01 -
Get that ground beef (or sausage!) nice and browned in your big pot over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, creating those lovely crumbles. Drain off any excess fat—this is where the flavor starts, friends. You'll smell it, that savory goodness filling your kitchen. Don't rush this step; good browning equals good flavor, honestly.
02 -
Toss in your chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes, and that garlic is wonderfully fragrant. This step always makes my kitchen smell incredible, like a proper Italian restaurant, honestly. I've burned the garlic before, and trust me, that's a sad smell. Keep an eye on it to prevent any bitter mishaps!
03 -
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then let those flavors get to know each other for about 10-15 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen, you can almost taste the richness already. The kitchen will smell so comforting and warm, it’s just the best!
04 -
Now for the lasagna noodles! Remember to break them into bite-sized pieces first—small enough to fit on a spoon, you know? Stir them into the simmering soup and cook until they are al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so they don't stick to the bottom of the pot, which I've definitely done more than once. The soup will start to thicken up beautifully here.
05 -
Take the pot off the heat. Stir in about half of the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until they’ve melted into a creamy, dreamy swirl. This is the part where the soup gets that lovely, rich texture, like a deconstructed lasagna. Don't overmix, just get it nice and melty and incorporated. It's truly a moment of kitchen chaos and beauty all at once!
06 -
Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls, savoring that amazing aroma. Top each serving with the remaining ricotta, a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a scattering of fresh basil. A little extra black pepper? Oh, yes, please! It's a feast for the eyes and the stomach, a real showstopper that tastes even better than it looks.