Save A rich, comforting soup inspired by classic lasagne, featuring tender noodles, a hearty tomato&beef base, and a luxurious swirl of caramelized onions and creamy cheese.
When I first made this soup, my kitchen filled with the nostalgic aroma of simmering tomatoes and savory beef, just like Sunday Italian dinners. Mixing in the caramelized onion swirl transformed every spoonful into something warm and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and building flavor
- Onion: Both finely chopped for the base and sliced for the swirl
- Garlic: Minced, adds depth
- Carrot: Diced, subtle sweetness
- Celery stalk: Diced, for savory notes
- Ground beef: Hearty protein, can substitute with lentils
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb
- Dried basil: Perfumed, familiar flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional kick
- Tomato paste: Helps concentrate flavor
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Rich, saucy base
- Beef or vegetable broth: Choose your favorite
- Lasagne noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Unsalted butter: Caramelizes onions for swirl
- Sugar: Encourages browning of onions
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy addition to swirl
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty richness
- Chopped fresh parsley: Bright, herbal lift
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan: Optional finishing touch
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&7 minutes until softened.
- Add Aromatics:
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown the Meat:
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6&8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season and Simmer:
- Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Onion Swirl:
- While soup simmers, heat butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, 20&25 minutes until deep golden. Season with salt and pepper. Cool slightly; mix with ricotta, Parmesan, and parsley. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add broken lasagne noodles to soup. Simmer uncovered 10&12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Add more broth if too thick.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- To Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Spoon caramelized onion swirl on top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Save This became a weeknight favorite in my family. Even picky eaters loved swirling the cheesy onions into their own bowl.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, skillet, knife and cutting board, wooden spoon, ladle, medium bowl
Allergen Information
Contains: Gluten (lasagne noodles), Dairy (ricotta, Parmesan, butter). May contain: Egg (check labels), Celery. Always confirm allergen status.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 465, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 43 g, Protein: 27 g
Save Enjoy a warming bowl with family—the caramelized onion swirl makes every serving memorable and comforting.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the ground beef with lentils or plant-based mince and use vegetable broth for a meatless option.
- → What type of noodles work best?
Traditional lasagne sheets broken into bite-sized pieces work well, but you can use any flat pasta shapes available.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly with a touch of sugar, butter, and oil over medium heat until deeply golden and sweet.
- → Is the caramelized onion swirl necessary?
The caramelized onion swirl adds a creamy, sweet layer to the dish, but you can omit it or adjust cheese according to taste.
- → Can I prepare elements ahead of time?
The caramelized onion swirl can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Assemble soup close to serving.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Replace standard lasagne noodles with gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.