Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that has stood the test of time. But sometimes, you just don’t have the patience or energy to layer pasta sheets and bake for an hour. Enter Lasagna Soup: a genius twist on the traditional recipe that gives you all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the hassle. It’s the best of both worlds-a hearty, filling dish with a rich, savory tomato base, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta-all in one bowl!

This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something warm and comforting, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it for family gatherings or dinner parties. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!

Let’s dive into the recipe, step by step, and explore the magic of this delicious, soul-satisfying soup.

If you’ve ever wanted lasagna but didn’t want to go through the trouble of layering, baking, and waiting, this Lasagna Soup recipe will become your new best friend. It’s everything you love about lasagna but served in a cozy, flavorful soup format.

Here’s the simple yet satisfying recipe you can make in under an hour!

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this delicious soup. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:

Ground Beef or Sausage – You can use ground beef, pork sausage, or a combination of both for that savory, hearty flavor.
Onion – A medium onion, diced, for that sweet and aromatic base.
Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, minced, to give the soup a little extra punch.
Crushed Tomatoes – A couple of cans (or fresh tomatoes if you prefer), which provide that essential tomato base.
Tomato Sauce – For added richness and thickness to the broth.
Chicken Broth – To give the soup a lighter, savory depth.
Lasagna Noodles – Break them into pieces to mimic the layers of lasagna.
Ricotta Cheese – A key component for that classic lasagna texture.
Shredded Mozzarella – You’ll need a lot of this for that gooey, melty cheese topping.
Parmesan Cheese – For that salty, nutty kick that perfectly balances the rich tomato and cheese flavors.
Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, bringing that iconic Italian flavor to the soup.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a touch of heat, if you like a little spice in your lasagna!
Fresh Basil or Parsley – Chopped, for garnish and a pop of fresh flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the fun part-making this delicious soup. The process is pretty straightforward, and the best part is that it comes together in about 30-40 minutes.

Cook the Ground Meat: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Break the Lasagna Noodles: While the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add them into the soup and stir to incorporate. Let the noodles cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender but not mushy.
Add the Cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Once the noodles are cooked, stir this cheese mixture into the soup until it’s melted and well-distributed.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. You can also sprinkle a bit of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Add a little extra grated parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a salad, and dig into the creamy, cheesy goodness of your lasagna soup.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a pivotal role in giving it that delicious lasagna flavor, but let’s break down why these particular ingredients work so well together:

Ground Meat: The richness of the ground beef or sausage is the foundation of this soup. It gives the broth its hearty base, and the fat renders out, contributing to the richness.
Tomatoes and Broth: Crushed tomatoes bring that signature acidity and sweetness you love in lasagna, while the tomato sauce and chicken broth balance the acidity and add depth to the flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: This soft, creamy cheese mimics the classic ricotta filling in lasagna, creating that luscious, velvety texture.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella brings the gooey, melty goodness, while parmesan adds the sharp, salty kick that perfectly complements the richness of the broth.
Herbs and Garlic: Fresh garlic and Italian seasoning infuse the soup with savory, aromatic flavors, while a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens it up at the end.

Expert Tips

Want to make sure your Lasagna Soup is absolutely perfect? Here are some expert tips to take your soup game to the next level:

Brown the Meat Properly: Take the time to brown your meat really well. This adds extra flavor to the soup as it releases all those savory bits from the meat into the broth.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add the lasagna noodles toward the end of cooking and be mindful not to overcook them. They’ll continue to absorb liquid and soften even after you turn off the heat, so you don’t want them to turn into mush.
Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh basil or parsley as a garnish. Fresh herbs really brighten up the dish and provide a wonderful contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
Add a Dash of Red Wine: If you want a little more depth in flavor, a splash of red wine added to the soup when you sauté the onions and garlic can elevate the taste even more.
Stir in Some Spinach: If you want to sneak some greens into the dish, toss in some fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts down quickly and adds a lovely color and nutritional boost.

Recipe Variations

While this Lasagna Soup recipe is already delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

Meat-Free Version: For a vegetarian take, swap out the ground beef or sausage for lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. This still gives you that hearty texture without the meat.
Add Veggies: Consider tossing in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. These vegetables pair well with the tomato and cheese base.
Creamy Version: For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a richer texture and a more indulgent mouthfeel.
Spicy: If you’re a fan of heat, you can bump up the spice level with additional crushed red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño pepper for a kick.

Final Words

This Lasagna Soup is one of those dishes that you’ll make over and over again. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s full of those comforting, hearty flavors that make lasagna such a beloved meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time.

Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe