Cozy Up with This Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’re a fan of traditional lasagna but don’t always have the time (or patience) to layer, bake, and wait, this Lasagna Soup is the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Rich, comforting, and loaded with classic Italian flavors, this soup offers all the cozy goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings the soul-satisfying taste of home to your table—perfect for weeknights, meal preps, or feeding a hungry crowd.
This dish is for anyone who craves the flavor of a hearty baked lasagna but needs something quicker, more flexible, and just as satisfying. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student with limited kitchen space, or just someone who loves comforting soup recipes, this Lasagna Soup is calling your name.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- All the lasagna vibes without the hassle: No layering or baking required!
- Customizable: Choose beef or turkey, regular or gluten-free noodles, spicy or mild.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- One-pot magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl (for ricotta topping)
- Ladle
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Lasagna Soup
1. Brown the Meat
Start by browning the ground beef or turkey in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Build the Broth
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, water, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Add the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
5. Prepare the Ricotta Topping
While the soup simmers, mix the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until creamy and well-combined.
6. Assemble and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Stop cooking as soon as they’re al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Ricotta topping = flavor bomb: The creamy topping melts into the soup, giving it that cheesy, lasagna-like finish.
- Use Italian sausage: For extra flavor, swap out half the ground beef for mild or spicy Italian sausage.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spice it up: Like it hot? Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store any leftover soup (without the ricotta topping) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze soup without noodles for up to 2 months. When reheating, add freshly cooked noodles to avoid them getting soggy.
Reheating: Warm over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
Pair this rich, cheesy soup with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks: Perfect for dipping!
- Caesar or garden salad: Adds freshness and crunch.
- A glass of red wine: Try Chianti, Zinfandel, or a bold Merlot for a perfect pairing.
- Sparkling water with lemon: For a lighter, refreshing option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all the ingredients (except noodles and ricotta topping) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely. Try rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of cooking times and texture.
What if I don’t like ricotta?
No worries! Swap it out with cottage cheese or use just mozzarella and Parmesan for a different twist.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add the red pepper flakes. Omit them for a mild, family-friendly version.
Can I meal prep this soup?
Yes! You can make the base of the soup ahead of time and add the noodles and ricotta topping just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food hybrid: all the flavor of classic lasagna with the ease of a one-pot soup. It’s warm, hearty, cheesy, and just what your weeknight dinners have been missing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress dinner guests with a twist on tradition, this recipe is a must-try.
