Lasagna Soup
If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy, and comforting flavors of a classic Italian lasagna but want to skip the long prep and baking time, then this Lasagna Soup recipe is your new best friend. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with all those lasagna essentials—from savory meat and rich tomato broth to tender noodles and creamy cheese—that come together quickly in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a filling meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Comfort: Ready in about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal fast without sacrificing flavor.
- All-in-One Pot: Minimal cleanup since everything cooks together, making busy nights easier.
- Familiar Flavors: Combines classic lasagna ingredients into a warm soup that hits all the right nostalgic notes.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, carbs, and rich tomato goodness to keep you satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lasagna Soup recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver vibrant flavor and comforting texture. Each one has a purpose—from the juicy ground meat to the aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, ensuring you get deep, layered taste every spoonful.
- Ground beef or sausage: Adds rich, savory protein that forms the hearty base of the soup.
- Onion and garlic: Classic aromatics that bring warmth and depth to the broth.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Provide fresh acidity and sweetness, creating a luscious tomato base.
- Chicken or beef broth: Adds umami and thins the sauce into a comforting soup consistency.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces to absorb the broth and deliver that chewy pasta goodness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its signature Mediterranean flavor.
- Ricotta cheese and mozzarella: For that creamy, cheesy finish that echoes traditional lasagna layers.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Bright herbs that lift the rich flavors and add color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
Variations for Lasagna Soup
One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to swap ingredients or add your favorites to make the soup your own comfort classic. Whether you want to lighten it up or go all-out cheesy, there’s an option here for everyone.
- Vegetarian version: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils instead of meat for a plant-based take that’s just as hearty.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to give the soup a fiery kick.
- Gluten-free noodles: Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free versions to keep it gluten-friendly.
- Extra veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese swap: Try parmesan or provolone in place of mozzarella for different melty textures and flavor notes.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it simmers. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. This builds a savory foundation packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add Tomato Base and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, along with chicken or beef broth to create the soupy base. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer so all those rich flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender but still hold their shape—typically about 8-10 minutes. This gives you that familiar lasagna noodle texture in every spoonful.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Turn the heat to low and gently fold in dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt into the warm soup, creating creamy, cheesy pockets that mimic classic lasagna layers.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time.
Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Soup
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds vibrant flavor and a pop of color right before serving.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Keep an eye on the pasta to avoid mushiness; al dente texture is best.
- Layer your cheeses: Add ricotta first for creaminess and mozzarella last for melty goodness.
- Make it ahead: Soup flavors deepen after resting—store it overnight for an even better taste.
- Skip the noodles for low-carb: Use extra veggies or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Top with fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and a small dollop of ricotta for a pretty, appetizing finish that adds extra creaminess and aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve with crunchy garlic bread or warm baguette slices to soak up the heavenly broth and cheese drippings, completing the comforting meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or alongside a fresh mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy quick reheats of this comforting meal.
Freezing
Freeze the soup in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with cheese mixed in; instead, add fresh cheese when reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, stirring occasionally until warmed through and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great and create a lighter version of Lasagna Soup without sacrificing flavor.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt better and taste fresher.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the meat and add hearty vegetables or plant-based protein like lentils or mushrooms to keep the texture and depth rich.
What type of noodles work best?
Traditional lasagna noodles broken into smaller pieces work best, but you can also use regular pasta like penne or broken spaghetti if easier.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours before adding cheese.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna Soup is the perfect quick fix when you want all the richness and comfort of classic lasagna without all the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious simplicity of a one-pot wonder that’s full of Italian flair and heartwarming flavors.
Related Posts
PrintLasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup recipe captures all the cozy, cheesy, and comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna in a quick, one-pot meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it combines savory ground meat, rich tomato broth, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses for a hearty, satisfying soup perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a warm, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten Free
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base and Broth
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 6 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnishes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Aromatics: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it simmers. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a savory foundation packed with flavor.
- Add Tomato Base and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with chicken or beef broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer so all the rich flavors meld beautifully.
- Cook the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender but still hold their shape, typically about 8-10 minutes, giving you that familiar lasagna noodle texture.
- Add the Cheese: Turn the heat to low and gently fold in dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and let it melt into the warm soup, creating creamy, cheesy pockets reminiscent of classic lasagna layers.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley for brightness. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add vibrant flavor and a pop of color before serving.
- Don’t overcook noodles to avoid mushiness; aim for an al dente texture.
- Layer cheeses by adding ricotta first for creaminess and mozzarella last for melty goodness.
- The flavors improve when made ahead; store overnight for deeper taste.
- For a low-carb version, omit noodles and add extra veggies or zucchini noodles instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: lasagna soup, quick lasagna recipe, one pot soup, Italian comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy soup, weeknight meal
