Craving the hearty flavors of lasagna but short on time (and clean-up energy)? This Cozy, One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese is your answer! Imagine all the deliciousness of lasagna – the savory ground meat, the sweet tomato sauce, the melty cheese – transformed into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Top it off with dollops of creamy ricotta for a truly decadent experience. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple!
What is One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese?
One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese… sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? But what IS it, really? Is it lasagna that took a wrong turn and ended up swimming? Or soup that’s secretly plotting to become lasagna one day? Truth be told, it’s the beautiful love child of those two comfort food titans! Jokes aside, it skips the layering and baking fuss of traditional lasagna, giving you all the flavor with minimal effort.
Who has time to spend hours assembling lasagna when you can have a steaming bowl of deliciousness in under an hour? The way to a man (or woman’s!) heart is through their stomach, and this soup is practically a shortcut to culinary affection. Ready to ditch the effort and embrace the flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup:
You’re absolutely going to adore this One-Pot Lasagna Soup for its incredible deliciousness and convenience. First and foremost, it delivers that classic lasagna flavor, rich with tomato, meat, and herbs, all in a comforting, easy-to-eat soup format. Secondly, making it at home saves you a ton of money compared to ordering take-out or dining at Italian restaurants.
And finally, the creamy ricotta topping takes it to the next level, adding a luxurious touch that makes every spoonful feel like a treat. If you like this, why not try our Creamy Tomato Soup recipe for another comforting one-pot wonder? Now, are you ready to dive into a bowl of lasagna goodness without the fuss?
Key Ingredients for One-Pot Lasagna Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides the hearty, savory base for the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The core of the tomato-based sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds additional richness and body to the sauce.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup. You can substitute with chicken broth if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the soup with a classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano, further enhancing the Italian profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces: Provides the “lasagna” element in the soup.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy, signature topping ingredient.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor and enhances the ricotta topping.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the soup to your preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: for sauteeing the onion and garlic
How to Make One-Pot Lasagna Soup:
This recipe promises all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time, and with only one pot to clean! It is simple, delicious, and sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings. The best part? It is ready in less than an hour! Think of a hearty, savory both with the goodness of cheese and meat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Noodles: Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles and stir to submerge them in the liquid.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Prepare the Ricotta: While the soup is simmering, prepare the ricotta topping by mixing it with Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
Serve: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
What to Serve One-Pot Lasagna Soup With:
This Lasagna Soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. Consider pairing it with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to add some fresh greens. Crusty bread, like garlic bread or a baguette, is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. You could also offer a glass of light-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Pinot Noir, to complement the Italian flavors. Finally, a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli or zucchini, will complement the meal and provide additional nutrients.
Top Tips for Perfecting One-Pot Lasagna Soup:
Meat Choice: If you prefer a stronger flavor, use Italian sausage. A mix of sweet and spicy adds a more complex taste.
Noodle Consistency: Cooking time for the noodles may vary depending on their thickness and freshness. Check them regularly to ensure they don’t get too mushy.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. A pinch adds warmth, while more will bring the heat.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
Freezing: Let the soup cool completely. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the noodles may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will still be excellent.
Final Thoughts:
This One-Pot Lasagna Soup with Ricotta Cheese recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of lasagna goodness in soup form! What could be better than satisfying your lasagna cravings in just one pot? Enjoy!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The cooking time will remain about the same.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this soup?
A: Yes, definitely! Diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions. Add them along with the onions and garlic for best results.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian. Omit the meat and add extra vegetables or lentils for a heartier soup. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?
A: While ricotta is the traditional choice, you could substitute with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or even a dollop of cream cheese if you prefer.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can stir in a spoonful or two of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup to thicken it.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest