If you love the comforting layers of traditional lasagna but are looking for a quicker, cozy meal, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the heartwarming flavors of classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, seasoned meat, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses—transformed into a soul-soothing bowl of soup. It captures everything you adore about lasagna in a delightfully simple, slurp-worthy experience perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a homemade hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a burst of flavor, texture, or color that will make your Lasagna Soup Recipe shine. From the savory browned meat to the vibrant herbs and creamy cheeses, every component plays a delicious role.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds hearty protein and a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Small onion, diced: Offers a sweet, aromatic depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses the soup with its classic warm and pungent personality.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Creates a savory, comforting liquid that carries all the flavors.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Adds a rich, velvety tomato body with a touch of acidity.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Introduces texture and bursts of juicy tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrates the tomato intensity for a luscious sauce taste.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): Brings a fragrant herb blend that ties all flavors together.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds sweet, peppery herbal notes reminiscent of Italy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Lasagna noodles (8 oz), broken into pieces: Provides the iconic pasta texture without waiting for layers to bake.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Adds creamy, mild richness that melts beautifully on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Offers gooey, melty indulgence for every spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Delivers a nutty, salty finish that brightens the soup.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Gives a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Breaking the meat apart as it cooks ensures every bite has that perfect meaty texture. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy—this step sets the base for an intensely flavorful broth.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your meat is perfectly browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release those irresistible aromas. This little step brings sweetness and a garlicky warmth that’s so crucial in layering the soup’s flavor.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to build that rich tomato soup base. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a boil so all those herbs and spices meld beautifully with the tomato and broth, creating the heart of your Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the bubbling soup. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy. This makes the soup feel indulgent and familiar, almost like eating classic lasagna in a spoonful.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Topping
While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. This luscious cheese mixture is what turns the soup into a comforting, cheesy dream. Mixing up the cheeses ahead of time makes serving effortless.
Step 6: Serve Your Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for that fresh, vibrant touch that makes every bite sparkle with flavor and color.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add instant brightness and color contrast to your bowl. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a crack of black pepper also brings an elevated flavor dimension. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top can add a luxurious finish.
Side Dishes
Serving your Lasagna Soup Recipe alongside a crisp green salad provides a fresh balance to the richness of the soup. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for sopping up every last drop of that delicious broth and cheesy topping. These sides round out the meal with texture and extra yum.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress dinner guests or make family meals extra special, present the cheese topping in small ramekins so everyone can add as much as they like. Using mini bowls or bread bowls creates a rustic, charming vibe that makes eating the soup even more fun and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. Just keep the cheese topping separate and add fresh dollops when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Freeze in portions without the cheese topping for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Top each bowl with fresh cheese mixture and herbs just before serving to maintain that creamy, fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives, and you could even make a vegetarian version using plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein.
Do I have to use broken lasagna noodles?
Breaking the noodles helps them cook quickly and fit nicely into the soup spoon. You could substitute with smaller pasta shapes like broken penne or rigatoni if preferred.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is mild by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking for a nice kick if you love a bit of heat.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives. The soup will still have wonderful tomato and herb flavors without the cheese topping.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup is meant to be hearty yet brothy. The noodles absorb liquid as it sits, so if you prefer it thinner, add extra broth when reheating or serving.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, blending all the best elements of classic lasagna into a fuss-free, quick, and utterly delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it delivers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy go-to recipe!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty lasagna soup that combines the classic flavors of lasagna in a warm, savory soup. Featuring browned ground beef, a medley of tomatoes, Italian herbs, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich cheese topping, this 40-minute recipe serves 6 and is perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their aroma and flavor into the mixture.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to meld all the flavors together.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the boiling soup. Reduce the heat and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the noodles cook, blend the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free noodles if needed to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
- If the soup thickens too much upon storing, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
