Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 3-5 minutes, to build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break up the meat evenly and drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the soup lean.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the low-sodium beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles to the simmering soup, making sure they are fully submerged. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape, avoiding mushiness.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the soup light.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit ground beef.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or a garlic press.
- Ensure noodles are fully submerged to cook evenly and prevent sticking.
- Adjust Italian seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor; you can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American