Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, hand-crushed
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, roughly broken
• 8 ounces whole milk ricotta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1/2 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, to serve

Steps to Make:

1. Prepare the Base:
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
   Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef, if necessary.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly and becomes aromatic. Add the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried rosemary. Stir well to combine and let the spices bloom in the mixture for a minute.
4. Add Tomatoes and Stock:
   Pour in the crushed whole tomatoes along with their juices. Stir everything together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Broken Lasagna Noodles:
   Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir them into the soup and let them cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the soup.
6. Add the Cheese:
   Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and shredded mozzarella. Stir well to incorporate the cheeses into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on top, if desired.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Servings:

• Servings: 4-6 servings

Calories:

• Calories per serving: 450 kcal (Approximate)

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g
• Calcium: 250mg
• Iron: 3mg

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Explanation of the Recipe and Why It’s Timeless:

This Hearty Beef Lasagna Soup is a true game-changer. It takes the familiar and much-loved flavors of classic lasagna and turns them into a simpler, more approachable dish. What makes this recipe timeless is its balance of flavors, simplicity, and the comforting, familiar nature of lasagna, which has been a family favorite for generations.

In traditional lasagna, the meat sauce is layered between pasta sheets and baked in the oven. However, in this soup version, the process is made much easier—no layering, no oven time—just one pot, a few basic ingredients, and a short cooking time. The result is a rich, tomato-based broth that is filled with tender noodles, savory beef, and melted cheese, all of which come together in a way that feels both familiar and new.

The use of simple pantry ingredients like ground beef, tomato paste, and chicken stock makes this recipe a cost-effective and easy-to-make weeknight dinner. The cheese blends into the soup, providing a creamy richness that mimics the layers of lasagna without the hassle. Meanwhile, the fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish, brightening up the hearty soup.

In addition, this soup can be easily adapted for different dietary preferences. For example, you can use ground turkey or plant-based ground meat as a substitute for the beef, making it suitable for a variety of tastes and needs.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the soup and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit more stock or water if it’s too thick.

Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: Absolutely! This soup freezes very well. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Keep in mind that the noodles might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

Q: Can I substitute the ground beef with a different protein?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Q: Is it possible to use fresh lasagna noodles?
A: Yes! If you have fresh lasagna noodles, you can break them up and use them in this soup. Just be mindful to check the cooking time, as fresh noodles tend to cook a little faster than dry noodles.

Tips for Making:

1. Use Homemade Chicken Stock: If you have the time, homemade chicken stock can add an extra layer of richness to the soup. However, store-bought stock works perfectly fine as well.
2. Feel Free to Adjust the Noodles: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can also use broken spaghetti or other types of pasta in this soup.
3. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: For more texture and flavor, try adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini when you cook the onions and garlic.
4. Enhance the Flavor: Adding a splash of red wine to the beef mixture can give the soup an added depth of flavor. Simply cook it off after adding the tomato paste.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if the soup is too thick.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion:

This Hearty Beef Lasagna Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that captures all the flavors of a classic lasagna without the hassle. The rich, savory broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheese combine in a way that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s the perfect meal for any occasion—whether you’re craving a classic lasagna but don’t have the time to bake, or you simply want a one-pot wonder that everyone will love.

What makes this soup truly timeless is how it takes a beloved dish and makes it easier, faster, and just as satisfying. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. So, next time you’re craving lasagna, try this Hearty Beef Lasagna Soup—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your rotation!