01 -
Grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven, slosh in a bit of olive oil, and get it warming over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground Italian sausage (or beef) and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, getting some lovely crispy bits. This is where the magic starts, building that deep flavor for your Hearty Lasagna Soup. Drain off any excess fat, because nobody wants an oily soup, right?
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add your chopped onion to the pot with the browned meat. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and smells sweet. Then, throw in your minced garlic, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing garlic – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made before, and it’s just not good, trust me!
03 -
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; that's pure flavor right there! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all those incredible flavors to meld and deepen for your Hearty Lasagna Soup. It smells absolutely divine at this stage!
04 -
Now for the lasagna! Break your lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces – I usually aim for about 1-2 inch squares or rectangles. Stir them into the simmering soup, making sure they're fully submerged. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. This is where I always forget to stir enough, so give it a good stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking!
05 -
Once your noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream until it's fully incorporated and the soup looks wonderfully creamy. Then, dollop in spoonfuls of ricotta cheese. Don't stir it in completely if you want those lovely pockets of creamy ricotta; a gentle swirl is usually enough. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt or pepper? This step truly transforms the Hearty Lasagna Soup.
06 -
Ladle your glorious Hearty Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. If you're feeling fancy, a fresh basil leaf or two makes it look extra special. Let the cheese melt slightly from the heat of the soup. The aroma, the look, it’s all just so inviting. Dig in and enjoy your cozy bowl of comfort!