Get ready for a comforting meal without the fuss of traditional baking! This lasagna soup recipe easy version brings all the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna into a convenient, one-pot dish. Say goodbye to layering and hello to minimal cleanup. You’ll enjoy the delicious taste of a true Italian favorite in a fraction of the time, perfect for any busy night.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup
This simple lasagna soup recipe easy is a game-changer for your dinner routine. First, it’s a quick, effortless one-pot meal that simplifies cooking and cleanup. Second, it delivers an authentic, rich lasagna taste you’d expect from a layered dish. You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences. It’s the perfect cozy dinner for any weeknight. Plus, it eliminates the tedious layering of traditional lasagna, making it truly stress-free.
Key Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Making this delicious lasagna soup recipe easy begins with quality ingredients.
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or half Italian sausage)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 24 oz. jar Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano, salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into approx. 1-2 inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Freshly finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Ricotta cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this easy lasagna soup recipe. Use regular or no-boil lasagna noodles; no-boil might cook faster. Feel free to swap lasagna noodles for other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred. For the meat, try all Italian sausage for a bolder flavor, or ground turkey for a leaner option. If you don’t have fresh onion or garlic, use 1 teaspoon each of onion and garlic powder. Boost nutrition by adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. For a thicker soup, make a cornstarch slurry and stir it in.
Essential Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to prepare this comforting lasagna soup. A large Dutch oven or soup pot is crucial for cooking everything in one go. You will also need a cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing ingredients. Don’t forget your measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient amounts.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and delicious lasagna soup recipe easy enough for any home cook.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant; avoid burning the garlic.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This keeps your soup from being overly greasy.
- Stir in the entire jar of Prego Sauce, 6 cups of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the tomato products.
- Add the balsamic vinegar, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the whole bay leaf. Stir everything together.
- Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into approximately 1-2 inch pieces and add them to the pot. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the lasagna noodles are tender, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the noodles are tender, discard the bay leaf. Stir in the optional 1/2 cup heavy cream for a richer, creamier soup.
- Assess the soup’s consistency. If it’s too thick, add the remaining 2-4 cups of chicken broth, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Serve the easy lasagna soup immediately. Garnish each individual serving generously with shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and dollops of ricotta cheese.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
Achieve the best results with these simple pro tips. Browning your meat deeply at the start helps build a foundational flavor for the entire soup, a process known as the Maillard reaction, which creates hundreds of flavor compounds. Be careful not to overcook the lasagna noodles, or they will become mushy. Always adjust the amount of broth to reach your preferred soup thickness. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, adding more salt or pepper as needed. Using a good quality marinara sauce will significantly enhance the overall taste of your easy lasagna soup. Finally, break noodles into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your easy lasagna soup experience with these ideas. Garnish generously with fresh mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and creamy ricotta cheese for that classic lasagna finish. Serve your hearty soup alongside warm, crusty garlic bread, perfect for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing complement to the rich soup. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage keeps your easy lasagna soup delicious for days. Allow any leftover soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, you might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth to thin it back to your desired consistency, as the noodles will absorb more liquid over time.
Customization Ideas
Unleash your creativity with this versatile lasagna soup recipe easy. Experiment with different pasta shapes like mini penne or broken spaghetti for a unique texture. Boost the nutritional value by adding a handful of chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of simmering. For those who love a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also make this soup vegetarian by using plant-based ground mince and vegetable broth.
Nutrition Information
This lasagna soup recipe easy provides a hearty and satisfying meal.
| Per Serving (approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-500 |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45g |
Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is for general guidance only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can absolutely use no-boil lasagna noodles. They often cook even faster than regular noodles, so keep an eye on them.
Can lasagna soup be frozen?
Yes, this easy lasagna soup freezes well. Store cooled soup in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to make the soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground mince and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’s an easy lasagna soup recipe to adapt!
What if my soup is too thick or thin?
If your soup is too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base (everything except the noodles and cream) ahead of time. When ready to serve, bring the base to a simmer, add the noodles, cook until tender, then stir in the cream.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup recipe easy truly delivers on its promise: all the comforting, savory flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple, one-pot format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Get ready to impress your family with this delightful and convenient meal. Give this easy, satisfying recipe a try tonight and enjoy a comforting family meal without the usual fuss!
