If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that wraps you in warmth and delivers all the layered flavors of a classic Italian favorite, the Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe is here to become your new go-to! This soup captures everything you love about traditional lasagna—the savory sausage, rich ground beef, vibrant tomato sauce, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness—without the fuss of assembling and baking. It’s like a big, flavorful hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or anytime you want something filling with a touch of elegance and loads of comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe is that it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary depth of flavor. Each component plays a key role, from the spice of the Italian sausage to the creamy cheeses melting on top, making this soup irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A good base for cooking meats and veggies, adding subtle richness.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Brings a robust, savory kick that’s the heart of the soup.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty texture to complement the sausage.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth and classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, herbal note essential to Italian dishes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, bright undertone to the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough spice to liven the palate without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and deepens the broth’s color.
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato base that makes this soup saucy and comforting.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a savory stock that brings everything together.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth for the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup small pasta shapes: The “noodles” that soak up all the flavorful goodness.
- 1 bay leaf: Enhances aroma with subtle hints of spice and woodsy notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons to perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Silky creaminess that melts beautifully on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty flavor to heighten the cheesy layers.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gooey, melty texture that completes the lasagna experience.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped): Bright, fresh finish that balances richness.
How to Make Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create that perfect cooking environment for your meats. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up with a spoon as they brown. This step is crucial because the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom add so much flavor to the soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the meat is cooked through, toss in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing sweetness that balances the savory meat beautifully. The aroma at this stage will already have your kitchen smelling incredible.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Add dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes for that authentic Italian punch. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to bring out its deep, rich flavors. This concentrated tomato flavor is what starts turning the pot into a lasagna-inspired masterpiece.
Step 4: Create the Broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, and toss in the bay leaf. Bring everything to a simmer and let it mingle for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to marry perfectly and the broth to thicken just right.
Step 5: Cook Pasta in the Soup
Stir in your small pasta shapes and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the broth, becoming tender and bursting with taste, making every spoonful utterly satisfying.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Cheese Toppings
Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with a generous spoonful of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil. These toppings melt and mingle on the hot soup, offering that quintessential lasagna cheesy finish you crave.
How to Serve Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a superstar garnish here—its bright herby notes lift the rich flavors. A dollop of ricotta adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the tangy tomato base, while the melty mozzarella and Parmesan create a cheesy crust right in your bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup stands tall on its own, but pairing it with crispy garlic bread or a simple green salad brings balance and crunch, making your meal complete. A glass of red wine wouldn’t hurt either if you’re feeling fancy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth. Or, ladle it into deep mugs as a cozy appetizer at dinner parties. Layering the garnishes beautifully ensures each bowl looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go for busy days without losing any of its rich flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this soup for up to 3 months, which is perfect for meal prep. Keep the cheese toppings separate and add them fresh after reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of the small shapes?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook evenly and fit well on a spoon, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the sausage and ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils to keep that meaty texture and richness.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, the soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just reheat gently and add fresh cheese and basil before serving.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta is not available, you can use cottage cheese or even cream cheese for the creamy topping, though ricotta’s mild flavor and texture are ideal.
How spicy is this soup?
With just half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the soup has a mild kick that enhances flavor without overwhelming. You can adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe—its hearty, flavorful layers make each spoonful a delight you’ll want to savor again and again. It’s perfect for those days when you want all the warmth and satisfaction of lasagna without the fuss, bringing joy and comfort straight to your table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a cherished recipe in your collection!
Print
Comforting Lasagna Soup With Sausage And Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting lasagna soup combines the beloved flavors of classic lasagna into a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Made with Italian sausage, ground beef, a medley of Italian herbs, crushed tomatoes, and tender pasta, it’s topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, and fresh basil for the perfect cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids and Broth
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta shapes
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for browning the meats.
- Brown Meat: Add Italian sausage and ground beef to the pot, cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Add Herbs and Tomato Paste: Incorporate dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste; cook for one minute to enhance aroma and flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to blend all flavors well.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in small pasta shapes and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, and finish with fresh chopped basil for an authentic lasagna flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute small pasta shapes with broken lasagna noodles or ditalini pasta.
- For a spicier soup, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use low-sodium beef broth if you want to control the salt content.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
