Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: 1 lb
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz)
• Beef or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Lasagna Noodles: 8 oz, broken into pieces
• Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: for garnish

Cheese Topping:

• Ricotta Cheese: 1/2 cup
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
   • Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Build the Flavor Base:
   • Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir well to incorporate. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
3. Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef or chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Simmer and Cook the Noodles:
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the broken lasagna noodles, stirring to ensure they don’t stick together. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Set aside.
6. Serve with Cheese Topping:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture to each bowl. Let it melt slightly, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
7. Enjoy!
   • Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in soup form.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use different pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

• Yes! Any short pasta, like penne, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti, works well in this soup if you don’t have lasagna noodles.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

• Definitely. Substitute the ground beef or sausage with a plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.

3. How can I make the soup creamier?

• You can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamier texture. Stir well and heat through before serving.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

• Yes, but for best results, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating. This helps prevent the noodles from becoming too soft.

5. Can I freeze this soup?

• Lasagna soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the soup base without the noodles or cheese topping. Add fresh noodles and the cheese mixture when reheating.

Tips for Making the Best One-Pot Lasagna Soup:

1. Brown the Meat Well – Taking the time to brown the meat enhances the flavor of the soup base. Make sure to break it into small pieces and let it cook until it develops a nice crust.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Lasagna noodles continue to soften as the soup sits, so cook them until just al dente. They’ll hold up better in leftovers this way.
3. Customize the Heat Level – Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Omit it entirely for a milder soup or add extra if you like a bit more kick.
4. Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish – Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and flavor, balancing out the richness of the cheese topping and broth.
5. Experiment with the Cheese Topping – You can add a bit of fresh garlic or chopped basil to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor. If you’re a fan of cheese, feel free to sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water if the soup has thickened.
• Freezing: Freeze the soup base (without noodles) in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat. Add fresh noodles during reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from curdling.

Conclusion:

One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Cheesy Topping brings all the cozy flavors of lasagna into a delicious, easy-to-make soup. With tender noodles, a rich tomato and meat broth, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s comfort in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something hearty, this soup is sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether served with crusty bread for dipping or enjoyed as is, each bite delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This one-pot wonder will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation—enjoy the warmth and comfort of lasagna with every spoonful!