Save A hearty, comforting soup that transforms classic lasagne into a bowl, with spicy jalapeños and a rich, cheesy topping for an extra kick.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
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The first time I made this soup for my family, they couldn't believe how much it reminded them of classic lasagne, but with a spicy, cheesy twist that made every spoonful exciting. It's now a requested favorite during chilly weekends!
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Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: 500 g (1 lb)
- Italian sausage (casing removed): 150 g (5 oz)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 large, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Jalapeños: 2, seeded and finely chopped (plus extra for garnish, optional)
- Beef or vegetable broth: 800 ml (3 ⅓ cups)
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional)
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Lasagne noodles: 200 g (7 oz), broken into bite-sized pieces
- Ricotta cheese: 200 g (7 oz)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): 100 g (3.5 oz)
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): 50 g (1.8 oz)
- Parsley: 1 tbsp fresh, chopped
- Small jalapeño: 1, finely diced (optional, for extra kick)
- Extra chopped parsley: For garnish
- Sliced jalapeños: For garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan: For garnish
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Instructions
- Brown the Meats:
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables and Jalapeños:
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, red bell pepper, and jalapeños. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Flavorings:
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer Soup Base:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Lasagne Noodles:
- Add broken lasagne noodles and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Make Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, and diced jalapeño. Mix well.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and top with cheesy jalapeño mixture. Sprinkle with extra parsley, sliced jalapeños, and Parmesan.
Save Sharing this soup with my kids on a winter night brought back memories of cozy pasta dinners, but now with a fun Tex-Mex kick everyone enjoyed together at the table.
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Required Tools
Large soup pot or Dutch oven, wooden spoon, chef's knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, ladle
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 44 g, Protein 29 g
Recipe Notes
For vegetarian, omit meat and use plant-based sausage; adjust spice to taste; add spinach or kale for extra greens; pair with Italian red wine.
Save 
Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and extra jalapeño if you love extra spice. Enjoy a comforting twist on classic lasagne!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I adjust the spiciness of this soup?
Yes, use fewer jalapeños or omit the red pepper flakes for less heat, or add more for extra spiciness.
- → What type of cheese works best for topping?
A blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds creaminess and depth. Other melting cheeses can be substituted.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef and sausages for extra vegetables or plant-based proteins.
- → Which pasta should I use?
Broken lasagne noodles are best, but other pasta shapes like bowties or rotini work well too.
- → Is this meal suitable for meal prepping?
This soup keeps well in the fridge. Add fresh cheese topping and herbs just before serving.
- → What wine pairs nicely?
A light Italian red wine such as Chianti is a flavorful companion to the bold, cheesy soup.
