodles too soft?
Reduce cooking time. Leave pieces larger. Add them later in cooking. Lower your heat. Sample as you cook.
- → Soup not rich?
Get more color on your meat. Add some tomato paste. Cook onions until soft. Use more herbs. Let everything simmer longer.
Conclusion
Enjoy this? Give vegetable bean stew a shot. Or whip up some pasta with beans. They'll warm you up just as nicely.