Lasagna soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a warm and cozy bowl. This one-pot meal is easy to make, packed with rich tomato flavor, seasoned ground beef, and tender lasagna noodles. Topped with a creamy cheese mixture, it offers the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering or baking.
- Rich and Flavorful – A well-seasoned tomato broth combined with tender noodles and a cheesy topping makes this soup irresistible.
- Customizable – You can use different meats, cheeses, or even make it vegetarian.
- Family-Friendly – A warm and hearty meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect for Leftovers – The flavors deepen over time, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Meat – In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onions are softened.
- Simmer the Soup – Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles – Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping – In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- Serve – Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with a dollop of the cheese mixture, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Swap the ground beef for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Version – Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Cheese Lovers’ Twist – Mix in some extra shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even cheesier soup.
- Creamier Texture – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the soup over low heat on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water if it has thickened. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
FAQs
How can I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft?
If you plan to store leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings when reheating.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
What is the best meat to use?
Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of meats work well.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the meat first, then add all ingredients except the noodles and cheese. Cook on low for 6 hours, adding noodles in the last 30 minutes.
How do I make this soup thicker?
Reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the soup simmer longer to thicken naturally.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit the cheese topping or use dairy-free alternatives for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Is this soup keto-friendly?
No, but you can make it low-carb by substituting the noodles with zucchini ribbons or shirataki noodles.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 4 cups of peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes in place of canned.
What goes well with lasagna soup?
Serve it with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, make the soup ahead and store it without the noodles. Cook and add noodles just before serving.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that delivers all the classic flavors of lasagna in a convenient, easy-to-make form. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, this hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as-is or customize it to your taste, it’s a satisfying meal that brings warmth to the table.