Craving classic lasagna flavors without all the fuss? This easy lasagna soup brings that beloved comfort food straight to your bowl. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that captures all the rich tastes of traditional lasagna with significantly less effort and cleanup. You get tender noodles, savory meat, a robust tomato base, and creamy cheese, all in one satisfying pot.

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Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

This incredible soup quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons:

Classic Flavors, Less Fuss: Savor all the familiar, delicious tastes of lasagna in a convenient soup format. No layering required!
Quick and Easy One-Pot Dinner: Everything cooks in a single pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. This saves precious time on busy weeknights.
Minimal Cleanup: Say goodbye to multiple baking dishes and messy kitchen counters. A single pot means simple washing.
Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s perfect for chilly evenings, offering a warm and hearty meal that truly satisfies. This dish is pure coziness.
Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand. Make it your own!
Family-Friendly Meal: Even picky eaters enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious lasagna soup:

1/2 pound lean ground beef: Provides a savory base.
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds depth and a hint of spice.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning.
1 yellow onion, chopped: For aromatic flavor.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: To sauté aromatics.
3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for robust flavor.
2 Tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base.
1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce marinara sauce): The heart of the soup’s flavor.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of warmth.
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried): Adds freshness.
1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Another essential Italian flavor.
7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The liquid base for the soup.
9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The signature pasta component.
2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional): For added nutrition and color.
10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese): For the creamy cheese topping.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey deliciousness.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes.
Fresh basil, for serving: A bright, aromatic garnish.

Notes & Substitutions

Meats: Feel free to use all ground beef, all Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for a lighter option.
Pasta: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even small shells works wonderfully.
Cheeses: Cottage cheese makes an excellent substitution for ricotta in the cheese topping. Provolone can replace mozzarella if needed.
Broth: Use vegetable broth to easily make this soup suitable for a meatless base.
Herbs: Adjust the quantities of fresh or dried herbs based on your preference and availability. Fresh herbs always offer a brighter flavor.
Spicy: For more heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Vegetarian/Vegan: Check the “Variations” section below for specific guidance on how to adapt this recipe.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen items to prepare this delightful meal:

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Meat chopper or wooden spoon
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl for cheese mixture

Instructions

Creating this comforting lasagna soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper, until it is fully browned. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pot. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside.
Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, stir in the tomato paste, your chosen marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Pour in the seven cups of low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Return the cooked ground beef and sausage mixture to the pot, stirring everything together to combine well.
Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the nine lasagna noodles, which you have broken into four smaller pieces. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the noodles are tender, usually around 10-12 minutes. If using, stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they are just wilted, which takes only a minute or two.
While the soup simmers, prepare the creamy cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the 10 ounces of ricotta cheese, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these together until well combined.
Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual serving bowls. Place a generous dollop of the prepared cheese mixture on top of each bowl of soup. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your cozy, homemade meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

Don’t overcook noodles: Cook until al dente for the best texture. Mushy noodles can detract from the soup experience.
Brown meat well: Achieving a good sear on the meat develops deep, rich flavors that enhance the entire soup base. This browning process is often attributed to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that creates distinctive flavors and colors in browned food.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Use quality marinara: The marinara sauce significantly impacts the overall taste. Choose a brand you love or use your homemade favorite.
Prep ahead: Chop your onions and mince your garlic in advance to make dinner prep even quicker on busy evenings.
Fresh herbs pop: While dried herbs are used in cooking, a garnish of fresh basil at the end adds a bright, aromatic finish that really makes the dish shine.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile lasagna soup is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the rich broth.
Pair it with a light, fresh green salad to balance the meal.
Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle on top of their bowls.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base (steps 1-3) without adding the noodles. This allows you to quickly finish the soup later.
Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The noodles may soften more over time.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. Store the noodle-less soup base in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh noodles and add them in.
Reheat: Gently warm refrigerated soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of extra chicken or vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Variations

Vegetarian: Simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. Boost flavor and texture with extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
Vegan: Use vegetable broth, a plant-based ground meat substitute, and replace the cheese topping with a store-bought vegan ricotta or a homemade cashew ricotta.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with your favorite brand of gluten-free lasagna noodles or other gluten-free pasta.
Spicy: Amp up the heat by increasing the amount of red pepper flakes to half a teaspoon or more.
Slow Cooker: Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer them to your slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Information

This comforting lasagna soup provides a balanced and hearty meal. Each serving offers a good source of protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying option. Please note that nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	521 kcal
Carbohydrates	36 g
Protein	31 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	12 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	11 g
Trans Fat	0.4 g
Cholesterol	85 mg
Sodium	606 mg
Potassium	663 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g
Vitamin A	1370 IU
Vitamin C	7 mg
Calcium	276 mg
Iron	3 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh lasagna sheets for this lasagna soup?

Yes, you can! Fresh lasagna sheets cook much faster than dried ones, so add them during the last 5-7 minutes of simmering. Watch them carefully to prevent overcooking.

How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy in my lasagna soup?

Cook the noodles only until al dente, not beyond, and stir occasionally to keep them separate. If making ahead, store the soup and noodles separately or add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

What kind of broth is best for lasagna soup?

Low sodium chicken broth offers a savory depth without excess salt. Vegetable broth is also an excellent choice, especially if you want a meatless version of the lasagna soup.

Can I add other vegetables to this lasagna soup?

Absolutely! This soup is highly adaptable. Consider adding diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrients and flavor.

How do I thicken the lasagna soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce, or make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) and stir it in. Cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Prepare the base ahead of time and store it. Add fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat, or simply reheat the full soup knowing the noodles might be softer.

Conclusion

This easy lasagna soup offers all the comforting flavors of a classic dish in a convenient one-pot format. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. Embrace the simplicity and rich taste of this recipe, and get ready to enjoy a new family favorite. You’ll love how quickly this warm and flavorful soup comes together!