If you love all the cozy, cheese-laden, and savory flavors of classic lasagna but want it in a bowl—with a spoon—then this Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your next brilliant weeknight hero. It’s everything you adore: rich tomato broth, perfectly seasoned beef, tender lasagna noodles, and that magical trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re chasing comfort food or feeding a crowd, this soup brings the iconic taste of lasagna to your table in an irresistibly simple, one-pot style that’s fast enough for busy evenings but delicious enough to impress anywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Lasagna Soup Recipe is that every ingredient serves a delicious purpose—from the robust broth to the medley of cheeses, each one is essential to capturing lasagna’s iconic flavor and texture in soup form. Gather these pantry staples and a few fresh items, and you’re halfway to a bowl of pure joy!
- Ground Beef (or Italian sausage): Adds hearty, savory depth; try using half beef, half sausage for an even richer flavor.
- Onion: Diced finely for subtle sweetness and that classic base flavor every great soup needs.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, to impart a fragrant, irresistible aroma and pop of taste.
- Salt: A whole teaspoon to bring all the components together and highlight their natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: Just enough to offer warmth and balance out the richness of the cheeses.
- Italian Seasoning: The blend that delivers those familiar lasagna herb notes—don’t skip this!
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a gentle heat, add a pinch for a spicy kick.
- Tomato Paste: Doubles down on that robust, concentrated tomato flavor for an authentic touch.
- Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the soup, making it thick and full-bodied.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness and intensifies the beautiful tomato richness of this dish.
- Beef Broth: Four cups to create a hearty, satisfying soup that’s brimming with flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles: Break them up for a rustic, fun feel—classic comfort with a twist!
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy dollops on top for the perfect finishing touch (mix with a pinch of salt and pepper for best flavor).
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to pull those beloved pizza/parmesan flavors right into your spoon.
- Parmesan Cheese: A little sprinkle packs bold, nutty savoriness you won’t want to skip.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Brings a colorful burst and fresh aroma to every bowl.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef (or Italian sausage) with your finely diced onion, stirring often, and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender—about 6 to 8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning adds a ton of flavor. Once done, drain off any excess fat for a soup that’s delicious but not greasy.
Step 2: Season and Layer on Flavor
Now, scatter in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold. Add the tomato paste and cook everything together for a minute or two, stirring constantly. This step “blooms” the spices and tomato, intensifying their flavors and fragrance for an even richer Lasagna Soup Recipe base.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything up, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any delicious bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This is where all those flavors get cozy and mingle together to create a broth that tastes slow-cooked, even if it isn’t.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into pieces—about two inches long—and add them right into the simmering soup. Let them cook gently for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re tender but still holding their shape. Stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom and that every noodle gets its fair share of soupy goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
While the noodles are cooking, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple step ensures your cheese topping is flavorful and ready to dollop onto each steaming bowl of your Lasagna Soup Recipe when it’s time to serve.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure every serving gets plenty of noodles, meat, and broth. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and finish with a handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley. The cheese melts into the hot soup, creating a magical, lasagna-inspired finish!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right toppings are the finishing touch that can elevate your Lasagna Soup Recipe from tasty to unforgettable! I love loading each bowl with a dollop of creamy ricotta, a decadent sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a handful of vibrant, fresh basil or parsley. The contrast of cold cheese melting into the hot soup is pure magic.
Side Dishes
This soup is so hearty it can easily stand on its own, but a side of crusty buttered bread or a simple green salad with zippy vinaigrette makes it a complete meal. Garlic bread, focaccia, or even just warm baguette slices are perfect for dunking and following up each cheesy, tomato-rich bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a DIY “soup bar” so everyone can add their preferred garnishes. Individual crocks or ovenproof bowls topped with cheese and finished under the broiler make a show-stopping presentation. For weeknight fun, serve in mugs for cozy, no-fuss dinners around the coffee table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Lasagna Soup Recipe (lucky you!), let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken slightly as it sits, but that just means it’s soaking up all those fabulous flavors even more.
Freezing
Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze the soup without the cheese toppings and add those fresh when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep well for about 2 to 3 months.
Reheating
For stovetop reheating, place soup in a pot over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it’s thickened. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir every couple of minutes. Once piping hot, add your fresh cheese and herbs just before serving for that melty, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Soup
Absolutely! While classic lasagna noodles make this Lasagna Soup Recipe feel authentic, you can substitute with broken-up pasta like mafaldine, fusilli, or even penne. Just keep an eye on cook time, as smaller shapes may cook faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles or omit entirely and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell pepper. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth—the soup will still be delicious and hearty.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No problem—cottage cheese blended until smooth or even a swirl of Greek yogurt can make a great alternative. The goal is to add creamy richness to each bowl of Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! Just substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free version. Gluten-free noodles work well and make the whole recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this soup?
With just a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes, it’s only mildly spicy and easy to customize. Prefer no heat? Leave the flakes out. Love it hot? Sprinkle in a little extra or serve with hot sauce on the side!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-warming meal that combines nostalgia, fun, and flavor, look no further than this Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, so easy to make, and guaranteed to gather smiles around your table. Grab your favorite pot, bring these simple ingredients together, and enjoy a little magic with each cheesy, hearty spoonful!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lasagna Soup recipe is a comforting and delicious twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for a cozy night in. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, flavorful Italian spices, tender lasagna noodles, and topped with a creamy ricotta mixture and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef with onion, then add garlic and spices.
- Add Sauces: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles and simmer until tender.
- Prepare Ricotta: Mix ricotta with salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with ricotta, cheeses, and herbs.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use Italian sausage instead of all ground beef.
- This soup thickens upon standing, so add more broth if reheating leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
