If you are craving all the comforting flavors of Italy but want something cozy in a bowl, the Lasagna Soup Recipe is your perfect go-to. This delightful soup captures the heart of classic lasagna with tender noodles, rich tomato broth, savory ground meat, and a luscious cheese topping, creating a dish that warms you inside and out. Whether it’s a chilly night or simply a day when you want a hug in a bowl, this soup delivers all the deliciousness you adore from traditional lasagna but with a fun, slurp-worthy twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef that forms the hearty base, to the fresh herbs that elevate the flavor, right down to the three types of cheeses that create a creamy, irresistible finish.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the meat and adds a subtle fruity aroma.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides a rich and meaty backbone to the soup’s flavor.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that lingers deliciously.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that brings everything together with warmth and subtlety.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Offers a thick, tangy foundation for the soup.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Adds little bursts of texture and freshness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and enriches the broth’s color.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
- Dried basil: For a fragrant, sweet herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (8 oz): The star that brings the lasagna experience in every spoonful.
- Ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy tanginess that compliments the tomato base perfectly.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that classic cheesy stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish to the cheese mixture.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish and adds a lovely fragrant touch.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Browning the meat not only builds incredible flavor but also creates that familiar base of lasagna you love. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup balanced and prevent greasiness.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next up, toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the pot. Let them sauté together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the aromas fill your kitchen. This step adds a gentle sweetness and depth, setting the stage for the rich tomato broth to come.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, along with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. This bubbling mixture is where the magic happens — those robust herbaceous and tomatoey flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the soup. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender to the bite. These noodles absorb the flavors beautifully while still holding their shape, giving you that satisfying pasta texture in every spoonful.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the noodles cook, take a small bowl and mix the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This creamy, cheesy blend will be the crowning glory of your soup, offering a luscious topping that melts slightly when spooned over hot broth.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each serving. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for pops of color and fresh herbal brightness. Now you’re ready to dive into a bowl of pure Italian-inspired comfort.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are the simplest yet most effective addition to lift your Lasagna Soup Recipe. Tear or chop some basil leaves or sprinkle chopped parsley on top. For extra cheesiness, a little more grated Parmesan will never disappoint. A drizzle of good quality olive oil at the end can also add a lovely silky finish.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that rich broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can offset the richness nicely, keeping your meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheese mixture in small ramekins and let everyone add their own amount. You can also bake the ladled soup briefly under a broiler with extra mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly crust that mimics a lasagna’s baked cheese layer. Presentation that excites just makes the experience sweeter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup is an excellent make-ahead dish. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to soak up broth, so if it thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating to return it to a perfect, spoonable consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover soup, but keep in mind that pasta can become mushy during freezing and thawing. To best preserve the noodles’ texture, store the soup and noodles separately if possible. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water. If you froze the cheese topping separately, add it fresh after reheating the soup to maintain that lovely creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef or Italian sausage are traditional choices, but you can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Is it necessary to break up the lasagna noodles?
Breaking the noodles helps make the soup easier to eat with a spoon and ensures even cooking. Whole noodles could be too long and cumbersome in a soup format.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of hearty vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while still packing plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a creamy topping. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How spicy is this soup?
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you want to add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning or top with a dash of hot sauce at serving.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its rich, comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a true weeknight winner or a cozy special treat for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and discover just how satisfying a bowl of lasagna can be when it’s transformed into comforting soup form!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty lasagna soup that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe features ground beef or Italian sausage, tomatoes, tender noodles, and a cheesy topping made with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, which helps build depth of flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine flavors and prepare for the noodles.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or omit the meat and increase vegetables.
- Use gluten-free noodles to make the soup gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid breaking down the noodles.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on the saltiness of your broth and canned tomatoes.
- Adding a splash of red wine when sautéing the meat can deepen the flavor, if desired.
