Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup takes all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This one-pot dish combines ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and gooey, melty cheeses for a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. Plus, it’s easier to make than layering a full lasagna, perfect for weeknight dinners, and just as satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Hearty Flavor: Combining savory meats, tangy tomatoes, and flavorful Italian spices.
2. One-Pot Meal: Less cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
3. Customizable: Easily adjust for dietary preferences by using alternative proteins or a mix of vegetables.

How to Make the Best Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat the Pot: Place a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed (if using nonstick, this may not be necessary).
2. Add the Beef and Sausage: Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the pot. Break up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the Meat: Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning if desired. Adjust to taste.
4. Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease in the pot, carefully drain it off.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

1. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 3: Build the Broth

1. Add Tomato Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, stirring to combine with the meat mixture.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, stirring to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
3. Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the soup. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

1. Add the Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add them to the soup. Stir to ensure they don’t stick together.
2. Simmer Until Tender: Allow the noodles to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. Combine Cheeses: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil for an extra layer of fresh flavor.
3. Set Aside: Set the cheese mixture aside; it will be added to each serving.

Step 6: Serve the Lasagna Soup

1. Ladle Soup into Bowls: Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, ladle the soup into serving bowls.
2. Add the Cheese Mixture: Spoon a dollop of the ricotta mixture onto each bowl of soup. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheeses, creating a creamy, cheesy topping.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with extra shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella give the soup a richer, creamier flavor.
2. Customize the Meat: Use a mix of ground beef, sausage, or even ground turkey for a lighter version.
3. Cook Noodles Separately for Leftovers: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the lasagna noodles separately and adding them to each bowl individually. This helps avoid soggy noodles the next day.

Variations

1. Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meat for a mix of diced vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
2. Add Extra Veggies: Spinach, kale, or diced bell peppers can be added to the soup for more texture and nutrients.
3. Use Different Pasta: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, try using bowties, penne, or any pasta with ridges that will hold onto the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or garlic knots for dipping.
2. Side Salad: A simple green salad with Italian vinaigrette complements the rich, hearty flavors of the soup.
3. Wine Pairing: For an adult twist, pair this dish with a light Italian red, such as Chianti or Barbera.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
   • Yes, substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles or another gluten-free pasta of choice. Be cautious of cooking times, as gluten-free noodles may cook faster.
2. How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?
   • If you plan to store the soup for later, keep the noodles separate and add them when reheating.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
   • Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients except the noodles to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, adding the noodles in the last 20-30 minutes.
4. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
   • Cottage cheese or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta in a pinch.
5. How can I make this soup lower in calories?
   • Use ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the cheese, and opt for a low-sodium broth.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup recipe is everything you love about traditional lasagna in a cozy, comforting bowl. With hearty meat, tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and plenty of cheese, it’s sure to satisfy any pasta lover. Perfect for busy nights or when you crave the flavors of lasagna without all the layering, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Enjoy the warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite!

Yield: 6

Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Print

Lasagna soup takes all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This one-pot dish combines ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and gooey, melty cheeses for a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. Plus, it’s easier to make than layering a full lasagna, perfect for weeknight dinners, and just as satisfying!

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• For the Topping (optional):
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
   
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
   
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
   Stir in the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and marinara sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
   
4. Cook the Noodles:
   Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm.
   
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to each bowl, letting it melt into the hot soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and substitute Italian sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• This soup thickens as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating to maintain a soup-like consistency.
• You can make the soup ahead and refrigerate, but cook and add the noodles just before serving for the best texture.