If you love the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but want something quicker and easier to enjoy any day of the week, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine all the savory goodness of layered noodles, zesty tomato sauce, hearty meat, and creamy cheeses coming together in one cozy, spoonable bowl. It’s perfect for busy nights or chilly weather when you crave a warm, satisfying meal without the fuss of baking. This soup hits all the right notes with its vibrant tomato broth, tender noodles, and that irresistible blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses melting on top. Trust me, once you try this Lasagna Soup Recipe, it will become your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps things straightforward, relying on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own magic to the pot. From the fragrant herbs to the rich cheeses, every component plays a vital role in creating that classic Italian-American flavor you adore.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sautée the meat and veggies perfectly.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: The hearty protein base that brings robust flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers a sweet, savory foundation once softened in the pot.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: For a warm aromatic punch that wakes up the entire soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian herb note for authenticity.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Brings fresh, sweet herbal undertones.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat that livens up the broth without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving depth and richness.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes: Creates the vibrant, tangy base of the broth.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The liquid heart of the soup that melds everything together.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The perfect noodle size for spoonable bites.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and smooth texture to the topping.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a punch of nutty, salty flavor for extra depth.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A bright, fresh finish that elevates each bowl.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks, and brown it until no longer pink. Draining excess fat here helps keep the soup from becoming greasy. Then, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, and tomato paste, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation, layering in that classic Italian aroma.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth
Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. This vibrant tomato broth will be the heart of your Lasagna Soup Recipe, packed with tang and hearty savoriness. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer to gently meld all those flavors together.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the noodles cook for about 12 to 15 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. The broken noodles absorb the flavorful broth and create those delightful bites that remind you of lasagna sheets but in perfect soup form.
Step 4: Season and Prepare the Cheese Topping
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste—that final touch is key for balancing all the ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, which will become the creamy, dreamy topping for each bowl. This cheese blend gives the soup a luscious finish just like the cheesy layer on traditional lasagna.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Dig in while warm and enjoy the perfect combination of textures and tastes that make this Lasagna Soup Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a lovely, vibrant finish to the soup. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top for an extra burst of cheesy goodness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few chili flakes can add a nice personalized touch too.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crispy garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal. The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth, while the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the soup’s rich heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheese topping as dollops in the center and allow guests to swirl it through as they eat. You could even turn the soup into a party dish by ladling it into mini bread bowls or small, oven-safe crocks and broiling them briefly to melt the cheese topping further—this presentation will impress everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lasagna Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep it covered tightly in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Before reheating, you might want to stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency since the noodles tend to absorb liquid as it sits.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to do so without the cheese topping to keep textures at their best. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove, then add fresh cheese toppings before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Add a bit of broth or water if it seems too thick. Once hot, serve with fresh dollops of the cheese mixture to revive that creamy, melty magic.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lighter alternative that still adds plenty of protein and works well with the other flavors. Just be sure to season it well while cooking to keep things flavorful.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the meat with plant-based crumbles or simply add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for texture. Using vegetable broth will keep it vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing taste.
What if I don’t have crushed tomatoes?
You can substitute canned diced tomatoes if needed—just use a blender or crush them slightly by hand to get a smoother texture closer to crushed tomatoes for that signature broth.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can cook the whole soup ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the cheese topping fresh before serving to keep it creamy and melty.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Traditional lasagna noodles broken into pieces are ideal because they hold up well in the broth and deliver the authentic taste. If you want convenience, oven-ready noodles can work, but adjust cooking time since they’re thinner and cook faster.
Final Thoughts
With its perfect blend of comforting flavors and ease of preparation, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is a true weeknight hero that you’ll want to make over and over. Whether you’re warming up after a busy day or enjoying a cozy weekend meal, this soup is like a big, delicious hug in a bowl. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive into a bowl of this heartwarming goodness—you’re going to love every spoonful!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lasagna soup is a cozy and comforting one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna into a rich tomato broth filled with hearty ground meat, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy blend of cheeses. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or chilly days when you want a warm, filling meal without the fuss of layering and baking traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring the pot to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season and Prepare Cheese Mixture: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version or use plant-based meat to make it vegetarian friendly.
- For quicker preparation, use oven-ready lasagna noodles which may require less cooking time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add extra broth if the soup has thickened too much.
