The Best Lasagna Soup
This Lasagna Soup has all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but in a rich, hearty soup form. It’s packed with ground beef or sausage, tender pasta, a rich tomato broth, and a creamy dollop of ricotta and mozzarella for that signature cheesy lasagna taste. This one-pot meal is easy to make and perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup water (as needed, for consistency)
2 tsp sugar (balances acidity, optional)
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Pasta:
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt (for pasta water if cooking separately)
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh basil or parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
A drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up, until browned (~5 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
1. Add onion and cook until soft (~3 minutes).
2. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 30 seconds.
3. Add tomato paste and stir, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, water, sugar, basil, and parsley.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let cook for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Option 1: Cook Directly in the Soup
Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Option 2: Cook Separately (Prevents Overcooked Pasta in Leftovers)
Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water, then drain and stir into the soup before serving.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Topping
1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Stir until creamy and well combined.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
1. Ladle hot soup into bowls.
2. Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture on top.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan.
4. Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)
Calories: ~480
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 900mg
Recipe Notes & Tips
Meat Options: Use ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or even a mix for extra flavor.
Pasta Cooking Tip: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving to avoid soggy noodles.
Thicker Soup: Reduce broth by ½ cup for a more stew-like texture.
Lighter Version: Use ground turkey, low-fat ricotta, and less cheese.
Storage & Reheating:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the soup.
Freeze the soup base without pasta for up to 3 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then add everything (except pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir in cooked pasta before serving.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
You can use any short pasta, such as bowtie, rotini, or even broken-up spaghetti.
4. How can I make this even cheesier?
Stir extra mozzarella directly into the soup before serving for a gooey, cheesy bite.
5. Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Add spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Total Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This Lasagna Soup delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep. Pair it with garlic bread for an unbeatable comfort food experience. Enjoy!