If you crave the comforting, layered flavors of a classic Italian dinner but want something quicker and cozier, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the hearty goodness of traditional lasagna—the savory beef, rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, melty cheeses, and tender pasta—served up in a warm, soul-soothing bowl. The beauty is in its simplicity and speed without sacrificing any of that homemade taste, making it perfect for weeknights or whenever you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is a key step to nailing this recipe. Each item plays an important role, from building a rich, savory foundation to adding creamy and cheesy textures that bring the soup together beautifully.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty, meaty flavor and texture that forms the base of your soup.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed until tender.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth that enhances every spoonful.
- Crushed tomatoes: Create a bright, tangy tomato sauce that balances the richness.
- Beef broth: Gives the soup body and a savory boost for a full-flavored broth.
- Uncooked pasta (lasagna noodles broken): Absorbs the flavors beautifully while providing satisfying bite.
- Dried oregano: Adds a herbal, slightly peppery note classic to Italian cooking.
- Dried basil: Offers a sweet, fragrant aroma that ties the spices and sauce together.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Give a subtle spicy kick if you want a little heat in your soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every ingredient.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy richness that melts delicately into the broth.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey texture when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Fresh basil: A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning your ground beef or Italian sausage. This step is crucial because it builds a savory foundation for the soup. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep the broth from being greasy, yet leaving all that rich flavor behind.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cooking them until the onion turns translucent creates a sweet and fragrant base that complements the meat perfectly. This slow softening releases sweetness that balances the acidity from the tomatoes later on.
Step 3: Build the Brothy Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in your oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer to allow the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, comforting aroma that’s irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering pot. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until they reach al dente perfection, soaking up the robust sauce as they tenderize. This is where the soup truly starts to feel like lasagna in every spoonful.
Step 5: Stir in Ricotta Cheese
Once the pasta is ready, gently fold in the ricotta cheese. It melts into the soup, creating a luscious, creamy texture that makes the dish comforting and indulgent without heaviness.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Cheese and Basil
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. Watch the cheese melt over the hot soup—it’s like lasagna without the wait or clean-up.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is my go-to garnish because it adds a refreshing pop of color and herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Don’t be shy with the mozzarella topping—extra cheese melts into little pockets of goodness with every bite.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side takes the meal to restaurant-quality dinner status. The crispness and crunch provide nice contrast to the soft, cheesy soup textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic mugs. You can also add dollops of ricotta or a drizzle of good olive oil on top for a gourmet look. These little details make an everyday meal feel celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, package in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid mushy pasta, you might consider undercooking the noodles slightly during your initial cook if you plan to freeze.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Top with fresh mozzarella and basil again for that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative, or you can even mix half sausage and half beef for flavor balance. Just brown it thoroughly for best results.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Broken lasagna noodles are traditional and offer the perfect texture, but feel free to use other small pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells if you prefer.
Is this soup spicy?
The level of spice depends on if you add the red pepper flakes. You can leave them out for a mild version or increase them slightly if you like some heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meat with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding plant-based meat crumbles also works well.
How long does it take to make this soup?
From start to finish, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe takes about 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings when you want delicious comfort food without a long wait.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe that makes you feel right at home with every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how quick and delicious lasagna can be when served in soup form. Trust me—it’s a new favorite waiting to happen!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Lasagna Soup combines the flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting, hearty soup form. Featuring ground beef or Italian sausage, savory tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy cheeses, this soup is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta pieces to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture, absorbing some of the soup’s rich flavor.
- Incorporate Ricotta Cheese: Stir in the ricotta cheese thoroughly until it’s well blended into the soup, adding a creamy texture that echoes traditional lasagna.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Use fresh lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces if desired, but keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer longer after adding pasta or reduce beef broth amount slightly.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
