Save A rich comforting soup inspired by classic lasagne featuring tender noodles a hearty tomato-base and a luxurious swirl of caramelized onions and creamy cheese.
I first made this soup on a chilly weekend craving comfort food with a twist. The caramelized onion swirl reminded me of cozy family gatherings around a bubbling lasagne and everyone loved how the familiar flavors shined through in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and onions.
- Onion: Finely chopped for the soup base and thinly sliced for caramelizing.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic depth.
- Carrot: Diced for sweetness.
- Celery: Diced for flavor balance.
- Ground beef: Provides protein and flavor.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb.
- Dried basil: Adds fragrant notes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for gentle heat.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Makes the soup base hearty.
- Beef or vegetable broth: For simmering and forming a rich soup body.
- Lasagne noodles: Broken into pieces for bite-sized pasta.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Added to taste.
- Unsalted butter: Helps caramelize the onions with olive oil.
- Sugar: Aids in deep golden caramelization of onions.
- Ricotta cheese: Mixed for swirl creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds cheesy depth to the swirl and serving.
- Fresh parsley: Mixed into the swirl for freshness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped for garnish.
- Extra grated Parmesan: Optional for serving.
Instructions
- Start the Soup Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef and break up with a spoon. Cook until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season and Tomato:
- Stir in oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Simmer:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Make Onion Swirl:
- In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions with sugar. Cook stirring occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until deep golden and sweet. Once cooled slightly, mix with ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Add Pasta:
- Add broken lasagne noodles to soup. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Add broth to adjust thickness if needed.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with caramelized onion swirl, fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This hearty soup with its creamy onion swirl has become a cold-weather favorite at our family table. Even picky eaters will happily slurp up every last spoonful.
Required Tools
Large soup pot skillet knife cutting board wooden spoon ladle and a medium bowl are used for preparing and serving this soup.
Allergen Information
Contains: Gluten in lasagne noodles dairy in ricotta Parmesan and butter. May contain: Egg in some pasta or ricotta and celery. Always check for ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 465 calories 21g fat 43g carbohydrates and 27g protein.
Save Try this lasagne soup for a cozy meal that feels both familiar and fresh. The onion swirl makes every bowl extra special.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with cooked lentils or plant-based mince and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- → What type of noodles work best?
Broken lasagne noodles are ideal for texture, but any flat pasta can be used as an alternative.
- → How do I achieve sweet caramelized onions?
Slowly cook onions in butter and olive oil with a little sugar over medium heat until deep golden brown.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
Yes. The caramelized onion cheese swirl may be made up to two days ahead and kept refrigerated until serving.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap regular lasagne noodles for gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- → How should I serve this soup?
Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with onion swirl, and sprinkle with fresh herbs and Parmesan for extra flavor.