One-Pot Lasagna Soup

I love one-pot meals. This is one of those recipes that you can easily make in a deep pan, a crockpot, or a Dutch oven. I made this last month and it was pretty good, but needed a bit of improvement. So after this last batch, I changed a few things and I am finally ready to share the recipe for this simple lasagna soup. And you only have to wash one pan after? Well, that's just an extra benefit!

I'm going to tell you the ingredients, but some of the spice measurements are best held to your own judgement. I will tell you what spices I used, but you should use what you personally enjoy and taste it as you add. Also, this recipe is for a double batch so there is enough for a large family or leftovers. Leftovers are my jam.

Ingredients:
2 lbs. meat of your choice - I used extra lean turkey
Lasagna noodles - I use a 1/2 of the box and broke them into little pieces.
1 large can of drained diced tomatoes
1 can of prepared pasta sauce or add large can of crushed tomatoes (Sauce = thicker soup. Crushed = more liquid)
6 cups of chicken broth
1 tbsp sugar
Minced garlic - I buy it already minced and use 1 teaspoon (equal to two cloves). Add more if you love garlic!
1 diced onion
1 tub of ricotta cheese
Parsley
Thyme
Basil
Fennel Seeds
Oregano
Pepper

Instructions:
1. Brown your meat. Add the garlic and onions to the mix and let them brown a bit.
2. Add the sugar, spices, tomatoes, pasta sauce, 1/2 of the ricotta, and broth. I buy unprepared broth and just add 6 tablespoons and 6 cups of water right into the pot.
3. When using my Dutch oven or crockpot, I let this cook at low heat all day. About thirty minutes before serving, I add the broken up uncooked lasagna noodles and let them cook in the sauce. You can do this in a separate pot if you prefer, and just add them to the sauce. This soup can totally be done within an hour. But I really recommend allowing the day for it to cook and develop the flavors.
4. When serving, I like to dollop a spoonful of the leftover ricotta on each serving. And if you're a cheese lover like me, adding other additions of cheese like parmesan is absolutely acceptable and welcomed.

I think I covered everything! I've made this twice in about a month's time, so I'd say it is a winner. Super easy and tasty and less work than a traditional lasagna? That's what dreams are made of!