“Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup”

Doesn’t lasagna sound good? How about all that cheesy goodness in a bowl? Need a quick and easy meal when everyone’s on the go? Nothing is better than looking in the refrigerator and remembering a dish cooked a day or two before. For those who don’t mind leftovers my Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup is the answer to your prayers. This recipe makes plenty for lunches and another dinner. Most importantly, who doesn’t love a recipe that can be on the table in an hour or less? Bring it on, I say.

 Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

Such a simple recipe even the kids can join in the making of this kid-tested, Mom approved meal? You can use any small shape of pasta you like but I like the idea of using broken lasagna noodles. Make sure to break them into small bite-size pieces because pasta swells as it cooks. Kids will like mini shells or mini penne. Just substitute 2 1/2 cups of small pasta in place of broken noodles.

Another suggestion is 10 cups of broth may sound like a large amount but by the time the pasta cooks, quite a bit of liquid is soaked up by the pasta. Make sure you have enough on hand because you’ll want the soup to be much thinner. Also, you can use all ground beef in the soup if you like and omit sausage. The sausage adds a depth of flavor beef does not have. I’m just saying…wink, wink!

Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

In addition, don’t forget all the garnishes and use as much as you like. Some may enjoy mozzarella cheese and others Parmesan cheese. However, I am a huge fan of ricotta cheese and this soup is over the top good when topped with this creamy topping. Mix ricotta with heavy cream to smooth and thin a bit. It’s absolutely heavenly on top of this soup. Now it tastes like you have meaty cheesy lasagna in a bowl…Yum-o!

Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

Serve lasagna soup with garlicky bread sticks or toast and a simple green salad. Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup heats up great the next day for lunches and another dinner if you choose. My husband is a big lover of pasta and this a favorite. Me on the other hand love any excuse to eat cheese and more cheese.

It’s kinda feels like fall around here this weekend so what perfect time to make a batch of soup. Put this recipe at the top of your list. You’ll be glad you did. Have a great week.

Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

 

Easy Beef and Sausage Lasagna Soup

1-pound 80/20 ground beef

1/4-pound mild Italian sausage

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1/2 t. red pepper flakes

1 – 24 oz. jar Classico marinara sauce or your favorite brand

10 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided

1 – 14 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 T. tomato paste

2 t. balsamic vinegar

2 t. granulated sugar

1 T. dried basil

1 t. each dried oregano, dried parsley, kosher salt

1/2 t. black pepper

1 large bay leaf

10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces

1/2 cup heavy cream, optional

Ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, for garnish

 

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat, add in beef and onion. Cook and stirring until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Add in garlic and red pepper, sautéing for 30 – 40 seconds. Drain off any excess fat.

Stir in marinara sauce, 6 cups beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, spices and lasagna noodles.

Bring soup to boil then reduce to simmer and cook until noodles are tender, about 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so noodles do not stick to bottom of pan.

Discard bay leaf and stir in heavy cream, if desired. Stir in 2 to 4 cups beef broth until desired consistency is reached. Heat soup thoroughly and serve.

Ladle soup into individual serving bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.