Lasagna lovers, get ready for a new twist on the classic dish. This comforting lasagna soup is rich, hearty, and perfect for any chilly evening. Easy to make, full of flavor, and best of all, it delivers all the goodness of lasagna in a bowl!
PrintDelicious Lasagna Soup Recipe for a Cozy Meal
Craving the flavors of classic lasagna but short on time? Lasagna soup is the answer! This hearty, comforting dish captures everything you love about lasagna — rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta — all in a convenient one-pot meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a meal to impress guests, this recipe is perfect. Plus, it’s easier to make and clean up than traditional lasagna, which makes it a great option for weeknight meals.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage 🍖
- 1 small onion, diced 🧅
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
- 1 tsp dried basil 🌿
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️ (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth 🥣
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
- 2 tbsp tomato paste 🍅
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces 🍝
- 1 cup ricotta cheese 🧀
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded 🧀
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish 🌿
Instructions
How to Prepare:
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season with dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef or chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the noodles cook, in a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Set aside.
- Finish the Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve with Cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, adding fresh basil or parsley at the end can brighten up the flavors.
- Customize your protein: Ground beef, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey can be used for a leaner option. You can also mix meats for a unique flavor.
- Control the spice: If you’re cooking for kids or those sensitive to spice, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes.
- Meal prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it over the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
- Add vegetables: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Try adding diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the soup for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need for Lasagna Soup
- Ground Beef or Sausage – For that meaty richness.
- Onions and Garlic – Adds depth of flavor.
- Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes – The base for that iconic lasagna taste.
- Beef Broth – Brings the soup to life.
- Lasagna Noodles – Broken into bite-sized pieces.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creamy and luscious topping.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese – Classic cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil – For that final fresh touch.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
- Brown the Meat
Start by browning the ground beef or sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. - Sauté Onions and Garlic
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. - Add Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes
Stir in tomato paste, letting it cook for a minute to develop its flavor, then add crushed tomatoes and stir well. - Pour in Beef Broth
Add the beef broth to the pot, and bring it to a simmer. - Cook the Noodles
Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Let them cook until tender, about 10 minutes. - Cheese Mixture
While the noodles cook, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl. - Serve with Cheese
Once the noodles are done, serve the soup in bowls and top each with a dollop of the cheese mixture and fresh basil.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and quality cheeses make a big difference.
- Cook the Noodles Separately: If you’re making the soup in advance, cook the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Customizable: Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies, or spice it up with red pepper flakes!
This lasagna soup brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Enjoy!
Variations of Lasagna Soup
While this lasagna soup is delicious as it is, you can also customize it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
For a meatless version, simply swap the ground beef or sausage for plant-based alternatives or omit the meat altogether. You can add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to give it a more substantial bite.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any pasta of your choice. Make sure your broth is gluten-free, too, to ensure the dish is completely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Lasagna Soup
Turn up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This adds a nice kick and balances out the richness of the soup.
Creamy Lasagna Soup
For a creamier version, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This gives the soup a velvety texture and extra richness, perfect for those who love creamy dishes.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna soup is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with some tasty sides to complete your dinner.
- Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread or breadsticks are the perfect pairing for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A simple Caesar or mixed green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, serve this soup with a glass of red wine, like Chianti or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, to enhance the rich flavors.
Storing and Reheating Lasagna Soup
If you have leftovers, this soup stores well and tastes even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: If you’ve stored the noodles separately, add them to the soup just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Hearty and Comforting: It’s loaded with meat, cheese, and noodles, giving you all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love this soup because it’s fun to eat and packed with familiar flavors they already enjoy.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup is a fun, flavorful twist on a traditional favorite that’s easier and faster to prepare. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight meal, family gathering, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, with its endless customization options, you can tailor it to suit any taste. Enjoy the richness and comfort of lasagna without all the effort!
Health Benefits of Lasagna Soup
While lasagna soup is rich and comforting, it can also provide several nutritional benefits, depending on the ingredients you use:
- Protein-Packed: The ground beef or sausage in this recipe is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Calcium: Thanks to the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this soup is loaded with calcium, which supports healthy bones and teeth.
- Tomato-Based: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Plus, they provide a boost of vitamin C and potassium.
- Fiber-Rich: Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms increases the fiber content of the soup, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or turkey and reduce the amount of cheese without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Ahead of Time
Lasagna soup is a great make-ahead dish, especially if you’re preparing for a busy week or hosting guests. Here’s how to make it in advance:
- Prepare the Base: Make the soup base (without the noodles) and let it cool. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Cook the Noodles Separately: If you plan to serve the soup later, cook the noodles separately and store them in a container with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy when reheated.
- Assemble Before Serving: When you’re ready to eat, reheat the soup, and stir in the cooked noodles. Add the cheese mixture and fresh basil on top just before serving for the freshest taste.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you like to plan your meals for the week, this lasagna soup is a fantastic option. It can easily be portioned out and reheated without losing any of its deliciousness. Pack the soup into individual containers and keep the cheese mixture in a separate container. This way, you can add the cheesy goodness fresh each time you serve it.
Lasagna Soup for Special Occasions
This soup isn’t just for regular weeknights—it also works well for casual dinner parties or family gatherings. You can make a large batch in advance and let guests serve themselves. It’s comforting, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. Add a few sides like garlic bread, a fresh salad, and perhaps some wine, and you’ve got a complete meal that will impress your guests without much effort.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup brings everything we love about traditional lasagna into a simpler, cozier form. It’s loaded with rich flavors, comforting textures, and all the classic ingredients that make lasagna so popular. With options for customization, easy meal prep, and even health-conscious variations, this recipe truly has something for everyone.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, lasagna soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and heartiness of this delicious dish!