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Lasagna Soup with Rich Tomato Broth and Creamy Ricotta

A hearty soup with seasoned ground beef, crushed tomatoes, broken lasagna noodles, spinach, and a cool creamy ricotta topping. Components are kept separate for better texture and easier storage.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 500 g lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 medium carrot finely diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 packed cups baby spinach
Noodles
  • 225 g dry lasagna noodles broken into spoon-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water
Ricotta Topping
  • 250 g whole-milk ricotta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan-style cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil

Equipment

  • 5- to 6-quart heavy pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking into pieces, until browned. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Add onion and carrot and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 60–90 seconds until the paste darkens slightly.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of broth and scrape the bottom of the pot. Add remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 18–20 minutes.
  4. While the soup simmers, boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente (9–12 minutes). Drain and spread loosely in a colander.
  5. Stir spinach into the soup and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Taste and add remaining salt only if needed.
  6. Divide noodles among 6 bowls, ladle the hot soup over them, and top each with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Store soup base, noodles, and ricotta topping in separate covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Cook fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
  • Freezer: Freeze the soup base only (no noodles, spinach, or cheese) for up to 3 months. Add fresh spinach, pasta, and topping after reheating to 165°F (74°C).
  • Make-ahead: Prepare the soup base and ricotta topping up to 1 day ahead. Cook the noodles just before serving.