Description
This Lasagna Soup with Creamy Basil Ricotta Topping combines the hearty, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna in an easy-to-make soup form. Featuring a savory blend of Italian sausage, ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato base, it is elevated by a luscious herbed ricotta topping with fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup offers a cozy meal perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing any of the traditional lasagna taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Base
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage (remove casing)
- ½ lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup minced fresh basil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Remove the Italian sausage from its casing and add it along with the lean ground beef into a soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook the meat until well browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning and settling into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Add the finely minced onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring and cooking for about 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens and releases a sweet aroma.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock and the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil on high heat.
- Cook the Noodles: Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Prepare the Ricotta Topping: While the soup simmers, in a separate medium bowl, combine ricotta, minced basil, Parmesan, mozzarella, finely minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly for a creamy herbed topping.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream if using for extra richness. Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with the creamy basil ricotta mixture. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe video is available for reference to ensure ease in preparation.
- While classic lasagna is a favorite dish, this soup version significantly shortens prep and cooking time to about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Do not skip the herbed ricotta topping; it adds a fresh, creamy element that elevates the soup flavor profile.
- You can substitute mild Italian sausage with spicy or sweet sausage based on preference.
- If dairy is a concern, omit the heavy cream or ricotta topping for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 553 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1079 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg
