Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you love the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna but want a quicker, more spoonable version, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is going to steal your heart. It’s hearty, packed with savory beef, tender noodles, and a luscious cheesy topping that mimics the luscious layers of traditional lasagna. Perfect for cozy nights, this soup brings all the warmth and satisfaction of the beloved Italian dish into a bubbling pot of goodness. You’ll find it incredibly simple to make and utterly delicious to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Lasagna Soup Recipe is easier than making a pasta dinner from scratch. Each component has a special role, whether it’s building flavorful broth, tender noodles, or that irresistible cheesy finish. Together, they create a harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this soup so memorable.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Adds depth and a meaty punch that makes every spoonful satisfying.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a sweet earthiness after sautéing gently.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the soup with classic aromatic warmth.
- Chicken broth: Creates a savory, light broth foundation that balances the tomatoes.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Gives the soup a rich and slightly chunky texture with vibrant color.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Adds bursts of tender tomato goodness and freshness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, bringing depth and intensity.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that imparts those unmistakable herbaceous notes.
- Dried basil: Enhances the herbal brightness and ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and making flavors pop.
- Lasagna noodles (8 oz), broken into pieces: Offer that familiar pasta texture without needing to layer them.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy richness and subtle tanginess.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to give gooey, cheesy comfort.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Gives a fresh, vibrant touch to each bowl.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage, and cook it until it’s wonderfully browned and crumbly. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures every bite is perfectly tender. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy, setting the stage for a clean yet hearty flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens them just enough to unlock their sweetness and fragrant oils, which mingle beautifully with the meat to create a savory base for your soup.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and the tomato paste. Add the chicken broth, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This mix is the heart of your Lasagna Soup Recipe, combining rich tomato goodness with fragrant herbs in a perfectly balanced broth. Bring everything to a boil, which helps the flavors meld and develop.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Drop the broken lasagna noodles right into the boiling soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the noodles cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they become tender but not mushy, absorbing that luscious broth as they soften. This step transforms the soup into a filling meal reminiscent of classic lasagna.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Topping
While the noodles cook, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. This rich, cheesy blend is what will elevate your soup to decadent heights, giving it that signature creamy texture and flavor that makes traditional lasagna so irresistible.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and top each serving generously with the cheesy mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Each spoonful offers a lovely balance of meaty broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese — comfort in a bowl!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the bowl with their color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right before serving adds a salty contrast to the cheesy topping. Sometimes, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a delightful finishing touch, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread takes the meal to restaurant-quality. The crispness and freshness of salad greens balance the richness of the soup, while toasted bread invites you to scoop up every last bite of cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheese mixture in small ramekins on the side so everyone can add as much as they like. Or try swirling the cheese topping into the hot soup for a beautiful marbled effect. Using mini bread bowls instead of regular bowls is another clever way to impress guests and add an edible container for your warm, comforting Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup Recipe leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb a lot of liquid overnight, so it’s best to store the soup and cheese topping separately if possible. This way, your soup stays fresh and the cheese stays creamy when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
While you can freeze the soup, the noodles may become softer after thawing. To get the best texture, freeze the soup without the noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating. Freeze the broth and meat mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for a convenient, quick meal on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to warm it evenly without breaking the noodles apart. Add extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Top with the cheese mixture fresh each time to keep that creamy texture intact and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well in this recipe and offer a lighter alternative while keeping the hearty flavor intact.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
What type of lasagna noodles do you recommend?
Regular dried lasagna noodles work best when broken into pieces. They hold up well without turning mushy. Avoid fresh noodles as they can overcook quickly in the soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then combine all ingredients (except noodles and cheese) in the slow cooker. Add noodles only during the last 30 minutes so they don’t get too soft.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or topping the soup with a drizzle of chili oil can turn up the heat without overpowering the classic flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is truly a game changer when you crave something classic but want it faster and cozy in a bowl. It’s full of familiar flavors delivered in a fun, satisfying way that warms your soul and satisfies your tummy. I encourage you to try it soon, share with friends, and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, easy-to-make soup. Featuring browned ground beef, savory tomatoes, tender noodles, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s a perfect cozy meal that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 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 as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce heat slightly and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not overcooked.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the noodles cook, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl, mixing until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- Breaking the noodles before cooking helps them cook evenly and makes the soup easier to eat.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and often taste even better the next day.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by half a cup.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness—feel free to use either based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian