Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna is a classic, timeless dish, beloved by many for its layers of rich flavors and heartwarming ingredients. However, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more comforting and cozy, but still packed with all the familiar, savory goodness of lasagna, then Lasagna Soup is your answer. It combines everything we love about traditional lasagna – the meaty sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta – but in a much more accessible, easy-to-make form.

Imagine this: you’re curled up on the couch with a steaming bowl of soup, and as you take your first bite, you get the unmistakable taste of lasagna, but without the hassle of layering or baking. This recipe is an excellent twist on the classic, and you’ll love how quick and comforting it is to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this homemade lasagna soup will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Here’s the thing about lasagna soup: it’s a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It brings together all the savory goodness of lasagna but in soup form, so there’s no need to worry about oven time or waiting for layers to set. This recipe combines rich, hearty meat sauce with tender noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella to recreate the essence of lasagna in a way that’s incredibly easy to eat and even easier to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a cozy night in, this dish is bound to impress.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (or both) – For a well-rounded flavor. Ground beef gives a rich, hearty base, and Italian sausage adds a little kick with its spices.
Onion – Sweet and savory, chopped onions provide an aromatic base for the soup.
Garlic – Essential in any Italian dish, minced garlic gives a punch of flavor and aroma that makes the broth absolutely irresistible.
Crushed Tomatoes – These form the base of your soup, bringing in a tangy, slightly sweet undertone to balance the richness of the meat.
Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Beef Broth – Adds the perfect savory depth, making your soup rich and full-bodied.
Lasagna Noodles – Break them into pieces to give that traditional lasagna feel without needing to layer anything. They soak up all the wonderful flavors in the broth.
Ricotta Cheese – It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and forms the perfect lasagna filling when dolloped in the soup.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melty and gooey, mozzarella adds that essential cheesy texture that we all love about lasagna.
Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end gives a salty, umami punch and a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.
Italian Seasoning & Dried Basil – These herbs are quintessential to any Italian dish. They bring the familiar flavors of lasagna directly into your bowl.
Salt and Pepper – To taste, ensuring all the flavors come together beautifully.

Cooking Instructions

Start by browning the meat: In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add your ground beef or sausage (or both!), and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Don’t rush this step – browning the meat brings out a lot of flavor.
Add aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Pour in the tomatoes and seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors even more.
Cook the lasagna noodles: While the soup simmers, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Stir them into the soup, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the broth. Let them cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Be sure to keep an eye on the noodles and stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
Finish the soup: Once the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened up slightly, stir in the ricotta cheese. You want it to melt into the soup and create a creamy texture. Sprinkle in some mozzarella and let it melt, too.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil, if you like. You can also serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side for a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef vs. Italian Sausage: Ground beef gives a neutral, rich meat flavor, while Italian sausage adds a kick of spice. Combining the two is a great way to balance richness and heat.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is often overlooked, but it’s essential for deepening the flavor of the soup. It provides a concentrated sweetness and a velvety texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta is a soft, mild cheese that melts beautifully into the soup, giving it that authentic lasagna feel without being overwhelming. It adds creaminess without being overly greasy, which is why it’s a staple in lasagna.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the noodles: Lasagna noodles cook quickly in broth, and you don’t want them turning mushy. Make sure to check them a little before the recommended cooking time to ensure they’re just tender and not overly soft.
Let the flavors meld: After adding the broth and letting the soup simmer for a bit, it’s crucial to allow it some time to ’rest’ off the heat. This allows the flavors to deepen and blend.
Top with fresh herbs: While dried basil is excellent for cooking, fresh basil on top gives a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich soup. You can also sprinkle some fresh oregano or parsley.
Double the recipe for leftovers: This soup keeps really well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or as an easy dinner option throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat altogether and use extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to add depth. Add a can of lentils for a protein boost and continue with the recipe as normal.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you like a little more heat, try adding red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage. You could also include a few chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Use Different Cheeses: If you want to switch it up, try adding a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or gouda. Gouda gives a smoky depth to the soup, while provolone adds a sharpness.
Add Spinach or Kale: For an extra nutritional boost, stir in some fresh spinach or kale right at the end, just before serving. It’ll wilt beautifully and provide a pop of color and texture.

Final Words

Lasagna soup is comfort food in its purest form. It’s a dish that combines everything you love about lasagna, minus the oven time and layers. It’s so versatile, and once you get the basic recipe down, you can play around with different ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a solo dinner, it’s an easy and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe