Craving classic lasagna flavors without all the layering? This lasagna soup recipe delivers all the comfort and rich taste you love in a fraction of the time. Imagine a hearty bowl packed with savory meat, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese topping, all swimming in a vibrant tomato broth. It is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and promises a satisfying meal for the whole family. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
This comforting lasagna soup offers a fantastic way to enjoy a classic.
- It is a quick and easy weeknight meal, ready in under an hour.
- You get all the classic lasagna flavors in one delicious bowl.
- This soup is incredibly comforting and hearty, perfect for cooler weather.
- You can easily adapt it for various dietary needs or preferences.
- It is a family-friendly meal that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite comfort food. This incredible lasagna soup recipe relies on a mix of pantry staples and fresh additions to build its deep flavors.
- Meat: 1/2 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- Aromatics: 1 yellow onion (chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Tomato Base: 2 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce jarred marinara)
- Seasonings: Salt, freshly ground black pepper (to taste), 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, or 2 tsp dried), 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Liquid & Pasta: 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth), 9 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- Optional Veggies: 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Cheese Topping: 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish: Fresh basil (for serving)
Notes & Substitutions
For the meat, use a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for the best flavor, or choose all beef or ground turkey for a lighter option. Healthline highlights that tomatoes are a major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to numerous health benefits. Feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara sauce or a high-quality store-bought version. If using dried herbs instead of fresh, remember the general rule: use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For the creamy topping, cottage cheese makes a great substitute for ricotta if needed. Finally, gluten-free lasagna noodles work perfectly if you need a gluten-free lasagna soup.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear for this straightforward lasagna soup recipe.
- A large pot or Dutch oven ensures even cooking and plenty of room.
- A meat chopper helps break up ground meat efficiently (optional, but handy).
- A small mixing bowl is essential for preparing the creamy cheese topping.
- A sturdy ladle makes serving your delicious soup a breeze.
Delicious & Easy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and return the browned meat to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Break lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the soup. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until noodles are tender, about 10–12 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your next batch of lasagna soup. This easy recipe comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon or meat chopper. Season the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease and remove the cooked meat from the pot, setting it aside.
- Return the pot to medium heat. Add the olive oil. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine all the flavors. Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Return the browned meat to the pot.
- Bring the soup mixture to a boil. Once boiling, break the lasagna noodles into fourths and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes. Add the fresh spinach leaves, if using, and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- While the soup simmers, prepare the cheese topping. In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), shredded mozzarella cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual serving bowls. Dollop a generous scoop of the creamy cheese mixture on top of each serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your hearty and comforting homemade soup!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Season throughout your cooking process, not just at the end. This builds layers of flavor. Break your lasagna noodles into consistent sizes for even cooking; uneven pieces cook at different rates. Watch the noodles carefully during simmering to prevent mushiness; you want them al dente. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes to your lasagna soup base. Always taste and adjust the broth and seasonings just before serving to ensure perfect flavor.
Make Ahead & Freeing
Make Ahead: To prepare in advance, cook the soup base as directed but omit the noodles and cheese topping. Store the cooled soup base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the base on the stovetop and add fresh lasagna noodles, simmering until tender. Prepare the cheese topping just before serving.
Freezing: This lasagna soup freezes beautifully without the noodles and cheese. Allow the cooked soup base to cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen soup base overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until simmering. Add fresh noodles and cook until tender. Prepare the cheese topping fresh.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serving your lasagna soup is simple and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- Offer crusty bread or warm garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the rich soup.
- Top each bowl with extra grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
Variations
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the ground meat entirely. Boost the vegetable content by adding chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the onion.
- Vegan Lasagna Soup: Follow the vegetarian variation, ensuring you use vegetable broth. Opt for plant-based ricotta and mozzarella alternatives for the creamy topping.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or small shells. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Slow Cooker Method: Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics separately. Then, combine all ingredients (except noodles, spinach, and cheese) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the broken lasagna noodles and spinach about 30 minutes before serving, cooking until the noodles are tender.
Nutrition Information
This lasagna soup provides a hearty and satisfying meal. Per serving, you can expect a good source of protein and fiber, with a balanced mix of carbohydrates and fats.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation methods. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté aromatics in the Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add remaining ingredients (except cheese topping) and cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes, then quick release. Stir in spinach and serve with cheese.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles only until al dente, stirring occasionally. If making ahead, store the noodles separately or add them just before serving so they don’t overcook in the broth.
Can I use any type of marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce or a homemade version. Choose one with flavors you enjoy, as it forms the base of this comforting lasagna soup.
What kind of ground meat works best for this recipe?
A blend of lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage offers the richest flavor. However, you can use all ground beef, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup recipe brings all the comforting flavors of a classic dish to your table with incredible ease. It is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a delicious bowl of warm comfort. We would love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so feel free to leave a comment or rate the recipe below!
