Lasagna soup is a tasty twist on a classic Italian dish. It's everything you love about lasagna—rich tomato sauce, flavorful meat, gooey cheese—but in a warm, hearty soup. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you're craving comfort food but don't have time to layer a traditional lasagna. In this article, I will guide you step-by-step through making this flavorful dish using simple ingredients and techniques. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll love how easy it is to make.
What Makes Lasagna Soup So Special?
Lasagna soup combines the best elements of lasagna with the ease of a soup. It has all the classic lasagna ingredients—ground meat, pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce—but is much faster to make. You don’t have to worry about layering noodles or waiting for the oven to do its thing. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, which means fewer dishes for you to clean up afterward!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the cooking process, let's begin with the list of ingredients. For this recipe, I’m keeping things simple and using items you likely already have in your pantry or fridge.
Main Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: I usually opt for ground beef, but feel free to use sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor.
1 onion (diced): Adds a rich depth of flavor.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings out the best in any Italian dish.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The base of your soup. Look for high-quality tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
4 cups chicken or beef broth: You can use either one, depending on your preference.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor to the soup.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme will bring out the Italian essence.
2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): You can use traditional lasagna noodles or substitute with any other pasta.
Salt and pepper to your liking: Crucial for flavoring.
Cheese Topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese: This adds the creamy texture lasagna is known for.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully on top of the soup.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that compliments other cheeses.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Optional, but adds a nice pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lasagna Soup
With the ingredients out of the way, it’s time to start cooking!
1. Brown the Meat
Start by heating a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. After the meat is fully browned, drain off any excess fat.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, you can use a combination of ground beef and sausage.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add your diced onions to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté the onions for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. Then, stir in your minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it cooks quickly!
3. Add the Tomato Base
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir everything together to combine, letting the tomato paste break down. The aroma at this point is amazing! Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, giving the flavors time to combine.
4. Pour in the Broth
Once the tomato base is well mixed, pour in your broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low to let it simmer gently. Put the lead on the pot and let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip: If you want a slightly thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth or simmer it uncovered for a longer time.
5. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Now comes the fun part—adding the noodles! Tear the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (roughly 2 to 3-inch squares) and stir them into the soup. Cook for roughly 10 minutes or until the noodles are soft.
Choice Tip: If you prefer using other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne, go for it! Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Once the noodles are fully cooked, your lasagna soup is almost ready to serve! But we can’t forget the cheesy topping—that’s what gives this soup its signature lasagna feel.
6. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses together in a small bowl. This blend will melt beautifully into the soup, creating that creamy, cheesy lasagna texture.
Bonus Tip: For extra creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the cheese mixture.
7. Ladle and Top
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Now, add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl. As the cheese melts into the soup, it will create the most delicious, creamy layer that mimics the top of a baked lasagna. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for extra color and flavor.
Customizing Your Lasagna Soup
One of the great things about this lasagna soup recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to customize the recipe according to your personal taste or dietary restrictions.
Meat Variations
Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work just as well as beef or sausage.
Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and add hearty veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free Option
If you’re avoiding dairy, no problem! Simply skip the cheese topping or substitute with dairy-free alternatives like cashew ricotta or vegan mozzarella.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this soup gluten-free, just swap the lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you won’t lose any of the great flavors.
Tips for Storing and Reheating Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup is great for meal prepping because it reheats well and tastes even better the next day!
Storing in the Fridge
Allow the soup to cool first then transfer to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days without any worries. When you are ready to eat, you can stir in the saute occasionally and reheat it on the stove on medium heat, which will not change the taste. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezing Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup also freezes beautifully, If you're planning to freeze it, I suggest cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving. This way, the pasta won’t get mushy. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 or 3 months. When reheating, let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up on the stove over medium heat.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the fuss. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own based on what you like or have on hand. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for the week, lasagna soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Give it a try and let me know by comment how it turns out. I'm telling the truth, you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.
FAQ: Lasagna Soup
1) Can lasagna soup be made ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, lasagna soup is great for meal prepping, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to eat, put it on the stove and reheat it. If the soup becomes too thick, simply add some extra broth or water to thin it out.
2) Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Ans: Absolutely, If you intend to freeze it, I suggest cooking the pasta separately and adding it right before serving. The soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.
3) What kind of pasta should I use for lasagna soup?
Ans: Traditional lasagna noodles are great, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Broken lasagna noodles, bowtie, penne, or rotini all work well. Adjust and modify cooking time based on the type of pasta you’re using.
4) Can I make this lasagna soup gluten-free?
Ans: Yes, you can substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
5) How can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
Ans: Simply omit the ground meat and add hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also add lentils or plant-based meat substitutes for added protein.
6) Can I make lasagna soup dairy-free?
Ans: Yes! You can skip the cheese topping or use dairy-free alternatives like vegan mozzarella or cashew-based ricotta to make this soup dairy-free.
7) Can I substitute turkey or chicken for beef?
Ans: Yes, ground turkey or chicken is a leaner option that works just as well in this soup. It's a great way to lighten up a dish without losing flavor.
8) Can I make lasagna soup in a slow preserve cooker?
Ans: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a medium or slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on medium or low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Add the pasta in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
9) What toppings can I add to lasagna soup?
Ans: Besides the classic ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese topping, you can add fresh basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Some people also like to serve it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Thank you 😊