Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to bring richness to the Lasagna Soup. Once the oil is hot, toss in the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to allow the delicious aromas to fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Meat Next, add your choice of ground meat to the pot. Crumble it into smaller pieces as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly. This step is essential because browning the meat will enhance the overall flavor of your Lasagna Soup. Once the meat is fully cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth Now it’s time to add in the canned tomatoes and broth. Pour in a generous amount of diced tomatoes, followed by tomato sauce. The acidity from these ingredients will contrast beautifully with the richness of the meat. Stir everything together, then pour in the broth of your choice. This will form the savory base of your Lasagna Soup.
Step 4: Season the Soup Add a blend of Italian herbs like oregano and basil to infuse flavor into your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and allow the mixture to simmer. Watch as the flavors come together, creating an aromatic experience that showcases the essence of a traditional lasagna in a warming soup form.
Step 5: Incorporate the Noodles Once the soup has simmered for about 15 minutes, introduce the broken lasagna noodles. These will absorb the flavors of the soup as they cook. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking; you want them to be perfectly al dente in your delightful Lasagna Soup.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese As the noodles soften, get ready to incorporate creamy richness by adding ricotta cheese. Spool it in dollops over the top, and gently stir it into the soup, making it creamy and decadent. Just before serving, sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese and let it melt slightly – this is where your soup transforms into an indulgent Lasagna Soup masterpiece.