Ingredients
- Ground Beef or LambChoose a lean blend (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess fat floating in the soup, which keeps the broth cleaner and more appealing.
- Onion and GarlicThese aromatics must be sautéed slowly until soft and fragrant, providing the essential flavor foundation for all Italian-inspired dishes.
- Crushed Tomatoes or PassataUse high-quality crushed tomatoes, as they contribute the majority of the liquid body and natural sweetness to the broth.
- Chicken or Beef BrothLow sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, ensuring the final seasoning is balanced and deep.
- Italian Seasoning and OreganoA robust blend of dried herbs that instantly infuses the soup with classic, recognizable Italian flavor profiles.
- Lasagna NoodlesBreak these into bite-sized pieces before cooking; avoid cooking them too far in advance, or they will soak up too much liquid.
- Ricotta CheeseFull-fat ricotta provides the signature creamy texture and slightly grainy element that mimics the cheese layers in baked lasagna.
- Heavy Cream and Whole MilkA small amount adds essential richness and body, helping to create a luxurious and velvety mouthfeel without making the soup overly heavy.
- Fresh Basil and ParsleyReserved for garnishing, fresh herbs brighten the color and provide a necessary sharp, peppery contrast to the richness of the soup.
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build the Base
- Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Broth
- Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Finish
Notes
- If you plan to store leftovers for more than a day, cook and store the lasagna noodle pieces separately, adding them back into the broth just before serving to prevent the soup from becoming overly thick.
- When reheating this creamy soup, use low heat on the stovetop and consider stirring in a splash of extra milk or broth to quickly restore the luxurious, velvety mouthfeel if the soup has thickened overnight.
- For a classic finish, serve big bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a slice of thick, buttery garlic bread ideal for dipping.
- To achieve the best overall flavor profile, always use low-sodium broth and crushed tomatoes, which allows you to perfectly control the final seasoning balance when you add the required salt at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American