Lasagna Soup

Imagine the comforting layers of classic lasagna transformed into a steaming, aromatic bowl of hearty lasagna soup. Each spoonful delivers the rich tomato base, tender pasta, and melty cheese that makes traditional lasagna so beloved, but in a convenient, soul-warming soup form. This innovative twist combines all your favorite Italian flavors in a fraction of the preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing that homemade taste. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of savory broth, al dente noodles, and creamy ricotta topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna soup recipe is a game-changer for your meal rotation, combining convenience with irresistible flavor. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires hours of preparation and baking, this soup version comes together in just one pot in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

The beauty of this dish lies in its textural contrasts – tender broken lasagna noodles swimming in a rich, tomato-based broth, topped with a dollop of creamy ricotta mixture that slowly melts into the soup. Each spoonful offers the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, savory ground meat, aromatic Italian herbs, and comforting cheese.

What’s more, this lasagna soup delivers all the familiar flavors of your favorite Italian casserole without the fuss of layering and long baking times. The deconstructed approach means you get to enjoy those classic lasagna flavors in a soul-warming bowl that’s especially welcome during colder months. It’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies lasagna cravings while being remarkably simple to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Lasagna Soup:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces/800g) crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces (225g) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt

The San Marzano tomatoes are crucial for achieving that authentic Italian flavor profile, while the combination of three cheeses creates the signature creamy, indulgent finish that makes lasagna soup so satisfying.

Pro Tips

Master the Meat Browning
When browning your ground meat for lasagna soup, resist the urge to constantly stir. Allow the meat to develop a deep caramelization by leaving it undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking it apart. This technique develops rich, complex flavors that form the foundation of your soup. For extra flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage instead of just one meat.

Perfect Pasta Timing
The key to avoiding mushy pasta in your lasagna soup is adding the broken noodles at precisely the right moment. Add them about 8-10 minutes before serving, cooking until they’re just al dente. If you’re planning leftovers, consider cooking and storing the pasta separately, adding it to individual portions when reheating to maintain the perfect texture.

Cheese Mixture Secret
For the ultimate cheese experience, bring your ricotta mixture to room temperature before adding it to the hot soup. This prevents temperature shock and allows it to melt more evenly into the broth. Additionally, reserve a small portion of the cheese mixture to add halfway through eating – this creates pockets of creamy goodness throughout your lasagna soup experience rather than having it all melt at once.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can give your lasagna soup a bitter taste.

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add your ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon but then let it develop a nice brown crust before stirring again. Continue cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. If using a fattier meat, drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Step 3: Build Flavor Depth
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant. This quick caramelization of the tomato paste adds remarkable depth to your lasagna soup. Now add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to coat the meat mixture evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Create the Soup
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (these contain tons of flavor!). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, break your lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces. Add them to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Step 6: Prepare Cheese Mixture
While the pasta cooks, combine the ricotta, half the Parmesan, half the mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This creamy mixture will create that signature lasagna layer effect in your soup.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating that irresistible lasagna experience in every spoonful.

Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Transform this lasagna soup into a vegetarian delight by replacing the meat with 2 cups of mixed diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables until tender before adding the tomato paste and proceeding with the recipe. For added protein, include 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or 1 cup of plant-based ground meat alternative. The vegetable version offers a lighter but equally satisfying alternative to the traditional meat-based recipe.

Creamy Lasagna Soup
For an indulgently rich variation, create a creamy lasagna soup by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This transforms the tomato-based broth into a luscious, silky soup that reminds many of vodka sauce. Alternatively, add 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into cubes, and allow it to melt slowly into the hot broth before serving. This variation pairs exceptionally well with a crusty garlic bread for dipping.

Spicy Italian Lasagna Soup
Heat-seekers can transform this into a fiery Italian soup recipe by doubling the red pepper flakes and adding 1-2 finely chopped fresh jalapeños with the onions. Using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef and incorporating a few dashes of hot sauce into the broth creates a soup with remarkable depth and kick. Balance the heat with a slightly larger portion of the cooling cheese mixture on top.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover lasagna soup properly by separating the pasta from the broth if possible. Refrigerate both components in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. When storing with pasta already mixed in, the noodles will continue to absorb liquid and soften over time. To freeze, cool completely and store the soup base without pasta or cheese topping for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh pasta and cheese mixture.

For the perfect serving experience, pair this hearty soup with garlic bread or a simple side salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. The bread is ideal for sopping up the flavorful broth, while the salad provides a crisp contrast to the rich soup. For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the colorful ingredients and provide ample surface area for the beautiful cheese topping.

Create an interactive dining experience by setting up a lasagna soup bar with various toppings like extra cheese, fresh herbs, crispy pancetta bits, or toasted pine nuts, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to perfection.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes! While broken lasagna noodles provide the authentic lasagna soup experience, you can substitute any pasta shape. Small varieties like bowtie, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work especially well and may be easier to eat. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Why is my soup too thick/thin?
The thickness of lasagna soup can vary based on pasta absorption and simmering time. If too thick, add more broth in ¼ cup increments until reaching desired consistency. If too thin, simmer uncovered longer or mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the simmering soup to thicken.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat, onions, and garlic as directed, then transfer to a slow cooker with remaining ingredients except pasta and cheese mixture. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add broken lasagna noodles during the final 30-45 minutes. Prepare cheese mixture separately and add when serving.

Is lasagna soup freezer-friendly?
The soup base freezes beautifully without pasta or cheese for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight, reheat, and cook fresh pasta directly in the broth. Add the cheese mixture just before serving for the best lasagna soup experience.

How can I make this healthier?
For a lighter version of lasagna soup, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat or protein-enriched lasagna noodles, and low-fat cheese options. You can also increase vegetables by adding grated carrots or zucchini, spinach, or kale for added nutrients without sacrificing the familiar lasagna flavor profile.

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