01 -
First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and drizzle in a bit of olive oil over medium heat. When it's shimmering, toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, let it brown all over, really get some color on it. Drain off any excess grease – honestly, I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out, trying not to spill everywhere. Then, add your finely diced onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally until it's translucent and smells sweet, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the foundation of our Easy Lasagna Soup really starts.
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Stir in that minced garlic, along with the dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy!). Let that cook for about a minute, until you can really smell the garlic and herbs — it's truly intoxicating. Be careful not to burn the garlic, it turns bitter fast, and that’s a mistake I’ve made more times than I care to admit. Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another minute, letting it darken slightly to deepen its flavor.
03 -
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the chicken broth. Give it all a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor right there! Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it allows all those amazing flavors to meld together. I often let it go a bit longer if I have time, because honestly, the longer it simmers, the better this soup tastes.
04 -
While the soup is simmering away, it's time for the pasta. Break your lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces – I usually aim for about 1-2 inch squares. This is where the "soup" part of lasagna soup comes in! Add the broken noodles directly to the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent them from sticking together (a mistake I <em>always</em> make if I'm not paying attention!). Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, tender but still has a slight bite. You don't want mushy pasta, trust me!
05 -
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. This is where our Easy Lasagna Soup gets its luscious, rich texture. Immediately follow with the shredded mozzarella and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until all the cheeses are melted and fully incorporated, creating this beautifully creamy, cheesy broth. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine at this point, it’s pure comfort.
06 -
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed – a little more salt, pepper, or maybe another pinch of red pepper flakes? Ladle the hot Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls. Now for the best part! Garnish each serving with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan, and a scattering of fresh basil and parsley. The fresh herbs really brighten everything up and make it look so inviting. Serve immediately and get ready for a truly comforting meal!