Craving the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but short on time? This lasagna soup recipe is your perfect solution! It takes everything you love about the baked casserole – rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese – and transforms it into a savory, cheesy soup. Preparing this dish is incredibly easy and fast, making it ideal for a cozy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Classic Flavors: Enjoy all the beloved tastes of traditional lasagna packed into every warm, savory spoonful.
- Quick & Easy: This lasagna soup recipe is designed for speed, perfect for busy evenings when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in just one pot, drastically cutting down on dishwashing after dinner.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a wonderfully comforting and filling meal that truly warms you from the inside out.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients and seasonings to perfectly match your family’s preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A universally loved dish that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, making mealtime a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating a delicious lasagna soup recipe starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s exactly what you will need for this flavorful one-pot meal.
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce marinara sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoons dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this lasagna soup to suit your pantry and taste. For a lighter touch, use ground turkey instead of beef or swap in mild Italian sausage. If you do not have classic lasagna noodles, try mafaldine, rotini, or penne pasta. Cottage cheese makes a fine substitute for ricotta, or use plant-based ricotta for a dairy-free twist. Boost your veggie intake by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped kale during the simmering stage. Adjust red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level. A high-quality jarred marinara sauce works well, but homemade provides an extra depth of flavor.
Equipment Needed
Gathering your equipment beforehand makes cooking a breeze. This easy lasagna soup recipe only requires a few basic kitchen tools.
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Meat chopper (optional, for browning meat)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and satisfying lasagna soup recipe in one pot.
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot and then remove the cooked meat, setting it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Return the pot to medium heat and add the olive oil. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
- Build the Base: Stir the tomato paste into the sautéed aromatics, cooking for one minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Return the browned meat to the pot, stirring everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Noodles: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil. Carefully break the lasagna noodles into approximately four pieces and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. Cook until the lasagna noodles are tender but still have a slight bite, usually around 10-12 minutes. If using, add the fresh spinach leaves during the last minute of cooking, stirring until they are just wilted.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: While the noodles cook, prepare your creamy cheese topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these together until well mixed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle generous portions of the hot homemade lasagna soup into individual serving bowls. Place a dollop of the rich cheese mixture right on top of each bowl of soup. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Avoid overcooking noodles: Lasagna noodles soften quickly in soup. Cook them until just tender, as they continue to cook in the hot broth.
- Adjust seasonings: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices as needed to suit your preference.
- Quality marinara matters: Use a good quality jarred marinara or a homemade sauce for the best depth of flavor in this comforting soup.
- Don’t skip the basil: Fresh basil provides a vibrant finish and aroma that truly elevates the dish.
- For extra creaminess: Stir in a touch of heavy cream or a splash of milk right before serving for a richer texture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Elevate your hearty lasagna soup experience with these tips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delicious soup with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping.
- Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on the side for customization.
Storage & Reheating
- Store any leftover soup (without the cheese topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the soup base (meat, sauce, broth) without adding the noodles.
- Store the base in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen soup base overnight, then reheat and cook fresh noodles just before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Vegan Lasagna Soup: Use plant-based ground meat substitute, vegetable broth, and cashew or tofu-based ricotta.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired heat level for a zesty kick.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown the meat and sauté aromatics as directed. Combine all ingredients (except noodles and cheese topping) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add broken lasagna noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
This lasagna soup recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to prevent soggy noodles in lasagna soup?
To keep your noodles firm, add them to the soup just before serving and cook until al dente. Avoid cooking them too far in advance. According to culinary science, cooking pasta al dente offers a firm texture that allows sauces to cling better and provides nutritional benefits.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Refer to the “Recipe Variations” section for detailed guidance on how to adapt this lasagna soup to be vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
What kind of pasta works best?
While broken lasagna noodles are traditional, rotini or penne pasta are excellent alternatives that hold up well in the soup.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, you can certainly use ground turkey for a lighter version of this delicious and hearty soup. Simply follow the same browning instructions.
How long does lasagna soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this comforting lasagna soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This one-pot lasagna soup recipe brings all the comforting, cheesy, and savory flavors of traditional lasagna to your table with incredible ease. It is a true weeknight hero, offering minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction for the entire family. Don’t let a busy schedule stop you from enjoying a truly delicious meal. We encourage you to try this amazing soup tonight! Please rate, review, and share your delightful creations with us.
