If you love the rich, cheesy, meaty flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and easier to enjoy, this Lasagna Soup is the perfect answer. It captures every element of traditional lasagna — savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and herbs, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese — all in a comforting, hearty soup form.
Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both warm and satisfying, this soup is simple to make and full of layered Italian flavors. Plus, it’s flexible — you can customize the meat, add veggies, or go vegetarian with ease.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- All the rich, cheesy, meaty flavors of lasagna in a cozy soup
- Ready in about 45 minutes — way faster than baking a full lasagna
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving / Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook Pasta in Soup
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but still slightly firm.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve with Toppings
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil if desired.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles for quick cooking, or break regular noodles into smaller pieces and cook until tender.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness — check often in the last few minutes.
- Customize the meat: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative.
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms when sautéing onions.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Reheat gently on the stove.
Variations You’ll Love
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra veggies or lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer texture.
- Cheesy crust: Broil individual bowls with extra mozzarella for a lasagna-like cheesy top.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Yes, just break them into smaller pieces and cook fully in the soup. It might take a bit longer than no-boil noodles.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if thickened.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but pasta texture may change slightly after freezing. Freeze before adding pasta for best results, then cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors and comfort of classic lasagna with way less fuss and less time. Perfect for warming you up on chilly nights, it’s easy to make, easy to love, and customizable to your taste. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite that turns lasagna into a cozy bowl of happiness!
