Simply The Best It's barely September and as the triple digits begin to dip to the upper 90s the days are starting to grow a bit shorter. All thoughts in my household turn to fall and the culinary highlights of our favorite season here in Texas.
I've been saving this family recipe until now - I think it will likely be one of your favorite soup recipes! I stumbled on other lasagna soup recipes and after fumbling around with the broken lasagna noodles, I knew there was a better way. You see, the broken lasagna noodles were most difficult to keep on the spoon and maneuver into our mouths. We solved this with the foodie tip below!
Let soup season commence!
Time To Prepare: 30-45 minutes.
Foodie Tips:
About Pasta: We searched for the best bite-sized pasta that would hug this soup just right. Our chosen find is this signature radiatore from Target - Good & Gather's bronze cut. It's the perfect size once prepared and there's no fumbling and struggling with broken lasagna noodles slip-sliding off your spoon and back into your bowl! The pasta has ruffled edges that are reminiscent of their pasta cousin - the lasagna noodle. This is an essential ingredient that will have you coming back to this lasagna soup recipe. As an alternate, you can use this slightly longer Rusticella d'Abruzzo Radiatori found at Central Market. I did experience a little more breakage with this one once it was prepared.
If you think you might have leftovers, only add as much pasta as you can eat - otherwise, the leftovers may leave you feeling a little soggy. You can always toss in additional pasta made fresh in your leftover soup... but we think leftovers will be a rarity.
Have a Ninja Foodi multi-cooker? I've also made this soup in our Foodi and it was a great option versus heating up the range.
Love some crunch? It may sound odd at first but try adding some hand made crinkle-cut carrots.
Ingredients: ½ Pound | Ground Beef ½ Pound | Italian Sausage
To Taste | Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
1-2 Tablespoons | Olive Oil (We Used Olio Verde) 1 Large | Yellow Onion, Chopped 7 Cloves | Fresh Garlic, Minced 2 Tablespoons | Tomato Paste 28 Ounce Can | San Marzano Tomatoes, Diced (Or Whole, Broken With A Spoon) 1-2 Teaspoons | Red Pepper Flakes (2 If You Like A Kick) 2 Tablespoons | Fresh Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, Chopped 2 Tablespoons | Fresh Oregano Leaves 1-2 Tablespoons | Fresh Basil, Hand Torn
7 Cups | Broth (Chicken or Vegetable)
¼ Cup | Heavy Cream (Optional) 2 Cups | Radiatore Pasta
2 Cups | Fresh Spinach Leaves (Optional)
15 Ounces | Ricotta Cheese 1 Cup | Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded ½ Cup | Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese To Serve | More Fresh Basil, Hand Torn
What To Do:
1. In a large uncovered pot over medium-high heat cook the beef and sausage until browned. Season with your salt and pepper as you prepare the meats. Remove the meats from the pot and set aside. 2. In the same pot add the olive oil and heat over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the onion and sauté things for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. 3. Add the tomato paste, San Marzano tomatoes, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and your chosen broth. 4. Return the meat to the soup and bring it to a boil. Add the radiatore and cook per the pasta instructions. Just before done add the cream and spinach (if using).
5. While the pasta is cooking in a medium-sized bowl prepare your cheeses by combining the three cheeses.
6. Ready to serve? Ladle the soup into a serving bowl, add 1-2 generous cookie scoops/spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top of the soup, and garnish with hand-torn basil. As the cheeses melt you'll be tempted to stir it into the soup and please do - the result is a wonderful tomato-cheese lasagna taste! This soup pairs well with bread, salad, and for a nightcap - our homemade limoncello (recipes below)! Explore and enjoy more of my family's favorite recipes here at HomeStyleAustin.com – your trusted resource for celebrating the best of Central Texas living through the adventures of food, design, and landscape.
Joe Paul Reider
Home Style Austin Founder Austin Realtor® Keller Williams Realty
Email: JoePaul@KW.com Mobile: 512-222-3302 Web: JoePaulReider.KW.com