Warm your soul on a chilly, rainy night with this hearty and comforting Lasagne Soup. Featuring mini lasagne noodles (mafalda), savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and a trio of cheeses, it’s a delightful twist on the classic lasagne dish. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 6 oz mini lasagne noodles (mafalda)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Garlic bread, sliced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Add fresh basil, parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook Mini Lasagne Noodles:
- While the soup is simmering, in a separate pot, cook the mini lasagne noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Lasagne Soup:
- Add the cooked mini lasagne noodles to the soup pot. Stir well to combine. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the noodles to soak up the flavors of the soup.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot Lasagne Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Serve the Lasagne Soup hot, accompanied by slices of warm garlic bread.
- Enjoy:
- Dive in and savor the delicious flavors of this comforting Lasagne Soup. The combination of savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.
Bon appétit!
Q1: Can I use regular lasagne noodles instead of mini lasagne noodles (mafalda) in this soup? A1: Yes, you can use regular lasagne noodles if you can’t find mini lasagne noodles. Simply break the regular lasagne noodles into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian? A2: Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Lasagne Soup, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. Instead, add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option.
Q3: How long does Lasagne Soup last in the fridge? A3: Lasagne Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
Q4: Can I freeze Lasagne Soup? A4: Yes, Lasagne Soup can be frozen for future meals. Let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Q5: What can I serve alongside Lasagne Soup besides garlic bread? A5: Along with garlic bread, you can serve a fresh green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or a simple bruschetta. A light dessert like tiramisu or cannoli can be a delightful sweet ending to your Lasagne Soup dinner.
Q6: Can I customize the cheese toppings? A6: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with the cheese toppings. Besides ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, you can add other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for a unique flavor profile. Customize the cheese blend according to your preference.
Enjoy your Las
