Lasagna Soup Recipe: A Comforting, One-Pot Meal That Brings Big Flavor

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved for its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and meat. But what if you could enjoy all those comforting flavors in a fraction of the time? Enter lasagna soup—a delicious, hearty meal that delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna but in a cozy, spoonable form. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a lasagna soup that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, we’ll answer common questions to ensure your lasagna soup turns out just right every time.

Introduction: Why Lasagna Soup Is the Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Lasagna soup is the ideal solution when you crave the taste of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy for all the layers and baking. This one-pot wonder brings together everything you love about lasagna—the meaty sauce, the cheesy goodness, and the tender pasta—but in a fraction of the time. It’s an excellent way to enjoy comfort food without the hassle. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to adapt it to suit your family’s preferences. Let’s dive into how you can make this savory and satisfying dish in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make a comforting pot of lasagna soup:

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: For that rich, meaty base.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds depth of flavor to the soup.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the overall taste with a warm, aromatic flavor.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The foundation of the soup.
4 cups chicken or beef broth: Creates a rich and hearty soup base.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to give that traditional lasagna flavor.
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat (optional).
2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Adds that signature lasagna texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: For a creamy, cheesy finish.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: To sprinkle on top or stir into the soup.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.
Fresh basil, chopped (optional): For garnish and extra freshness.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Lasagna Soup Recipe

Brown the Meat In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Broth Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cook the Noodles Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and continue simmering the soup for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Finish with Cheeses Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese to add creaminess. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve with Toppings Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil if desired. You can also serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While broken lasagna noodles give the soup that authentic lasagna feel, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow-tie. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook faster or slower than lasagna noodles.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely. Lasagna soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth as the noodles tend to absorb liquid over time.

3. How can I make this soup vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

4. Can I freeze lasagna soup? Yes, you can freeze lasagna soup, but for best results, freeze it without the pasta. Pasta tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated. Instead, cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup when reheating.

5. What can I serve with lasagna soup? This soup is hearty on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs perfectly. You could also serve it with a slice of crusty baguette to dip into the rich broth.

Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

Don’t Overcook the Noodles Pasta can quickly go from perfectly al dente to mushy if left to simmer too long. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure the noodles maintain their texture.
Customize the Cheese While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional for lasagna, feel free to experiment. Adding provolone or using cottage cheese instead of ricotta can offer a different twist.
Make It Spicy If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. It complements the rich tomato broth and cheesy goodness.
Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish While dried Italian seasoning works well for the base of the soup, finishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Go for Low-Carb If you’re watching carbs, swap out the lasagna noodles for zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash. This way, you get all the flavor of lasagna with a fraction of the carbs.

Conclusion: Your Go-To Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of traditional lasagna without the time commitment or complexity. This recipe offers the hearty taste of ground beef, tomatoes, and tender pasta combined with the creamy richness of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses—all in a warming, one-pot dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal, lasagna soup will not disappoint.

This versatile dish is easy to make ahead, freezes well, and can be customized to suit your taste. So next time you’re craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, whip up a pot of this flavorful, cheesy soup instead.