Imagine this: the hearty, comforting flavors of lasagna transformed into a cozy, soul-warming soup. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer! It’s everything you love about lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, gooey cheese—but in an easier, quicker form. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving comfort food without all the effort. Grab your spoon and let’s dive into this bowl of deliciousness!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Lasagna Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef or Sausage: The foundation of flavor. This adds a rich, meaty base that’s perfect for soaking up all those Italian spices.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring depth and warmth to the soup. Don’t skip them—they’re the secret to building flavor.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: The heart of any lasagna-inspired dish. These bring tangy, robust tomato goodness to every bite.
Chicken or Beef Broth: Adds richness and creates that comforting, soupy texture. Go with low-sodium to control the salt levels.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces for that perfect noodle-to-broth ratio. It’s lasagna in a bowl!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings that classic Italian flair.
Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parmesan Cheese: The holy trinity of lasagna. These cheeses melt beautifully into the soup, creating pockets of creamy, cheesy bliss.
Fresh Basil (Optional): For a fresh, fragrant finish that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
Break the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Simmer until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite.
Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheeses melt into the soup, creating a creamy, indulgent texture.
Finishing Touches: Stir in fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired, and dig in. Each spoonful is pure comfort!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the soup’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious broth. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or asparagus, add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free noodles or dairy-free cheeses to suit your dietary needs.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the texture and flavor.
- Double the Batch: This soup freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or any short pasta works well if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Definitely! Freeze the soup (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add cooked noodles.
Q5: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A5: Yes! Cook the meat first, then combine all ingredients (except the cheese and noodles) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, add noodles in the last 30 minutes, and stir in cheese before serving.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
A6: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Q7: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A7: Yes! Prepare the soup without the noodles, then add them fresh when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Q8: Can I use pre-cooked noodles?
A8: Sure! Add them in the final few minutes just to warm through.
Q9: How can I make this soup healthier?
A9: Use lean ground turkey, whole-grain noodles, and reduce the cheese amount for a lighter version.
Q10: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A10: Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully, just use a larger pot and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is everything you love about traditional lasagna but in a fraction of the time. It’s comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal to impress your guests, this soup will quickly become a favorite. So grab your pot and get cooking—you’re going to love every spoonful!
Print
Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a hearty and easy-to-make soup! This Lasagna Soup is loaded with ground meat, pasta, tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, and it’s topped with melty cheese for the ultimate bowl of comfort. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 500g ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- You can substitute lasagna noodles with any other short pasta if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 50mg