There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about this Lasagna Soup Recipe that instantly brings warmth to your soul. Imagine all the rich flavors of a classic lasagna, but in a cozy, slurpable bowl of soup. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of the savory goodness of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned perfectly with herbs and a hint of spice. This dish is a celebration of everything we love about Italian cooking, reimagined in a quicker, simpler, and utterly delightful form that’s ideal for family dinners or a cozy night in. If you’re looking for a new favorite to rotate into your meal planning, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is absolutely a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Lasagna Soup Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, with each component playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic onions and garlic to the hearty meats and the trio of rich cheeses, every element is essential in creating that unforgettable lasagna experience in soup form.
- ½ pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s full of flavor and satisfies your protein craving.
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage: Adds a slightly sweet, spiced kick that balances beautifully with the beef.
- 1 yellow onion: Brings a natural sweetness and depth to the soup once it’s softened.
- 3 cloves garlic: The small but mighty ingredient that infuses wonderful aroma and classic flavor.
- 4 Tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the soup a rich and velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers that unmistakable Italian herb fragrance and taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the oregano with its sweet and slightly peppery notes.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but recommended): Adds a subtle heat and complexity that lifts the whole dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle bite to round out the seasoning.
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes: Gives a little warmth and a touch of excitement.
- 5 cups chicken broth: Creates a savory liquid base that ties everything together beautifully.
- 14.5 oz. crushed tomatoes: Adds body and classic tomato flavor with a slightly chunky texture.
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained): Offers a fresh, juicy burst of tomatoes throughout the soup.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the broth with subtle earthy notes during simmering.
- 6 lasagna noodles: The heart of the dish, bringing that signature pasta texture you expect in lasagna, now in your spoon.
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Sharp and nutty, it adds incredible depth and a salty finish.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded from a block): Melts beautifully, giving that gooey cheese pull we all adore.
- 8 oz. Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it brings a wonderful richness and softness to each bite.
- Fresh Parsley (roughly chopped): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous touch at the end.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Meats and Aromatics
Start by heating a 4-quart soup pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage until nicely browned and crumbled. Halfway through, toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too heavy. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen and the flavors to start melding together.
Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Spices
Next, stir in the tomato paste along with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, hot sauce (if using), salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each spice enhances the soup with characteristic Italian warmth and a touch of kick, while the tomato paste deepens the richness of the tomato base.
Step 3: Deglaze and Add Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape and “clean” the bottom and sides of the soup pot. This step lifts all those flavorful browned bits from cooking the meat and onions, which adds incredible depth and complexity to the broth.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaf
Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and the undrained diced tomatoes, then tuck in a whole bay leaf to infuse subtle flavor as the soup simmers. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently, which allows all the flavors to marry beautifully over the next 30 minutes or so.
Step 5: Optional Cheese Rind Boost
If you have the rind from your Parmesan cheese block, pop it into the pot now. This little trick adds a gorgeous layer of savory umami and richness to the soup that is well worth the extra step. Just be sure to remove it before serving!
Step 6: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
While the soup simmers, bring a salted pot of water to a boil and break the lasagna noodles in half to fit comfortably. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and cut the noodles into smaller strips. These pasta pieces will soak up the flavors of the soup while still offering plenty of chewy, satisfying texture.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Soup
Remove the bay leaf and transfer the cooked noodle strips into the soup pot. You can also add the noodles directly to bowls if you prefer to keep the soup separate for leftovers. If you plan to freeze any soup, it’s best to boil fresh noodles for serving later to avoid soggy texture after reheating.
Step 8: Top with Cheeses and Parsley
Now for the best part: spoon generous dollops of ricotta, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, and shave or sprinkle grated Parmesan over each bowl. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. This luscious, cheesy crown truly transforms this soup into the comforting and delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of this Lasagna Soup Recipe isn’t complete without those final touches. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, earthy kick, the melted mozzarella gives you gooey goodness, and creamy ricotta lends a smooth richness that contrasts perfectly with the savory broth. A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens the whole dish and adds a welcoming freshness that makes each bite sing.
Side Dishes
While the soup itself is wonderfully hearty, pairing it with garlic bread slathered with butter and a sprinkle of cheese is an unbeatable combination. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the broth. A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette also complements the soup nicely by adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a charming presentation that’s as tasty as it is eye-catching. You can also layer the cheeses on top and broil the bowl briefly for a bubbly, cheesy crust that’ll have everyone at the table eager for their first bite. If you’re hosting a casual dinner, serve the soup buffet-style with bowls of cheese, fresh herbs, and extra noodles so everyone can customize their own bowl exactly to their taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles separate if possible, as this prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine and reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. To freeze, store the soup and noodles separately when possible. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you kept the noodles separate, add freshly cooked noodles to each bowl before serving to maintain the best texture. Microwave reheating also works well for individual portions but keep an eye so it heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef and sausage with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite vegetarian meat substitutes. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and you’ll still achieve a rich, satisfying flavor.
What kind of cheese works best for this soup?
Freshly grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella from a block, and creamy ricotta cheese are perfect for replicating traditional lasagna flavors. Using block cheeses instead of pre-shredded ensures better melting and taste.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and simmer on low for 4-6 hours. Add noodles and cheeses towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Is it better to cook the noodles in the soup or separately?
For the best texture, especially if you plan to store or freeze leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. Cooking them in the soup can cause them to become overly soft and mushy as they absorb liquid.
How spicy is this Lasagna Soup Recipe?
The hot sauce and red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances flavors without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust or omit these ingredients depending on your preferred spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a chilly day. It’s cozy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to put together, making it a winner for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress with something different yet familiar. Once you’ve made it, I guarantee it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection—so grab your ingredients and get cooking, because this one’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups (about 6-8 servings)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm and easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, Italian sausage, tomato-rich broth, tender lasagna noodles, and a trio of cheeses make this dish perfect for a family meal or gathering. It’s a delicious, comforting soup that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your pasta cravings.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 4 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
Pasta and Cheese
- 6 lasagna noodles
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded from a block
- 8 oz Ricotta cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook Meat and Onions: In a 4-quart soup pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage. Add diced onion halfway through and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the meat and develop flavors.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Use a silicone spatula to scrape and clean the bottom and sides of the pot, deglazing any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Bay Leaf: Add the crushed tomatoes, undrained diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
- Simmer with Cheese Rind (Optional): If you have the rind from Parmesan cheese, add it into the soup while it simmers to enhance depth of flavor.
- Prepare Noodles: While the soup simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed since flavors will concentrate as it cooks.
- Cook and Add Lasagna Noodles: Break lasagna noodles in half and cook according to package instructions. Drain and cut into smaller strips. Transfer the noodles into the soup. For leftovers or freezing, it’s best to add fresh noodles at serving time instead of cooking them in the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan, shredded Mozzarella, dollops of Ricotta, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy with garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adding the Parmesan rind during simmering gives extra depth to the soup’s flavor.
- For best texture when reheating leftovers or freezing, cook noodles fresh before serving.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with cheesy garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
