If you have ever wished for all the comfort of a classic lasagna but in a warm, cozy bowl, then you are going to adore this Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s everything you love about the layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese, transformed into a hearty, soul-satisfying soup that’s perfect for any day when you need a little extra comfort. This recipe brings together straightforward ingredients into a dish that feels like a big, warm hug—filled with savory meat, tender noodles, and luscious cheese melded in a flavorful broth. I can promise you this Lasagna Soup Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation and a favorite among family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a distinct role in building up layers of flavor and texture. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both vibrant and deeply satisfying.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a hint of spice if you choose sausage.
- Onion: Provides a natural sweetness and aromatics that build the soup’s flavor foundation.
- Garlic: Packs a punch of fragrant, pungent flavor that balances the tomato tang.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring freshness and a bit of acidity to brighten the broth.
- Tomato sauce: Offers a smooth, concentrated tomato base for richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, yet light liquid to simmer everything together.
- Broken lasagna noodles: These provide hearty pasta bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mild tang that melts wonderfully into the soup.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top for gooey, irresistible cheesiness.
- Fresh basil: Finishes the soup with a burst of herbal brightness and color.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds a robust, meaty base that flavors every spoonful. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they soften and fill your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma. This melds a natural sweetness and garlicky depth into the soup that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes coming up next.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Base
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring them into the meat and aromatics. Add the low-sodium chicken broth, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to marry and develop a rich, comforting base.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Carefully add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender – this usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes. These noodles will soak up delicious flavors while providing that chewy, hearty texture you expect from a good lasagna, but in broth form.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Serve
While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheeses together in a bowl. When the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of this cheese mixture. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of green color.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are my favorite final touch because they brighten the soup’s rich flavors and make it look beautiful. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper for an extra savory kick. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping into that flavorful broth, while the salad adds refreshing crunch to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the cheese mixture dolloped on top just before serving and encourage guests to stir it in themselves, creating a personalized creamy swirl. Another idea is to ladle the soup into small bread bowls for an extra-special occasion or cozy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Lasagna Soup Recipe, no worries—it stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the cheese mixture separate until reheating, so it doesn’t lose its fresh texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. Freeze the soup portion without the cheese topping for best results. When you’re ready to enjoy it later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once hot, add the cheese mixture and fresh basil as you would when serving fresh, so it stays creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef or Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option. Even plant-based ground meat works well to keep this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do if I don’t have broken lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, feel free to use broken pieces of any flat pasta, such as mafaldine or pappardelle. Alternatively, small pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will work nicely for a slightly different texture.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes while the soup simmers or stir in a spicy sausage. You can also offer hot sauce on the side for guests who prefer an extra kick.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can leave out the ricotta and mozzarella or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can help mimic that cheesy richness.
Can this recipe be adapted for slow cooker use?
It sure can! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic as usual, then add all ingredients except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the broken noodles for the last 30 minutes to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is a total winner when you want a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor or heartiness. It hits all the right notes with its cozy broth, tender noodles, and that luscious cheese topping—it’s like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something deliciously warm, this soup is a must-try that I promise will make you smile with every spoonful.
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Lasagna Soup captures all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and broken lasagna noodles simmered in a savory broth are topped with rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses and fresh basil for a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well browned. Drain excess fat from the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and become translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture and Serve: While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese together in a separate bowl. Once the soup is ready, ladle into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture and some fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier, more flavorful soup.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for a different twist or to make it pescatarian-friendly (though this alters the diet classification).
- Broken lasagna noodles can be replaced with other pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit meat and use vegetable broth, adding mushrooms or lentils for protein.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months; reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
