Lasagna Soup Recipe

When I first tried this Lasagna Soup Recipe, it felt like the best of two worlds — all the cozy, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna, but in a comforting, easy-to-eat soup form. What I love most is how it’s quick enough for a weeknight but still feels special enough for guests. You’ll find that the layers of flavors from the meats, herbs, and cheeses meld beautifully in every spoonful.

This Lasagna Soup Recipe works wonders when you want to skip the labor-intensive pasta bake but still crave that Italian comfort food vibe. Whether you’re making it for your family or just need a warm-up on a chilly day, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly simple.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lasagna Soup Recipe really comes from the balance of fresh herbs, rich cheeses, and savory meats all simmered together. Picking good quality marinara and using fresh cheeses will really elevate the final dish.

• Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to keep the soup hearty without extra grease.
• Italian sausage: Adds rich, spiced flavor; feel free to use mild or spicy depending on your taste.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed for sweetness and a lovely base depth.
• Olive oil: To sauté the onions and garlic—extra virgin adds a nice flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that classic Italian punch.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor; don’t skip this step!
• Marinara sauce: I like to use homemade, but a good-quality store-bought one works well too.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the soup; if unavailable, dried is fine.
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs to round out the flavor.
• Chicken broth: Use low sodium so you can control the saltiness.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces for easy eating — I prefer the traditional kind, but any pasta will do.
• Fresh spinach (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and nutrients.
• Ricotta cheese: Or cottage cheese for a creamy, mild topping.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for that gooey stretch in each bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for sharpness and depth.
• Fresh basil: For garnish—it adds a fragrant, fresh finish that’s irresistible.

Variations

I love tweaking this Lasagna Soup Recipe based on what’s in my fridge or dietary preferences, and you should feel free to make these changes your own. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes creativity without losing its essence.

• Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground meats for mushrooms, zucchini, and yellow squash—adding these makes it just as hearty without losing flavor.
• Vegan adaptation: Use vegetable broth and homemade cashew ricotta instead of dairy cheeses; it’s surprisingly satisfying and dairy-free.
• Pasta swaps: Broken lasagna noodles are classic here, but other pasta shapes like penne or rotini work great if you want a different texture.
• Slow cooker method: Brown the meat and sauté onions, then combine everything in a slow cooker for an effortless, hands-off dinner.

How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Season

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high and cooking the ground beef and Italian sausage until they’re nicely browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper as you go—this layers flavor right from the start. Once cooked, drain the grease for a less oily soup, then set the meat aside. I used to skip draining, but trust me, it makes a big difference in clarity and taste.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add olive oil over medium heat, then toss in the chopped onions. Stir occasionally as they soften and turn translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—being careful not to let it burn. This builds the aromatic base everyone will taste in the final soup.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste, Marinara, Spices, and Broth

Mix in the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen its flavor, then pour in your marinara sauce along with the red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and basil. Stir everything together and then add the broth and the browned meat back into the pot. Bring it all to a boil—this step ensures your flavors marry perfectly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Spinach

Once boiling, add your broken lasagna noodles and reduce to a medium-low heat. Stir occasionally so noodles don’t stick and cook until tender—usually about 10-12 minutes. Toss in fresh spinach at the end if you’re using it; it wilts quickly and adds a lovely brightness.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Serve

While the soup finishes cooking, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Once your soup bowls are ready, ladle the hot soup in and dollop the cheese mixture on top—watch it melt into that soul-warming broth. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, authentic touch that never fails to impress guests.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my bowl with that luscious cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil—it’s the little finishing touch that lifts the soup. If you like, a grind of fresh black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top brings a nice kick, too.

Side Dishes

This soup is fantastic on its own, but I often pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a more rounded meal. Sometimes I make a simple Caesar salad so there’s a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serving the Lasagna Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls has been a fun hit at my dinner parties—plus it adds an interactive element as guests scoop out the bread along with their soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep the noodles from getting mushy, sometimes I just store the soup and noodles separately when possible. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Freezing

Freezing lasagna soup is tricky with noodles and cheese, so I skip the cheese and sometimes the noodles when freezing. After thawing, I add fresh pasta and the cheese mixture before heating up again, which keeps the texture spot on.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking or burning. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick, and add fresh cheese dollops after reheating to keep that fresh, creamy feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s like a big warm hug on a cold day. It’s approachable, full of flavor, and a wonderful twist on a classic dish that doesn’t require hours in the oven. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself why it’s become a family favorite of mine—I promise it won’t disappoint!

Print