Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna soup is an excellent choice when you’re craving traditional lasagna but want something simpler and more comforting. The combination of beef and Italian sausage creates a rich, savory base, while marinara sauce, tomato paste, garlic, and Italian herbs give the broth plenty of depth.
It’s also much easier to prepare than traditional lasagna. Everything comes together on the stovetop, and there’s no need to carefully assemble layers or wait for a casserole to bake. Broken lasagna noodles cook right in the flavorful broth, soaking up all those delicious Italian-inspired flavors.
The creamy cheese topping is what really brings everything together. Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan slowly melt into the hot soup, creating creamy, cheesy bites that make every bowl taste like lasagna.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Italian sausage
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Yellow onion
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Marinara sauce
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh or dried parsley
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Fresh spinach leaves, optional
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Directions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook until the meat is completely browned. Drain away the excess grease, transfer the cooked meat from the pot, and set it aside.
- Add the olive oil and chopped yellow onion to the same pot. Cook over medium heat until the onion becomes tender and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and dried basil. Return the browned beef and sausage to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Increase the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles, reduce the heat, and allow the soup to simmer until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally while they cook to help prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- If you’re adding spinach, stir it into the soup once the pasta is tender. Continue cooking briefly until the leaves have wilted. Taste the broth and adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as desired.
- While the soup finishes cooking, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Ladle the hot lasagna soup into serving bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the ricotta cheese mixture to each bowl and finish with fresh basil. Serve while hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, making it a convenient option for a family meal or for preparing leftovers.
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, followed by approximately 40 minutes of cooking time. The total time needed to prepare the lasagna soup is around 50 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Variations
For a lighter version, replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken. You’ll still get a hearty soup while reducing some of the richness of the original version.
You can also make the soup more vegetable-forward. Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or additional spinach can be added to the broth. Sauté firmer vegetables with the onion so they have enough time to soften.
For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder soup, leave out the red pepper flakes and choose mild sausage.
Different pasta shapes can also work when lasagna noodles aren’t available. Mafaldine, bow ties, rigatoni, or another sturdy pasta will provide a similar comforting texture.
For an extra-creamy bowl, stir a small amount of the ricotta mixture directly into each serving rather than leaving it entirely on top. The cheese will melt into the tomato broth and create a richer consistency.
Storage/Reheating
Allow leftover lasagna soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within about 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture.
Keep in mind that lasagna noodles continue absorbing liquid while the soup sits. As a result, refrigerated leftovers may become considerably thicker. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly hot, stirring occasionally so the soup heats evenly. Larger quantities can be warmed in a saucepan or soup pot over medium-low heat.
If you’re intentionally making the soup ahead of time, consider cooking the noodles separately. Store the pasta and soup in separate containers, then combine them when reheating individual portions. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft.
The cheese mixture is also best stored separately and spooned onto the soup after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes. Lasagna soup works well as a make-ahead meal. For the best texture, prepare the soup base ahead of time but cook and store the pasta separately. Add the noodles when reheating or directly to individual bowls before serving.
Why did my lasagna soup get so thick?
The noodles absorb broth as they sit, particularly after the soup has been refrigerated. This is completely normal. Add extra chicken broth or a little water while reheating until the soup reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes. While broken lasagna noodles create the most recognizable lasagna-like texture, other pasta shapes work well. Try mafaldine, rigatoni, penne, bow ties, or another medium-sized pasta.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or another preferred ground meat can replace the beef. You can also adjust the ratio of beef to sausage depending on the flavor you prefer.
Is spinach necessary in lasagna soup?
No. Spinach is completely optional. It adds color, nutrients, and a mild vegetable flavor, but leaving it out won’t negatively affect the soup.
Can I make lasagna soup spicy?
Yes. Use spicy Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes for additional heat. You can also add more red pepper flakes to individual servings so everyone can control the spice level.
Can I cook the lasagna noodles separately?
Absolutely. In fact, cooking the noodles separately is particularly useful if you’re planning to store leftovers. Add cooked noodles to individual bowls and ladle the hot soup over them. This prevents the pasta from continuing to absorb the broth during storage.
What cheeses are best for lasagna soup?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provide the classic lasagna flavor and creamy texture used in this recipe. Ricotta makes the topping creamy, mozzarella provides richness, and Parmesan contributes a salty, savory finish.
Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, but the soup base freezes better without the pasta and cheese topping. Pasta can become very soft after freezing and thawing. For better results, freeze the meat and tomato soup base, then prepare fresh pasta and the cheese mixture when you’re ready to serve it.
What should I serve with lasagna soup?
Lasagna soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it also pairs nicely with garlic bread, crusty bread, breadsticks, or a simple green salad. Bread is particularly useful for soaking up the rich tomato broth and melted cheese.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is a comforting way to enjoy all the familiar flavors of lasagna in a simpler stovetop meal. Savory beef and sausage, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, aromatic herbs, and creamy Italian cheeses combine to create a satisfying dinner that’s especially welcome on a cool evening.
With only about 10 minutes of preparation and a total cooking time of around 50 minutes, it’s an approachable alternative to traditional baked lasagna. Serve each bowl hot with plenty of the creamy ricotta mixture and fresh basil for a cozy meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make again and again.
Lasagna Soup
A cozy lasagna-inspired soup with a rich tomato broth, tender pasta, savory Italian flavors, and a creamy cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe marinara sauce, or about 24 ounces prepared marinara sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, optional
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and remove the meat from the pot.
- Add the olive oil and chopped onion to the pot. Cook over medium heat until softened, then add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, cooked meat, and chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the spinach, if using, and cook just until wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture and fresh basil.
Notes
- For make-ahead soup, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings so the noodles do not become overly soft.
- Add extra broth when reheating if the soup has thickened during storage.
- Ground turkey or another preferred ground meat can be substituted for the beef and sausage.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
