Lasagna Soup is everything you love about classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, seasoned meat, and melty cheese—all in a cozy, one-pot soup. It’s the perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving comfort food but don’t have the time (or dishes!) for a full baked lasagna. This recipe captures that iconic Italian flavor with half the effort, making it ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to warm up on a chilly night. Plus, it’s customizable and freezer-friendly, making it a staple in any home cook’s rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity – No layering or baking required
- Big lasagna flavor – Tomato, garlic, herbs, beef, and cheese
- Weeknight-friendly – Done in under 40 minutes
- Customizable – Make it vegetarian, creamy, or spicy
- Great leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté the aromatics
Add diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 more minute. - Add tomato base
Stir in tomato paste, then pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a gentle boil. - Add pasta and simmer
Add broken lasagna noodles. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. - Season and finish
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 6g
Tips & Variations
- Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Vegetarian version – Use lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Low-carb option – Skip the pasta and add zucchini noodles.
- Spicy kick – Use hot Italian sausage and extra chili flakes.
- Freezer-friendly – Freeze without the cheese topping for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta?
Yes! Any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells will work.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes—this helps if you plan to store it, preventing soggy noodles.
Do I have to use ricotta?
No, cottage cheese or a dollop of sour cream works as a substitute.
Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- – Dutch oven or soup pot
- Ladle
- – Wooden spoon
- – Cheese grater
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- – 1 tbsp olive oil if needed
- – 1 small yellow onion diced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
- – 1 tsp dried basil
- – 1 tsp dried oregano
- – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- – 2 tbsp tomato paste
- – 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- – 4 cups broth chicken or beef
- – 2 cups water
- – 8–10 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 1 cup ricotta cheese
- – 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- – 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- – Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot. Brown ground meat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and cook 4–5 mins. Stir in garlic and dried herbs.
- Mix in tomato paste. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, and water.
- Bring to a boil. Add noodles and simmer 12–15 mins.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve topped with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Notes
– Freeze without cheese toppings for best results.
– Reheat gently with extra broth if needed.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup takes the comfort of traditional lasagna and transforms it into a simple, satisfying soup you can enjoy any night of the week. With rich tomato flavor, hearty noodles, and cheesy toppings, it’s sure to become a cold-weather favorite in your home. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got an instant crowd-pleaser—no oven required.