If you’re someone who loves a good bowl of comfort food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Easy Lasagna Soup with Jar Sauce recipe is about to be your new best friend. It’s like combining the hearty, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the cozy, comforting feeling of a soup. The best part? You don’t need to spend ages layering noodles and making sauce from scratch-this version uses store-bought jar sauce to save you time without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you just need something warm, filling, and satisfying.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this soup is incredibly easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and packs a big punch in flavor. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this mouthwatering dish in no time!
Easy Lasagna Soup With Jar Sauce Recipe
This recipe combines all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna into a quick and simple soup format. Thanks to the jarred sauce, you’ll save time and still get that savory depth of flavor that’s essential for a good lasagna. It’s easy, delicious, and will warm you up from the inside out.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start cooking, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:
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Ground Beef (or Italian sausage) – 1 lb
- Provides the savory, meaty base for your soup. If you want to change things up, Italian sausage can give the soup a more flavorful, spiced kick.
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Jar of Marinara Sauce – 24 oz
- This is the secret to saving time while still delivering that classic lasagna flavor. Look for a good-quality marinara sauce with a rich tomato flavor.
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Chicken Broth – 4 cups
- Adds a nice depth and richness to the soup, balancing out the acidity from the tomatoes.
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Lasagna Noodles – 8-10 sheets (broken into pieces)
- The broken-up lasagna noodles will soak up the flavors and give the soup that classic lasagna texture. You can also substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, but traditional lasagna noodles are the ideal choice.
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Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- A must-have for that rich, savory foundation.
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Ricotta Cheese – 1 cup
- This creamy cheese mimics the ricotta layer found in traditional lasagna. It adds creaminess to the soup.
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Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, shredded
- Mozzarella is key for that gooey, melty cheese goodness that makes lasagna so irresistible.
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Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, grated
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top is the finishing touch that elevates the flavor of the soup.
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Olive Oil – 1-2 tablespoons
- For sautéing the vegetables and adding a bit of richness.
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Italian Seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- This seasoning blend brings all the flavors of Italy into your soup, adding hints of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
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Salt and Pepper – To taste
- Adjust these to your liking for seasoning.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break down how to make this easy, cheesy lasagna soup step by step:
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Cook The Ground Beef
- In a large pot, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage, if you prefer) and cook it until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil (if necessary).
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This builds a flavorful base for the soup.
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Add The Liquid And Sauce
- Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and stir to combine.
- Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cook The Noodles
- Once the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into small pieces and add them to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
- Allow the noodles to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. You may need to add more broth or water if the soup gets too thick.
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Finish The Soup
- Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese.
- Let everything melt and become creamy, stirring until smooth and well combined.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient Insights
Here’s a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together:
- Ground Beef or Sausage: Ground beef gives the soup a rich, meaty base. Sausage, on the other hand, offers a bit of spice and a unique flavor profile. Depending on your preference, either option works perfectly here.
- Jarred Marinara Sauce: While homemade marinara sauce is great, jarred marinara offers a huge time-saving benefit. Look for one that doesn’t have added sugars or preservatives for the most authentic flavor. Some jars even come with added herbs like basil and oregano, which can save you even more prep time!
- Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds that creamy, smooth texture that’s signature to lasagna. When mixed into the soup, it transforms the broth into a rich, velvety experience.
- Mozzarella & Parmesan: These two cheeses are the soul of any lasagna, and they melt beautifully into the soup to create that stretchy, cheesy goodness we all crave.
- Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces allows them to absorb all the savory flavors of the broth and sauce, making each spoonful extra delicious.
Expert Tips
To make this recipe even more foolproof, try these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Stir the soup occasionally to keep them from sticking, and keep an eye on them. They should be al dente-firm to the bite-but also soft enough to blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Add Extra Herbs: If you want to bring even more flavor, consider adding fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the pot. A bay leaf or two while the soup simmers can also add depth.
- Adjust Cheese to Taste: For a creamier soup, increase the amount of ricotta or add a little heavy cream. If you love cheese, feel free to throw in more mozzarella or parmesan.
- Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well! If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for an easy meal later.
Recipe Variations
While this is already a classic and comforting version of lasagna soup, here are a few variations to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Replace the ground beef with mushrooms, lentils, or any other hearty vegetable or plant-based protein for a veggie-packed version. You can even add spinach or zucchini for extra greens.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños to the soup to give it a spicy kick. Spicy sausage can also be a great swap for the regular ground beef.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier soup. You could also use a combination of ricotta and cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
Final Words
Making a delicious and hearty lasagna soup doesn’t have to be a long or complicated process. By using jarred marinara sauce and a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen-without actually spending all day in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you want something cozy and filling.