Lasagna Soup

Imagine all the cozy, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna, but in a steaming, slurpable bowl—welcome to the magic of Lasagna Soup. This dish wraps you in warmth with every spoonful, combining tender pasta, savory tomato broth, rich Italian herbs, and a luscious dollop of creamy cheese. It’s everything you love about lasagna, without the layering or the wait. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Behind the Recipe

I first made Lasagna Soup on a chilly winter night when I craved the deep, savory flavor of lasagna but couldn’t bring myself to fuss over all the layers. One pot, a few staples, and about 30 minutes later, we had a pot of liquid gold that had everyone dipping back for seconds. Now it’s our go-to weeknight hug-in-a-bowl, and I promise once you try it, you’ll never look at lasagna the same way again.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Lasagna Soup is a modern comfort food invention that takes its cue from traditional Italian lasagna but skips the oven and layers. It emerged in home kitchens and food blogs across America as a quicker, cozier version of the beloved baked dish. What makes it special is how it delivers all the layered flavors—herby meat sauce, gooey cheese, and pasta—into one rich, brothy pot. It’s lasagna deconstructed and reimagined for real life.

Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup

From weeknight savior to weekend indulgence, this soup does it all.

Versatile: Add veggies, change the meat, swap the pasta—make it your own.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches to feed a crowd.

Quick and Easy: One pot, ready in under 40 minutes.

Customizable: Adjust seasoning, spice, and cheese to fit your vibe.

Crowd-Pleasing: Tastes like pizza and pasta had a cozy baby.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep—just reheat and eat.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Here’s how to bring out the very best in every bowl:

• Use broken lasagna noodles for a rustic feel and authentic texture.
• Brown your meat well for deep, caramelized flavor.
• Simmer the broth to let the herbs bloom and the sauce thicken slightly.
• Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers—prevents mushiness.
• Top each bowl with fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan right before serving.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few trusty items stand between you and soup bliss:

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for building flavor and simmering everything evenly.

Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For sautéing and stirring without scratching.

Ladle: To serve those hearty portions cleanly.

Small Mixing Bowl: For your cheese topping blend.

Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping your aromatics and garnishes.

Ingredients in Lasagna Soup

This soup is built on layers of flavor, all cooked into a brothy embrace that feels like home.

1. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon — Starts your base and helps bloom the aromatics.
2. Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced — Adds sweetness and depth.
3. Garlic Cloves: 4, minced — Brings bold, savory aroma.
4. Ground Beef: 1 pound — Meaty heart of the soup.
5. Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces) — Tangy tomato body for the broth.
6. Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons — Intensifies the umami.
7. Beef Broth: 4 cups — The savory base for your soup.
8. Lasagna Noodles: 8 broken pieces — The pasta twist that makes it lasagna.
9. Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons — Herbaceous punch.
10. Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon — Optional, for a little heat.
11. Salt: 1 teaspoon — Balances all the flavors.
12. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon — Adds a subtle bite.
13. Ricotta Cheese: 1/2 cup — Creamy topping.
14. Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded — Melts into cheesy magic.
15. Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated — Adds salty richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to riff—this soup is flexible.

Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well.
Crushed Tomatoes: Swap with tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.
Beef Broth: Use chicken or veggie broth if preferred.
Lasagna Noodles: Substitute with any short pasta like rotini or fusilli.
Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese or mascarpone also work.

Ingredient Spotlight

Crushed Tomatoes: The key to that rich, red base—smooth but not too thin, they carry the flavors of garlic and herbs perfectly.

Ricotta Cheese: That creamy dollop on top melts into the broth, creating a decadent mouthfeel that echoes classic lasagna layers.

Instructions for Making Lasagna Soup

Alright, now let’s turn those ingredients into magic. Here’s the simple roadmap:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat your pot over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Stir in broken lasagna noodles and reduce to a simmer. Cook until noodles are tender, about 12 minutes.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Let the soup bubble gently until the flavors marry and the broth slightly thickens.
6. Finishing Touches:
   In a small bowl, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt. Shred the mozzarella and grate your Parmesan.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Ladle soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add fresh basil if you’ve got it.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Lasagna Soup is all about contrast—hearty chunks of beef, slurpable noodles, a slightly tangy broth, and rich, melty cheese on top. The ricotta adds creaminess, while the Parmesan gives a salty, aged bite. It’s a warm, full-bodied flavor experience in every spoonful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to soup smarter:

• Cook pasta separately and add before serving if planning leftovers.
• Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for a veggie boost.
• Stir in a splash of cream for a richer finish.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for brightness.

What to Avoid

Let’s keep your soup silky and delicious:

• Don’t overcook pasta: It’ll keep cooking in the hot broth.
• Don’t skip the cheese topping: It’s the soul of lasagna!
• Don’t forget to season in layers: Taste as you go for balance.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 395

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Lasagna Soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. Make a big pot and store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, store pasta separately and add when reheating. Reheat gently on the stove for best flavor.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Serve piping hot with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad. Want extra flair? Drizzle with olive oil, add a crack of black pepper, or a handful of chopped basil on top.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers are pure joy. Here’s how to remix them:

• Add to a thermos for a cozy lunch on-the-go.
• Mix with rice or cooked veggies for a lasagna bowl.
• Bake with cheese in a ramekin for a twice-baked version.

Additional Tips

Double the batch and freeze half for busy nights. Add a splash of red wine to the broth for depth. For a kid-friendly twist, skip the red pepper flakes and let them add cheese on top.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve in deep bowls with a dramatic swirl of ricotta and a big shaving of Parmesan. Add microgreens or chopped parsley for a pop of color. Present with toasted baguette slices leaning on the side.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Sausage Swap: Use Italian sausage for a kick.
• Creamy Tomato Style: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
• Veggie Loaded: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook pasta directly in broth if serving immediately.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Just use veggie broth and meatless crumbles or extra veggies.

Q2: Will the noodles get soggy?

If stored in the soup, yes. Cook separately to avoid that.

Q3: Can I freeze it?

Absolutely—just leave out the pasta until reheating.

Q4: How spicy is it?

Mild with a hint of heat. Adjust red pepper flakes to taste.

Q5: What if I don’t have ricotta?

Use cottage cheese or skip it entirely—it’ll still be great.

Q6: Can I use other pasta?

Sure! Rotini, penne, or shells all work.

Q7: Is it good for kids?

Yes—just adjust the spice and let them top their own bowl.

Q8: What kind of pot should I use?

A Dutch oven or any large, heavy-bottomed pot is perfect.

Q9: How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to 4 days when stored properly.

Q10: Can I add wine?

Yes, a splash of red wine adds depth—just simmer off the alcohol.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is the perfect mashup of cozy and convenient. It brings the soul of a slow-baked lasagna into a single simmering pot, all ready to comfort you after a long day. Bold, warm, and bursting with flavor, this soup is about to become your new favorite way to lasagna.

Watch How To Make Lasagna Soup