Lasagna Soup

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Introduction

Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna but in a bowl, making it the perfect meal for colder months. This soup features tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef or sausage, and a creamy, cheesy blend that mimics the layers of lasagna.

I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner with my family, and it was an instant hit. The warm, hearty soup with its savory, cheesy goodness felt like a big hug in a bowl. The combination of the tomato sauce and the creamy cheese mixture gives you all the comforting flavors of lasagna, but in a quicker, easier form.

What makes this soup so amazing is how easy it is to prepare in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a great way to satisfy your lasagna cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as a comforting dish on a chilly day, this lasagna soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab a spoon and enjoy a bowl full of cheesy, tomato goodness!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Cold weather comfort food
  • Leftovers for lunch
  • Lasagna lovers

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

Here’s why Lasagna Soup is a dish you’ll want to make over and over:

  • All the Flavors of Lasagna: Enjoy the classic lasagna taste in a simpler, quicker format. It’s a great way to get all your favorite flavors without the long prep time of layering.
  • One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Comforting and Hearty: With tender pasta, savory meat, and a creamy, cheesy topping, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
  • Customizable: You can swap out the ground beef for sausage or ground turkey, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and even make it vegetarian by skipping the meat entirely.
  • Freezer-Friendly: This soup can be made in advance and frozen for later, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Lasagna Soup:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef or Sausage: This adds the savory, meaty base to the soup. Sausage, in particular, adds a little more flavor with its spices.
  • Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These form the base of the soup’s rich, flavorful broth.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Breaking them into pieces allows the pasta to cook directly in the soup, soaking up the delicious tomato flavors.
  • Cheese: The ricotta and mozzarella bring the creamy, cheesy element that makes lasagna so satisfying. Parmesan adds extra depth and richness.
  • Herbs and Spices: The basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (optional) create the signature Italian flavors that make this soup taste just like lasagna.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lasagna Soup:

Prepare the Soup Base:

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Add the basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the Pasta: Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir to combine and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.

Add the Cheese:

  1. Mix in the Cheeses: While the soup is simmering, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Once the pasta is cooked, add this mixture to the soup and stir gently. The cheese will melt into the soup, creating a creamy, lasagna-like texture.
  2. Simmer and Stir: Let the soup cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully incorporate into the broth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your meal:

  • With Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with a loaf of fresh, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with Italian dressing complements the rich soup and adds a refreshing crunch.
  • Topped with Extra Cheese: For even more cheesy goodness, top each bowl with extra mozzarella or Parmesan.
  • As Part of an Italian Meal: Pair it with other Italian dishes like garlic bread, antipasto, or a classic Caesar salad for a full Italian-inspired feast.

Additional Tips for Lasagna Soup

Here are some tips to make your Lasagna Soup perfect every time:

  • Use Quality Ground Meat: For the best flavor, choose a good quality ground beef or sausage. If using sausage, look for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
  • Customize the Pasta: You can swap out the lasagna noodles for other pasta shapes like broken-up pappardelle, rotini, or even spaghetti.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: To avoid mushy noodles, be sure to cook the pasta al dente before adding the cheese mixture. The noodles will continue to cook in the soup.
  • Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or if you like a thinner soup, add a bit more broth to adjust the consistency.
  • Make It Ahead: You can make this soup ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just make sure to leave out the noodles and add them fresh when reheating.

Recipe Variations for Lasagna Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Lasagna Soup:

  • Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna Soup: Add fresh spinach to the soup along with the ricotta for a classic spinach lasagna flavor.
  • Spicy Lasagna Soup: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup some heat.
  • Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Use more mozzarella and ricotta for an even creamier, cheesier soup.
  • Turkey Lasagna Soup: Swap the ground beef or sausage for lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup: Brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker to simmer for 4-6 hours on low. Add the noodles and cheese mixture in the last 30 minutes.
  • Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage: Use all Italian sausage instead of a mix of beef and sausage for a bolder flavor.
  • Meatless Lasagna Soup with Tofu Ricotta: Use tofu-based ricotta for a dairy-free and vegetarian version.
  • Lasagna Soup with Ricotta and Parmesan Only: Skip the mozzarella and stick with ricotta and Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor profile.
  • Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread Croutons: Top the soup with crispy garlic bread croutons for extra crunch and flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Lasagna Soup

  • Freezing: Lasagna Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze it without the noodles. When reheating, add fresh noodles to the soup for the best texture.
  • Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little more broth if needed.

Special Equipment for Lasagna Soup

Here are some tools to make preparing your Lasagna Soup even easier:

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large, heavy pot is essential for making this hearty soup and allowing all the flavors to meld together.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula helps to stir the soup without damaging the pot.
  • Cheese Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese melt better and taste fresher than pre-shredded versions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lasagna Soup

  1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
    Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but you’ll need to break them into smaller pieces and adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook.
  2. Can I freeze the soup after adding the noodles?
    It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating. Noodles tend to become mushy when frozen and reheated in soup.
  3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes, brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the noodles and cheese mixture in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  4. Can I make it ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
  5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
    Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef or sausage and works perfectly in this soup.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is a warm and hearty dish that takes all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a cozy, one-pot meal. With rich, savory meat, tender pasta, and a blend of melted cheeses, this soup is both satisfying and delicious. The tomato-based broth adds a depth of flavor, while the layers of cheese melt into the soup, making every spoonful feel like a taste of home.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd, Lasagna Soup delivers all the comforts of a classic lasagna without the hassle of layering.

I’d love to see how your Lasagna Soup turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!