You know those days when you’re craving lasagna but don’t feel like layering noodles, sauce, and cheese for an hour? Yeah, I’ve been there too.
That’s exactly how this lasagna soup came to life — all the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna, but way easier and faster. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every week. It’s warm, cozy, and tastes like a hug in a bowl.
What Is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is basically everything you love about lasagna — tender noodles, meaty tomato sauce, creamy cheese — just turned into a hearty soup.
It’s thick, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy. Think of it as a cross between pasta and soup — the best of both worlds.
The base is a rich tomato broth with Italian herbs, ground meat, and soft noodles swimming in it.
Then, you top it with a scoop of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, and every spoonful feels like comfort food heaven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are tons of reasons to fall in love with this soup, but here are my top ones:
- It’s super easy. No layering, no baking — just one pot!
- It’s quick. You can have dinner ready in under 40 minutes.
- It tastes amazing. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
- It’s cozy. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comfort fix.
- It’s family-friendly. Even picky eaters love this!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make a big, comforting pot of lasagna soup:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the meat and veggies.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage – adds rich flavor. You can also mix both.
- 1 onion, chopped – for sweetness and depth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – gives the soup that lasagna-like base.
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce – makes it thicker and richer.
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth – helps turn it into soup.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – for that herby Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – the fun part!
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese – creamy and soft.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – melts perfectly on top.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that classic cheesy kick.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – adds color and freshness.
How to Make Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)
Let’s cook this delicious bowl of comfort step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Meat
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain any extra fat so the soup doesn’t get greasy.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and golden — about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The smell at this point? Amazing!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together. Add your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into small pieces (about 2 inches long). Add them to the pot. Stir so they don’t stick together. Let them cook in the soup for about 10–12 minutes, or until soft.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Mixture
While the noodles cook, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl. This is your “cheesy crown.” You’ll add it to your soup bowls later.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are tender, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a spoonful of your cheese mixture on top — it’ll melt beautifully. Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for that finishing touch.
That’s it. Your lasagna soup is ready to make your heart happy.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned that make this soup turn out perfect every time:
- Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll keep softening in the hot broth.
- Use a mix of beef and sausage for more depth of flavor.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Store noodles separately if you’re planning to save leftovers — that way they don’t get mushy.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes.
Variations to Try
You can totally make this soup your own! Here are some fun ideas:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Chicken lasagna soup: Use ground chicken and chicken broth instead of beef.
- Cheesy overload: Add extra mozzarella or a handful of cheddar for more gooey goodness.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread (to soak up that tomato broth)
- Caesar salad for something crisp and fresh
- A glass of red wine if you’re feeling fancy
How to Store and Reheat
If you somehow have leftovers (good luck with that!), here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup without noodles for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm it on the stove over medium heat. Add a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup is one of those recipes that feels like a big win — it’s comforting, simple, and unbelievably delicious.
You don’t need to be a chef to make it, and it never fails to impress. Every spoonful brings that familiar lasagna flavor, only easier and faster.
So next time you’re craving something cozy but don’t want the hassle of baking, make this lasagna soup.
It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile — including you.
