Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

The rich aroma of tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese fills your kitchen as this hearty Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe simmers on the stove. This delicious one-pot wonder transforms the classic Italian casserole into a comforting soup that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation time. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe combines tender pasta, savory ground meat, and a flavorful tomato broth that will satisfy your lasagna cravings in just a fraction of the time. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day but comes together in about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe will quickly become a family favorite for multiple reasons. First, it delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna—tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, savory meat, and creamy cheese—in a convenient soup format that requires no layering or baking. The contrast between the silky broth and the tender pasta creates a textural experience that’s both satisfying and comforting.

What makes this soup truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires hours of preparation, this one-pot meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The combination of the slightly acidic tomato broth, savory ground meat, and the rich, creamy dollop of ricotta cheese creates a perfectly balanced bite that will transport you straight to an Italian kitchen. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand, making it a reliable go-to meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

For this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 oz (225g) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 10 noodles)
• 1/2 cup (120g) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

The key to this lasagna soup’s authentic flavor lies in the quality of your tomato products and the richness of your broth. For a more robust lasagna flavor, opt for Italian sausage over ground beef, as it contains herbs and spices that complement the tomato base perfectly.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe from good to spectacular, follow these critical cooking techniques:

First, don’t skip browning the meat properly. Take the time to thoroughly brown your ground beef or Italian sausage until it develops a deep caramelization. This step creates a rich foundation of flavor that infuses the entire soup. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks for better texture and more even distribution throughout the soup.

Second, manage your pasta cooking time carefully. Add the broken lasagna noodles during the last 8-10 minutes of cooking and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For the best texture, cook the pasta just until al dente—slightly firm when bitten—as it will continue to absorb liquid and soften even after the heat is turned off. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Finally, create a “cheesy nest” in each bowl for an authentic lasagna experience. Rather than stirring all the cheese into the pot, place a spoonful of ricotta in each bowl before ladling the hot soup over it. This creates pockets of creamy cheese similar to what you’d find in layered lasagna. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then let sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt slightly before serving.

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2

Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excessive fat, drain most of it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to caramelize slightly and enhance the flavor. This quick step adds remarkable depth to your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, so don’t skip it!

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Add bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5

Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Remember that the pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the hot broth.

Step 6

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For serving, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and some grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Add 2 cups of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers when cooking the onions to build a hearty vegetable base. For extra protein, include a can of rinsed and drained white beans or chickpeas.

For a lighter, healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for whole wheat or protein-enriched lasagna noodles. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim varieties to lower the fat content while still maintaining that signature lasagna flavor.

If you’re looking for a spicier lasagna soup, add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when cooking the onions and garlic. Alternatively, use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular ground meat for an extra kick of heat throughout the soup.

Storage and Serving

Your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, making the soup thicker over time. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta and cheese toppings for up to 3 months. Simply cook fresh pasta separately when you’re ready to serve, and add it to the reheated soup along with fresh cheese toppings.

This hearty soup makes a complete meal on its own, but for a perfect dinner experience, serve it with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping into the flavorful broth. A simple side salad with Italian dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup. For an authentic Italian touch, serve small bowls of additional Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs at the table, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to taste.

FAQs

Can I make this lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes! The soup base can be made 1-2 days in advance, but add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft. Alternatively, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings.

Can I use different pasta shapes instead of lasagna noodles?
Absolutely. While lasagna noodles provide the most authentic experience, you can substitute any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or even regular egg noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

My soup is too thick. How can I fix it?
Pasta continues to absorb liquid even after cooking. Simply add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency, then adjust the seasoning if needed.

Is there a way to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with all ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then add broken lasagna noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives. Many stores now carry plant-based mozzarella and ricotta substitutes that melt well and provide a similar texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a delicious transformation of a classic favorite into a simpler, quicker format without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies deep cravings for Italian comfort food while fitting easily into your busy schedule. Whether you’re serving a family dinner on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleasing option for casual entertaining, this soup delivers the hearty, satisfying experience of traditional lasagna in every spoonful. With its perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy cheese, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your meal rotation.

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