Ingredients
– 1 pound lean ground beef or half Italian sausage
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– 4-5 garlic cloves
– ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
– Low sodium chicken broth, 8-10 cups total (divided)
– 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
– 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– 10 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not no-boil), broken into 1-2 inch pieces
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
– Shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
1-Heat a large Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat.
2-Add marinara sauce, 6 cups chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, dried thyme, bay leaf, and broken lasagna noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender (about 20-30 minutes).
3-Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream (if using). Add remaining 2-4 cups chicken broth as needed to achieve desired soup consistency.
4-Serve topped with desired amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and ricotta cheese.
Notes
🧅 Using regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces prevents the soup from becoming mushy.
🥕 Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach can boost nutrition and flavor.
🥄 For a thicker soup without cream, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch with some broth and stir into the soup during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
