Lasagna Soup 5 Amazing Reasons Families Adore This Dish

Introduction of Lasagna Soup

Few dishes bring as much comfort to the table as a bowl of homemade Lasagna Soup. Imagine all the flavors you love in traditional lasagna, simmered together into a warm and hearty soup that feels like a hug on a cold evening. This recipe captures the essence of the classic Italian favorite with rich tomato broth, tender pasta, seasoned meat, and layers of melted cheese in every spoonful.

As a chef, I know that great food should not only taste incredible but also make life easier for the cook. That is exactly what this recipe delivers. You get all the coziness of lasagna without the time-consuming layering and baking. Instead, everything comes together in one pot, creating a dish that is hearty enough for family dinners yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.

Lasagna Soup is more than just a quick alternative. It is a dish that invites creativity and flexibility. You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both for depth of flavor. Fresh basil and parsley brighten the broth, while a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella add creaminess right before serving. The result is a bowl that is rich, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy.

Whether you are cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this Lasagna Soup will quickly become one of your go-to comfort food recipes.

Bowl of lasagna soup with noodles, sausage, and melted cheese topping

Lasagna Soup 5 Amazing Reasons Families Adore This Dish

Andrew BELLETT
All the cozy flavors of classic lasagna in a one-pot, weeknight-friendly soup. Rich tomato broth, tender pasta, seasoned beef and sausage, and a creamy three-cheese topping that melts into every spoonful.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 521 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

Protein and Flavor Base

  • 1/2 lb lean ground beef season as it cooks
  • 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage mild or hot
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 yellow onion chopped small
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 24 oz marinara sauce or 1 recipe homemade marinara
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional heat
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil

Broth, Pasta, and Veggies

  • 7 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 9 lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves optional

Cheese Topping

  • 10 oz ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • fresh basil for serving

Instructions
 

  • Brown the meat: Heat a large pot over medium-high. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbly, 6–8 minutes. Drain grease and set meat aside.
  • Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add olive oil and chopped onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Build the base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add marinara, broth, parsley, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Return browned meat to the pot and bring to a boil.
  • Cook pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender, 15–20 minutes. Stir in spinach during the last 2 minutes to wilt.
  • Mix cheeses: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
  • Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy hot.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare through simmering the soup base, but do not add noodles. Chill up to 2 days. Reheat, bring to a boil, then add noodles and cook until tender.
  • Freezing: Freeze the soup without cheese or pasta for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, then cook fresh noodles and finish with the cheese topping.
  • Slow cooker option: Brown meats and sauté onion and garlic as above. Transfer to slow cooker with tomato paste, marinara, broth, and seasonings. Cook on LOW 4–6 hours. Add broken noodles 30 minutes before serving, then finish with spinach and cheese topping.

Notes

Vegetarian: Omit meats and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms and zucchini. Vegan: Use vegetable broth and a dairy-free ricotta. Prevent mushy noodles by adding pasta just before serving or cooking it separately. Drain meat well to avoid a greasy broth.
Keyword Comfort Food, creamy lasagna soup, easy lasagna soup, family dinner, Lasagna Soup, one pot lasagna soup

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe -Lasagna Soup-

  • Easy One Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Classic Comfort: All the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, cozy soup that feels like comfort in a bowl.
  • Versatile and Flexible: Use beef, Italian sausage, or even make it vegetarian with extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults, this soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own.
  • Freezer Friendly: Make a batch, freeze it, and enjoy a ready-to-heat meal anytime.
  • Perfect for Every Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or sharing at gatherings.

What makes this recipe stand out from others is the balance of flavors and textures. The broth is rich and tomato-based with just the right blend of herbs and spices. Broken lasagna noodles create that authentic pasta feel without the work of layering. A dollop of ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan stirred in at the end gives each serving a creamy, cheesy finish that feels indulgent yet approachable. This soup takes everything you love about lasagna and transforms it into a dish you can enjoy in under an hour.

Ingredients Needed for Lasagna Soup

Protein and Flavor Base

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef, browned for rich depth
  • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage, mild or spicy depending on your taste
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season the meat as it cooks
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped for even cooking
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, to sauté the vegetables
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced for bold flavor
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste, to intensify the tomato base

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 batch homemade marinara sauce or 24 ounces store-bought marinara
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for a subtle heat
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, for a classic Italian touch
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil, or swap for fresh if available

Broth, Pasta, and Veggies

  • 7 cups low sodium chicken broth, or substitute with vegetable broth
  • 9 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, optional but adds color and nutrition

Cheesy Topping

  • 10 ounces ricotta cheese, or cottage cheese as an alternative
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, melts beautifully on top
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for sharpness
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish and freshness

How to Make Lasagna Soup

  1. Brown the Meat
    Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease and transfer the meat to a plate.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables
    In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for the soup.
  3. Build the Broth
    Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize slightly. Add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, parsley, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Return the browned meat to the pot and bring everything to a boil.
  4. Cook the Pasta
    Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 15–20 minutes. If using spinach, stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking so it wilts without overcooking.
  5. Prepare the Cheese Topping
    In a small bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. This will be your creamy garnish.
Ground beef and Italian sausage browning in a large pot for lasagna soup
  1. Serve and Enjoy
    Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately while the cheese melts into the soup for a rich and comforting finish.
Comforting lasagna soup garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan

Notes

  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • For make-ahead, prepare the soup base without noodles, then add pasta when reheating.
  • For freezing, store without cheese or pasta for up to 2–3 months.

Serving and Storage Tips of Lasagna Soup

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Soup is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but pairing it with a simple side can elevate the meal. Serve it with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for dipping into the rich broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly. For a family style presentation, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone top their bowls with a scoop of the creamy cheese mixture and fresh basil.

Storage Guidelines

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of broth to loosen the consistency, as pasta tends to absorb liquid.

Freezing Tips

For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. Place the cooled broth and meat mixture in a freezer safe container and store for up to 2–3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, bring to a boil, then add fresh noodles to cook until tender. Add the cheese topping just before serving.

Helpful Notes of Lasagna Soup

  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the beef and sausage and add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. This keeps the soup hearty while cutting back on meat.
  • Vegan Option: Omit the meat and cheese altogether. Use extra vegetables in the broth and top with a homemade cashew ricotta or a plant based cheese alternative.
  • Pasta Substitutions: If you do not have lasagna noodles, any short pasta such as rotini, penne, or farfalle will work. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta type.
  • Prevent Mushy Noodles: Add pasta right before serving or cook it separately and stir into bowls individually. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much broth.
  • Control the Heat: For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. For a milder version, stick with sweet sausage and omit the pepper flakes.
  • Avoid Greasy Soup: Drain the meat thoroughly after browning to keep the broth clear and rich rather than oily.
  • Cheese Topping Tip: Whole milk ricotta makes the topping creamier and more indulgent. If you prefer a lighter option, use part skim ricotta or even cottage cheese.

Conclusion of Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. It brings together the best of two worlds: the hearty, comforting flavors of a classic lasagna and the cozy ease of a one pot soup. The rich tomato broth, the tender noodles, the perfectly seasoned meat, and the creamy cheese topping all come together to create a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

What makes this recipe so special is not only how flavorful it is, but also how approachable it can be. Traditional lasagna takes time, layering, and patience. This soup delivers all that beloved flavor in less than an hour with just a single pot. That means fewer dishes, less fuss, and a meal that can fit easily into a busy weeknight schedule. It is a recipe that is both practical and deeply satisfying.

I encourage you to make this Lasagna Soup for your family and see how quickly it becomes a favorite. It is perfect for chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or even as part of a holiday spread when you want something that feels comforting yet unique. The versatility of this recipe also makes it a winner: you can prepare it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot depending on what works best for you.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out. Leave a comment below and give it a star rating so other home cooks can benefit from your feedback. Your thoughts and tips help build a community of food lovers who inspire one another. And if you enjoyed it, share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so more people can discover this comforting dish.

Now I’d love to know: which version will you try first? Will you make it the classic stovetop way, let it simmer in a slow cooker, or speed things up in the Instant Pot? Share your answer in the comments and let’s start the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions of Lasagna Soup

How long to let lasagna soup simmer?

On the stovetop, let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes after adding the noodles. This ensures the pasta cooks through and the flavors have time to blend.

What do you eat with lasagna soup?

Lasagna soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a fresh green salad. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the richness of the dish.

How long can you keep lasagna soup in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

What is the secret to a great lasagna?

The key is balance: well seasoned meat, a flavorful tomato base, quality cheese, and fresh herbs. For soup, the secret is adding the cheese topping right before serving so it melts into the hot broth.

Do you let soup simmer covered or uncovered?

For lasagna soup, simmer uncovered. This helps the broth reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors while keeping the texture hearty.

How long to leave lasagna boiling?

After bringing the soup to a boil, reduce it to a simmer. Do not keep it boiling for long periods as this can overcook the pasta. A few minutes at a boil is enough before lowering the heat.

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