Lasagne Soup

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### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

#### **Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth**
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef broth. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

#### **Step 3: Add the Noodles**
4. Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir to combine, then let the noodles cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the soup to ensure the noodles don’t overcook.

#### **Step 4: Make the Cheese Mixture**
5. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

#### **Step 5: Serve the Soup**
6. Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese, creating a creamy, lasagna-like experience in every bite.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.

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### **Tips for the Best Lasagne Soup**

1. **Use Italian Sausage for Extra Flavor:** For a more flavorful soup, swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage. The sausage adds a rich, savory depth that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Since the noodles will continue to soften as they sit in the soup, it’s important to cook them just until they’re al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
3. **Add Extra Veggies:** You can easily add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
4. **Make It Spicy:** If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
5. **Make Ahead:** This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With Garlic Bread:** Pair this soup with warm garlic bread or a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread complements the soup and adds an extra comforting touch.
– **A Side Salad:** A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup and adds a light, refreshing element to the meal.
– **More Cheese:** Top each bowl with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for an even cheesier, more indulgent experience.

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### **Storage and Freezing**

– **Storing Leftovers:** Lasagne Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
– **Freezing:** This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
– **Reheating:** When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth or water, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

**Lasagne Soup** takes all the best parts of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a more convenient, cozy form. The rich, tomato-based broth is packed with flavor, while the broken lasagna noodles mimic the layers of lasagna pasta perfectly. Adding the creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates that signature lasagna richness and melty goodness. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy all the classic flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time.

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### **The Bottom Line**

**Lasagne Soup** is the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty, and packed with all the flavors of a traditional lasagna. It’s perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something familiar and comforting but don’t have the time to prepare a full lasagna. This easy-to-make soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, and it’s a great dish to have in your recipe rotation. Give it a try, and you’ll have a new favorite way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna!