Lasagna Soup takes everything you love about traditional lasagna—hearty meat sauce, tender noodles, rich tomato flavor, and melted cheese—and transforms it into a warm, slurpable bowl of comfort. No layering, no baking—just all the flavor in half the time.
This soup is perfect for busy weeknights or chilly weekends when you crave something comforting and familiar. It’s incredibly customizable, freezer-friendly, and makes amazing leftovers. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s become a go-to favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients Overview
This dish delivers bold, Italian-inspired flavor using simple ingredients that come together beautifully in one pot.
Protein
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Ground beef or Italian sausage: Use one or both for a rich, savory flavor. Ground turkey or chicken also works if you prefer a leaner option.
Aromatics
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Yellow onion and garlic: Essential for building a deep base of flavor.
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Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.
Tomato Base
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Crushed tomatoes and/or diced tomatoes: Bring bright acidity and body to the broth.
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Tomato paste: Concentrates the flavor and thickens the soup.
Broth
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Beef or chicken broth: Adds depth and helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Use low-sodium to control salt levels.
Pasta
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Broken lasagna noodles are the classic choice, but you can also use mafaldine, bowtie, or rotini.
Cheese Trio (Optional But Irresistible)
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Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild—perfect for topping.
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Mozzarella: Melts into gooey strands for that lasagna experience.
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Parmesan: Salty and nutty—adds depth.
Seasonings
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Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and bay leaf: Create that signature Italian herb flavor.
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Salt & black pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-ins
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Spinach or kale: Stir in at the end for color and added nutrition.
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Zucchini or mushrooms: For extra veggie power.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Meat and Aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add:
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 chopped yellow onion
Cook until browned, breaking up meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in:
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Tomato Broth
Add:
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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4–6 cups beef or chicken broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp oregano
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper to taste
Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Add the Pasta
Break 8–10 lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir into the soup. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Note: Stir often to keep noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
4. Make the Cheese Mixture (Optional)
While the soup cooks, combine in a small bowl:
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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Pinch of salt and pepper
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½ tsp dried Italian herbs
Set aside.
5. Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale if using, letting it wilt for a minute or two.
6. Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture or sprinkle cheese directly over the soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
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Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half before serving.
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Meatless version: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
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Spicy version: Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes.
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and tomato products.
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Low-carb option: Skip the pasta and add spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Storage Tip: Cook pasta separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
Lasagna soup is a perfect dish for:
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Cold nights and snow days: It warms you up from the inside out.
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Family dinners: Everyone loves it—kids included.
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Meal prep: Makes delicious leftovers and reheats beautifully.
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Potlucks and gatherings: Feeds a crowd with ease.
Serve with:
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Crusty garlic bread or cheesy toast
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A fresh Caesar or Italian salad
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A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Nutrition & Storage Notes
Each serving contains approximately 450–550 calories, depending on toppings and portion size.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Best frozen without pasta. Add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.
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Reheating: Gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth if needed.
Cheap Affordable Meals – Classic Lasagna Soup Bowl
This hearty Lasagna Soup features savory meat, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and a melty cheese topping. All the flavor of lasagna—no layering required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 onion, chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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4–6 cups beef or chicken broth
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp oregano
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1 bay leaf
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Optional Cheese Mixture:
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1 cup ricotta
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½ cup mozzarella
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¼ cup Parmesan
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Pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian herbs
Instructions
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Heat oil in a large pot. Cook meat and onion until browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
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Add pasta and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
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Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
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Serve soup hot with a dollop of the cheese mixture and fresh herbs.
Notes
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Add spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
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Cook pasta separately if freezing.
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Use sausage for extra flavor or turkey for a leaner version.