If you love lasagna but are looking for a simpler, quicker way to enjoy its delicious flavors, Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. This hearty soup captures all the rich, comforting tastes of traditional lasagna—savory tomato sauce, ground meat, gooey cheese, and tender pasta—in a single bowl. It’s a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make Lasagna Soup from scratch, with tips for ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and ideas for serving and presentation.
What Is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a creative twist on the classic Italian dish, transforming the layers of lasagna into a comforting, one-pot soup. It features all the key elements of traditional lasagna, such as ground beef or sausage, tomato sauce, lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses, but in a form that’s easier and quicker to prepare. The soup is typically topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, which melt into the hot broth, creating a deliciously cheesy and savory meal.
Ingredients List for Lasagna Soup
To make a delicious Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the meat and vegetables.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides the savory, meaty base of the soup.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a slight sweetness and crunch.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery note.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of heat to the soup.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich tomato base of the soup.
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth: Provides the liquid base and enhances the flavor.
- 2 bay leaves: Adds depth and complexity to the broth.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The pasta that gives the soup its lasagna identity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning the soup.
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a classic lasagna flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the soup.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the topping.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: For garnishing the soup and adding a burst of freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
Lasagna Soup is versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any other gluten-free pasta you like.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a vegan sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and replace the cheeses with vegan versions.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini or eggplant slices, or use a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a spicier soup.
- Different Meats: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground beef and sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Lasagna Soup is easy and doesn’t take much time. Here’s how to do it:
1. Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before proceeding.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté the vegetables with the meat until they are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste
Stir in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to coat the meat and vegetables and develop a richer flavor.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the bay leaves. Stir everything together, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Cook the Noodles
While the soup simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set them aside.
6. Add the Noodles
Once the soup has simmered and developed flavor, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir them in gently, allowing them to soak up the flavors of the broth.
7. Season and Adjust
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve
Ladle the Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Cook Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
To recap, making Lasagna Soup involves the following steps:
- Brown the meat: Cook the ground beef or sausage until browned.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add seasonings and tomato paste: Stir in herbs and tomato paste to enhance the flavor.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then simmer the soup.
- Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles separately until al dente.
- Add the noodles: Stir the cooked noodles into the soup.
- Season and adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although Lasagna Soup is easy to make, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue to soften in the hot soup, so avoid overcooking them in the pot.
- Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to the soup. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a hurry.
- Using Too Much Salt: Remember that the cheeses are salty, so go easy on the salt until after you’ve added the toppings.
- Not Adjusting the Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth to thin it out to your liking. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
- Adding Cheese Too Early: Add the cheese toppings just before serving. This keeps them from melting too much and disappearing into the soup.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lasagna Soup is a hearty and visually appealing dish that can be enhanced with the right presentation. Here’s how to serve it:
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
- With Garlic Bread: Serve the soup with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping.
- With a Green Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- As a Main Course: Lasagna Soup is filling enough to serve as a main course. Just add a side of bread and a salad for a complete meal.
Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Soup
- Serve in Deep Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to serve the soup, allowing room for the generous cheese topping.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze over the top for an elegant finish.
Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips
To ensure your Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:
- Use Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Make It Ahead: Lasagna Soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just store the soup and cooked noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft.
- Customize the Noodles: If you prefer, you can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle instead of lasagna noodles.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding more broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, Lasagna Soup can be made ahead of time. Store the soup and cooked noodles separately in the refrigerator, and combine them when reheating to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
A: You can freeze Lasagna Soup, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Q: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
A: If you don’t have ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream.
Q: How do I make the soup more or less thick?
A: To thicken the soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. To thin it out, add more broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: How long does Lasagna Soup last in the refrigerator?
A: Lasagna Soup will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of classic lasagna with the simplicity of a hearty soup. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping it ahead for a busy week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. By following the steps and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a delicious, satisfying soup that’s packed with flavor and easy to customize. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of Lasagna Soup that everyone will love!
PrintLasagna Soup Recipe
Discover the deliciousness of Lasagna Soup, combining all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna—rich tomato broth, savory beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese—in a single bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal. Keywords: Lasagna Soup, easy lasagna recipe, hearty soup, comfort food, weeknight dinn
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups water
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 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, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until the noodles are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated, though the noodles may absorb more liquid over time. Add extra broth if needed when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
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