When the craving for a hearty, comforting meal strikes, but you don’t want to spend hours layering a traditional lasagna, this Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution! It has all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna but comes together in a fraction of the time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients to match your dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Who is This Recipe For?
If you love classic Italian flavors, but don’t want the hassle of making a full lasagna, this recipe is for you. It’s great for busy weeknights, cold-weather meals, or whenever you need something warm and comforting. Plus, it’s an excellent way to feed a family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need to make The BEST Lasagna Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Large pot – To cook everything in one place
- Wooden spoon – For stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accuracy
- Small mixing bowl – To mix the cheese topping
- Ladle – For serving
1. Cook the Meat
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
6. Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
7. Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Make It Vegetarian – Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or use extra mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Want More Protein? – Add cooked shredded chicken or even white beans.
- Make It Spicier – Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta or sub with zucchini noodles.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Freeze: Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Garlic Knots – Adds even more Italian flavor.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp side dish.
- Glass of Red Wine – A medium-bodied red like Chianti pairs beautifully.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat first, then add everything except the noodles and cheese. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Bowtie, rotini, or penne work great in place of lasagna noodles.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! For best results, cook everything except the noodles. Store separately and add them when reheating to avoid sogginess.
Lasagna Soup is a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just craving comfort food, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
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