If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking, then you’re going to adore this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe. It captures every rich, cheesy, tomato-y bite you crave in a warm, hearty bowl that’s ready in just about half an hour. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a soul-soothing meal to curl up with, this soup brings all the goodness of traditional lasagna with none of the fuss. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable and sure to become your go-to comfort food whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, combining pantry staples and fresh touches to create a fantastic balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role in making this soup feel just like lasagna in every spoonful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the meat and bringing a subtle richness to the base of the soup.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth and protein to make this soup satisfyingly filling.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation when softened in the olive oil.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that unmistakable punch of Italian flavor essential to lasagna.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic herbaceous note that sings through the tomato broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a little kick in their soup.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds wonderful thickness to the broth.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup’s rich, tangy sauce that coats every noodle and scoop.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth: Keeps the soup light while infusing savory depth and moisture for cooking the noodles.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Gives you that familiar lasagna pasta texture in an easy-to-eat soup format.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough bite to balance sweetness and richness.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Gives creamy, mellow richness and that classic lasagna cheesiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy cheesy goodness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish that rounds out the flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh burst of color and herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart as it sizzles. This step builds the foundation of flavor with caramelized, savory meat. Once browned, drain any excess grease if needed for a cleaner broth. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes next and let them cook for just a minute so their aromas bloom and blend into the mixture.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, add the tomato paste to the pot. Cook it for about a minute while stirring constantly to deepen its flavor and sweetness. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes along with your broth, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a rolling boil. This is where your soup really starts to come alive, combining the robust tomato and savory broth with those Italian seasoning notes.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent the noodles from sticking together. The noodles will soak up the flavors and soften perfectly, transforming this from broth to a hearty, satisfying soup with every spoonful.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Topping Mix
While the noodles cook, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. This cheesy blend is the magic that recreates the creamy, cheesy layers of a traditional lasagna—except easier to dollop right on top of your soup.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl generously with a spoonful of the cheese mixture and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. The cheese will melt slightly into the warmth of the soup, creating those comforting pockets of creamy, decadent flavor that make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe such a joy to eat.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley aren’t just pretty—they add a pop of freshness that brightens the rich tomato and cheese profile. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan can also provide a nice salty kick on top. For something indulgent, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a few crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
Though this soup is wonderfully filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or warm focaccia allows you to round out the meal pleasantly. The crunchy texture of bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all those saucy bits, making every bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family meals, consider serving the soup in bread bowls for a fun twist that adds more texture and flavor. Layering a little extra ricotta mixture inside the bowl before adding the soup turns every spoonful into a cheesy delight. You might also sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or a few chili oil drops for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making leftovers a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup as well, but it’s best to store the cheese mixture separately to keep its texture intact. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove and top with fresh cheese before serving.
Reheating
Reheat soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Spoon fresh or leftover cheese on top to revive the creamy, lasagna-like indulgence with every bowl.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef or sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat alternatives to keep the same hearty texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or broken spaghetti works wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed since pasta shapes cook differently.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used—just make sure they are ripe and blend them or crush them well to create a smooth sauce base. You may need to cook them a bit longer to develop depth.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild unless you add the optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit or increase the red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up nicely. Just keep the cheese mixture chilled separately and add it just before serving so everyone can enjoy warm, melty topping.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a total game changer when you want classic Italian comfort without hours in the kitchen. It’s cozy, flavorful, and packed with all the ingredients you love in lasagna—just in a bowl you can spoon right up. I encourage you to give it a try, whether it’s for a family dinner, meal prep, or to impress friends with your kitchen creativity. Once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Easy Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty Italian-American dish that combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm and satisfying soup form. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, broken lasagna noodles, a rich tomato broth, and topped with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 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: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy soup base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Develop the Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Then add the crushed tomatoes, low-sodium chicken or beef broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: While the soup simmers, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and mix well.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute lasagna noodles with any short pasta if preferred.
- For a creamier texture, stir a splash of heavy cream into the soup just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well the next day and tend to taste even better as the flavors meld.
