If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy flavors of classic lasagna but want a rich, comforting meal on the table fast, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Lasagna Soup. This recipe takes everything we adore about the beloved Italian-American favorite—tender noodles, herby tomato broth, melty cheese, and hearty meat—and transforms it into a one-pot wonder that’s simple enough for any night of the week. Every spoonful is packed with flavor and nostalgia, making it perfect for family dinners or when you need a little extra comfort in your bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list: each item plays a key role in building hearty flavors, satisfying textures, and that signature lasagna soup color. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and pick up a few tips for best results.
- Olive oil: Adds a flavorful base that helps brown the meat and veggies perfectly.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose either for rich, meaty flavor; sausage will add more spice and depth.
- Onion (diced): Brings sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for an authentic Italian flair; fresh garlic delivers the best punch.
- Italian seasoning: A savory blend of herbs for classic lasagna taste in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasoning essentials to wake up all the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Turn up the heat if you like a gentle kick.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato richness and thickens up the broth beautifully.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of your soup, making the broth robust and hearty.
- Low-sodium beef or chicken broth: Adds body to the soup and keeps things balanced and not too salty.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): They mimic the layers of a classic lasagna—fun and so satisfying.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, dreamy dollops melt into the hot soup and make it irresistibly indulgent.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: That ooey-gooey, stretchy cheese texture that makes lasagna so addictive.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty lift on top for the perfect finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle brightens up the bowl and adds gorgeous color.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground beef or Italian sausage and diced onions. Sauté together for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want the meat just browned and the onions tender—drain off any excess fat for a lighter soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and the spices release their aroma. This little step is where the flavors start to build in your Easy Lasagna Soup.
Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste
Spoon in the tomato paste and mix thoroughly to coat the meat mixture. Give it a minute to caramelize a bit—it’ll add a world of depth to the finished soup.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and your chosen broth (beef or chicken both work great here), stirring well to combine. Raise the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil—this gets the flavors simmering together nicely.
Step 5: Simmer with Lasagna Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. Keep an eye out; you want the noodles tender but not falling apart.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Serve
Ladle your Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls and top each one with a generous dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a dusting of grated Parmesan. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve piping hot and get ready for smiles all around!
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touch is all about that irresistible cheese! Spoon some creamy ricotta right in the center and let shredded mozzarella melt into the steamy soup. A good pinch of grated Parmesan brings everything together. For the freshest flare, scatter torn basil leaves or a shower of chopped parsley across the top—you’ll love the pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but some crusty bread or garlicky breadsticks are always welcome here for dunking. A bright mixed green salad with a zippy Italian vinaigrette makes a classic pairing and helps balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling Easy Lasagna Soup into shallow bowls or even rustic mugs for a casual, cozy feel. For dinner parties, you can set up a toppings bar with bowls of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs so everyone can customize their own “lasagna bowl.” Complete the experience with mini grilled cheese sandwiches on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If possible, store the cheeses separately and add them fresh when reheating, so you get that original melty goodness every time.
Freezing
Easy Lasagna Soup is freezer-friendly, making it great for meal prep! Ladle cooled soup (without cheese toppings) into individual containers, leaving a little extra space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Add the cheese toppings just before serving for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftover soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water if it thickened up in the fridge. You can also microwave individual portions until steaming hot. Top with fresh cheese and herbs after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use another type Soup
Absolutely! If you don’t have lasagna noodles handy, feel free to use rotini, shells, or even broken-up spaghetti. The result will still be delicious, and every bite will have that classic lasagna soup appeal.
How can I make Easy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or simply add more diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Use vegetable broth, and you’ll have a cozy, satisfying vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to make the soup creamier?
For an extra-rich and creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream right before serving. The cream melds beautifully with the tomato broth and makes the soup even more luscious.
Can I make Easy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup works really well as a make-ahead meal. Prep it the day before and gently reheat before serving. Just hold off on adding the cheeses until the soup is hot and ready to eat, so the topping stays luscious rather than over-melted.
Will the noodles get soggy if I store leftovers?
After a night in the fridge, the noodles might soften a bit more, but the soup still tastes fantastic. If you want to avoid this, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving or storing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about turning a family-favorite oven dish into a quick, comforting bowl of Easy Lasagna Soup. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and makes even a busy weeknight feel cozy and satisfying. Gather your loved ones and give this soup a try—you’re going to love every cheesy, tomato-y spoonful!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a hearty soup loaded with ground beef, Italian seasonings, lasagna noodles, and three kinds of cheese.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomato paste and stir well to coat the meat. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then bring to a boil. Stir in broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a little Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute pasta shells or rotini if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- This soup stores and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
