Lasagna Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of Lasagna Soup—imagine all the hearty, cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna, but served up in a cozy, slurpable soup! This one-pot wonder will satisfy your Italian food cravings while saving you time in the kitchen. It’s a true weeknight hero, brimming with savory sausage, tender noodles, melty cheese, and so much flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Lasagna Soup is delightfully straightforward, but don’t be fooled—each component has a starring role! From the robust tomato base to the creamy trio of cheeses, every bite is layered with classic Italian flavor made utterly fresh and vibrant.

• Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, savory richness as the base of the soup—choose lean to keep it light but flavorful.
• Ground Italian sausage: Brings subtle spice and depth; feel free to use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: These elevate every ingredient—don’t skimp!
• Yellow onion: Provides a mellow sweetness and aromatic foundation.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté your veggies for a gentle, rounded flavor.
• Garlic: A must for any Italian recipe—use fresh for the best punch.
• Tomato paste: Boosts the tomato flavor, making the broth lush and robust.
• Marinara sauce: The heart of your soup; homemade or quality store-bought both shine here.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but delivers a gentle heat that wakes up the whole bowl.
• Fresh parsley, oregano, and basil: Layers of herby freshness—dried substitutes work in a pinch, but fresh is magical for finishing.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup base perfectly seasoned without being too salty. Veggie broth also works!
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they create the signature lasagna vibe while absorbing flavor.
• Fresh spinach (optional): For a pop of color and a nutritious twist—just stir it in at the end.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy addition makes every bowl taste like the real deal—cottage cheese also works!
• Shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan: The melty, cheesy swirl you absolutely want in every spoonful.
• Fresh basil: Brightens up your finished soup and makes it irresistibly pretty.

Variations

One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is just how easy it is to customize! Whether you need a vegetarian version, want to amp up the veggies, or simply have different noodles on hand, you can tweak it without sacrificing any flavor or fun.

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meats and load up on zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash for a hearty, veggie-packed bowl.
• Vegan Lasagna Soup: Use a medley of your favorite vegetables and swap the cheeses for vegan alternatives, like homemade cashew ricotta.
• Pasta Swap: Any short pasta (penne, fusilli, bowties) can replace the lasagna noodles—great for using what’s already in your pantry!
• Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Leafy Greens: Stir in chopped kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different twist.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown and Season Your Meats

Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high. Add the lean ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook. Let them brown and release all their delicious flavor, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once cooked through, drain off excess grease and remove the meat with a slotted spoon—just set it aside for now.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onion, stirring occasionally until it’s soft and golden—about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, just about one more minute. This step sets the savory base that makes Lasagna Soup irresistible!

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in tomato paste until it coats the onions and garlic, then pour in your marinara sauce, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and basil. Give everything a good stir to combine. Now, return the browned meat to the pot so all those flavors can meld together—already starting to smell amazing?

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Increase the heat to bring your soup base to a gentle boil. Break the lasagna noodles into rough bite-sized pieces and drop them into the pot. Once you add them, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick to the bottom. The noodles should be tender and soak up so much flavor—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach towards the end if you like a pop of green.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Topping

While the soup simmers, mix mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta in a small bowl. This dreamy, creamy cheese blend is your shortcut to lasagna magic without all the baking. Trust me, this step takes your soup totally over the top!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls and dollop a generous scoop of your cheese mixture right in the middle. Top with fresh basil, maybe another sprinkle of parmesan, and serve piping hot—get ready for that classic lasagna experience, easy-soup style!

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of fresh garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, more grated parmesan, or even a little cracked black pepper on top makes Lasagna Soup look as good as it tastes. That bright green basil adds instant farmhouse charm and lets everyone know there’s something special in their bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is such a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with warm, crusty Italian bread or homemade garlic knots—perfect for dunking! If you want to round it out, a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances all that cheesy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, serve Lasagna Soup in oversized mugs with skewered mini mozzarella balls or fresh-baked breadsticks balanced on top. Individual ramekins with a bubbling cheese topping, broiled for a minute, turn each serving into a “mini lasagna” experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna Soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 3–4 days. Store it in an airtight container (keep the cheese mixture separate, if possible) and simply reheat as needed. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even cozier!

Freezing

If you plan on freezing, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese mixture or pasta. Freeze the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles and cheese when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until hot. If the noodles have soaked up some broth, add a splash of extra stock to loosen everything up. Top with a fresh dollop of cheese and basil for that “just-made” taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try a big, hearty bowl of this Lasagna Soup. It delivers all the beloved, nostalgic flavors of traditional lasagna but in a fraction of the time—and with a whole lot less mess. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to some cozy comfort, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your soup rotation. Enjoy every spoonful!

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