Lasagna Soup

Lasagna has long been a favorite comfort food around the world. Layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and savory meat make it an unforgettable dish. But let’s be honest—traditional lasagna takes time. Between boiling noodles, preparing sauce, layering everything just right, and baking, it can easily become an all-afternoon project.

That’s where Lasagna Soup comes in. This recipe takes all the flavors you love from lasagna and transforms them into a cozy, soul-warming soup. It’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and comes together in a fraction of the time. Imagine all the goodness of lasagna but in a steaming bowl you can enjoy on a chilly evening—pure bliss!

Why This Recipe Works

One-pot convenience – No need for multiple pans or endless layers. Everything simmers in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

Lasagna flavors without the work – Pasta, meat, tomato sauce, and cheese meld together perfectly in soup form.

Flexible and customizable – Works with beef, sausage, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutions.

Comfort food made quick – Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it took all day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix of both)

1 medium onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tomato Broth:

4 cups chicken or beef broth

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

For the Pasta:

8 ounces lasagna noodles (broken into pieces) or any short pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie)

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

½ cup grated Parmesan

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

2. Build the Flavor

Stir in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Toasting the spices releases their aroma.

Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes—it deepens the flavor.

3. Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.

Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 20–25 minutes so the flavors blend.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).

Stir often to prevent sticking.

5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This becomes the “cheesy dollop” that melts into each serving.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls.

Top with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Stir slightly to let the cheese melt into the soup, giving you creamy, gooey bites in every spoonful.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Lasagna Soup

Use quality broth – Since broth forms the base, a rich chicken or beef stock gives the best flavor.

Don’t overcook pasta – It will continue to soften in the hot soup. Slightly undercook for perfect texture.

Make it ahead – For best results, cook the soup without pasta if storing, then add fresh pasta when reheating.

Boost the flavor – Add a splash of red wine to the broth, or simmer with a Parmesan rind for richness.

Adjust to taste – Love it creamy? Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving. Want more spice? Add extra chili flakes.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup – Swap meat for zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken/beef.

Chicken Lasagna Soup – Replace beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.

White Lasagna Soup – Skip tomatoes and use a creamy broth with garlic, spinach, and chicken.

Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

Low-Carb Lasagna Soup – Replace pasta with spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.

Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a balanced meal.

Add a glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot pairs beautifully).

For gatherings, set up a “lasagna soup bar” with bowls of cheese, herbs, and toppings so guests can customize.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator – Store cooled soup in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Freezer – Freeze soup (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

Reheat – Warm gently on the stove. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like rotini or penne works well and holds up better in storage.

2. Do I have to use ricotta?
Not at all. Cottage cheese or mascarpone makes a great substitute.

3. My soup is too thick—what do I do?
Add more broth or water to thin it to your liking.

4. Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the meat and onions first, then add everything (except pasta and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, add pasta 30 minutes before serving, and finish with cheese.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for busy families and pasta lovers alike. It delivers that same warm, cheesy, tomato-rich flavor of lasagna without the effort of layering and baking. Instead, you get a hearty bowl of comfort food ready in less than an hour.

It’s a recipe that adapts to your needs—whether you want something meaty, vegetarian, creamy, or spicy. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesy topping, adults love the depth of flavor, and everyone goes back for seconds.

So, the next time you crave lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, remember this recipe. One pot, simple steps, and a bowl of pure comfort await.

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