Hearty & Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: All the Rich Flavor, None of the Layering Hassle!
Imagine all the comforting, savory flavors of your favorite classic Italian lasagna, but served in a warm, inviting bowl of soup. This incredible lasagna soup recipe brings that dream to life! Instead of meticulously layering noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses, we’re deconstructing the beloved dish into a single, hearty pot. Tender lasagna noodles are simmered directly in a rich, savory tomato broth, infused with a medley of aromatic Italian herbs and seasonings. This robust soup features a delicious combination of lean ground beef and flavorful Italian sausage, making it incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or feeding a crowd, this easy-to-make lasagna soup is guaranteed to become a new family favorite and a true crowd-pleaser!
Why This Deconstructed Lasagna Recipe Works So Well
This lasagna soup isn’t just a clever twist on a classic; it’s a culinary revelation that simplifies a traditionally time-consuming meal without sacrificing any of the iconic flavors. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: The most significant advantage is the elimination of the elaborate layering process. Traditional lasagna requires assembling multiple layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce. With this soup, all the ingredients cook together in one pot, saving you considerable time and effort in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time.
- All the Classic Flavors: Every essential component of a perfect lasagna is present here. You’ll find the rich blend of creamy ricotta, savory parmesan, and stretchy mozzarella, perfectly complemented by flavorful ground beef and spicy or mild Italian sausage. The tomato-based broth is deeply infused with aromatic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, alongside fresh garlic and onion, creating a complex and authentic taste profile.
- Comfort in a Bowl: There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially one that evokes the nostalgic flavors of a beloved pasta dish. This lasagna soup delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling, making it an ideal meal for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little culinary hug.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe provides a fantastic base, it’s also incredibly flexible. You can easily adjust the types of meat, add extra vegetables, or even experiment with different pasta shapes (though classic lasagna noodles are recommended for authenticity). This adaptability allows you to tailor the soup to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
- Less Mess, Easier Cleanup: Cooking in a single pot means fewer dishes to wash! This streamlined approach makes cleanup a breeze, further enhancing the appeal of this convenient recipe.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar taste of lasagna. Presenting it in a soup format makes it an exciting new experience that still delivers on beloved flavors, often enticing even picky eaters. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
So, forget the lengthy baking and intricate assembly. Dive into a bowl of this magnificent lasagna soup and enjoy all the deliciousness with none of the fuss!
Essential Ingredients for Your Lasagna Soup
Crafting the perfect lasagna soup begins with selecting quality ingredients. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature taste and texture of a classic lasagna, transformed into a simple, satisfying soup. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card available at the very end of this post, designed for your convenience.
Ingredient Insights & Smart Substitution Ideas
Understanding each component and its role can elevate your lasagna soup from good to truly exceptional. Here are some detailed notes and flexible substitution suggestions to help you customize this recipe to your liking or work with what you have on hand:
MEAT – Our recipe calls for a delicious blend of ½ pound lean ground beef and ½ pound ground Italian sausage. This combination offers a rich, complex flavor profile that mimics traditional lasagna perfectly. The Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, adds a fantastic depth of flavor that complements the tomato base, bringing a subtle spice and aromatic quality. However, this component is highly adaptable to your preferences or dietary needs:
- All Ground Beef: If you prefer a milder flavor, have dietary restrictions against pork, or simply want to use only one type of meat, you can use a full pound of lean ground beef. It’s important to choose lean beef (85-90% lean) to avoid an overly greasy soup. If you use higher fat content, be sure to drain the excess grease thoroughly after browning.
- All Italian Sausage: For a bolder, more pronounced Italian flavor, use a full pound of ground Italian sausage. You can choose mild for a family-friendly option that’s less spicy, or hot for an extra kick that will really awaken your taste buds. The fennel and other seasonings in Italian sausage are key to its distinct flavor.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter, healthier alternative, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted. If using poultry, consider adding extra seasoning, such as a pinch more dried oregano and basil, or even a dash of smoked paprika, as these meats tend to be less inherently flavorful than beef or pork. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also boost the “Italian” feel and add a gentle warmth.
- Vegetarian Option: To make this soup entirely vegetarian, you can omit the meat components altogether. Instead, substitute with plant-based ground crumbles, or for a whole-food approach, finely chop about 8-10 ounces of cremini or button mushrooms and sauté them with the onion and garlic. The mushrooms will add a wonderful umami depth and a satisfying texture. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a truly vegetarian or vegan-friendly soup base.
NOODLES – The tender lasagna noodles are key to this soup’s texture and identity, bringing that unmistakable lasagna feel to every spoonful. We recommend using traditional flat lasagna sheets, broken into smaller pieces. The innovative step of soaking them before adding them to the pot offers several significant benefits:
- Starch Removal: Soaking the noodles in water helps to release a significant portion of their surface starch. This is important because it prevents them from making the soup broth overly cloudy or excessively thick, ensuring a clearer, more appealing broth with a consistent texture.
- Prevents Mushiness: Pre-soaking also allows the noodles to absorb some moisture and begin to soften before they hit the hot soup. This means they will cook much more quickly in the simmering broth, drastically reducing the chance of them becoming mushy from overcooking. They’ll finish cooking to a perfect al dente texture right in the soup, maintaining a pleasant bite.
- Easier Cutting: Dry lasagna noodles can be brittle and difficult to break or cut cleanly. Softened noodles, however, are much easier to manipulate. You can effortlessly cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces—squares, triangles, or rough strips—whatever you prefer for easy eating in a soup.
- Alternative Pasta Shapes: While lasagna noodles are iconic for this recipe, if you’re looking for an even quicker cooking time or a different texture, you can certainly use other short pasta shapes. Options like rotini, penne, cavatappi, or even small shells work well. If using these alternatives, cook them directly in the soup according to package directions, adding them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to ensure they don’t overcook.
TOMATO BASE – A robust combination of marinara sauce and concentrated tomato paste forms the rich and deeply flavored foundation of this soup. For the best possible flavor, always opt for a good quality marinara sauce that you enjoy. Tomato paste, often overlooked, is crucial here as it adds a concentrated umami richness and thickness, deepening the soup’s overall taste and color.
BROTH – Low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth is ideal for this recipe as it allows you to precisely control the saltiness of the soup. This flexibility is important since marinara sauces and seasoned meats can vary in sodium content. Feel free to use homemade broth if you have it on hand for an even richer, more nuanced flavor.
AROMATICS & HERBS – Freshly diced yellow onion and finely minced garlic are absolutely crucial for building the foundational flavor base of this Italian-inspired soup. The dried herbs – parsley, oregano, and basil – are classic Italian seasonings that infuse the soup with authentic aroma and taste. For an extra pop of freshness and bright color, don’t skip the fresh parsley for garnish at the end; it truly elevates the dish.
CHEESES – The signature creamy, cheesy topping is an absolute must to complete the authentic lasagna experience. A luxurious blend of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan comes together to create that irresistible, gooey, and savory element. Full-fat ricotta provides the best creaminess and texture. Using freshly shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan often melts better and has a superior, more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect melt and texture.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Lasagna Soup
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious soup. Follow along for a smooth cooking experience. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Brown the Meats: Begin by heating a large soup pot or a sturdy Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, lean ground beef, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the meats, breaking them up with a sturdy spoon or spatula, until both the sausage and beef are thoroughly browned through and no pink remains. This usually takes approximately 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, it’s crucial to drain any excess grease to ensure your soup isn’t overly oily and maintains a clean, rich flavor.
- Simmer the Flavorful Broth: To the pot with the browned meat, add the marinara sauce, vegetable or chicken broth, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and the concentrated tomato paste. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. Now, it’s time to infuse the soup with classic Italian aromatics: add the salt, dried parsley, freshly ground black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well again to ensure all the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Bring this flavorful base to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This simmering time is essential for allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and for the onion and garlic to soften and release their full aroma.
- Prepare the Cheesy Topping: While your soup base is simmering and developing its deep flavors, prepare the rich and creamy cheese mixture that will crown each bowl. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese (preferably full-fat for maximum creaminess), shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until all the cheeses and herbs are well combined into a homogenous, spreadable mixture. Set this delectable topping aside; it will be used for garnishing your soup bowls just before serving.
- Soak and Cut the Lasagna Noodles: This crucial, often overlooked step ensures tender, perfectly cooked noodles that won’t absorb too much liquid or become overly starchy in your soup. Place the lasagna noodles (whole sheets) into a bowl or a shallow baking pan that is long and deep enough to fully submerge them in warm water. Gently stir the noodles around in the water to prevent them from sticking together. Allow them to soak for approximately 3 to 4 minutes – they should become pliable and flexible but not fully cooked or soft. Carefully remove the softened noodles from the water and place them onto a clean cutting board or any convenient working surface. Using a sharp chef’s knife or even kitchen shears, cut the noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Squares, rectangles, or short, wide strips work best for a soup, making them easy to eat with a spoon.
- Finish Cooking the Noodles: After the soup base has simmered for its initial 20 minutes, remove the lid from the pot. Add the soaked and pre-cut lasagna noodles directly into the simmering broth and meat mixture. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle, low boil and cook the noodles for approximately 5 to 10 more minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. It’s important to keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking; they should be al dente, offering a pleasant chew without being mushy.
- Final Simmer for Perfection: Once the noodles are added and cooked to your preferred texture, let the soup continue to simmer gently without the lid for an additional 5 minutes. This final, uncovered simmer helps to thoroughly integrate the noodles into the soup and allows the flavors to deepen and harmonize even further, creating a truly cohesive and delicious dish.
- Serve and Garnish: Your hearty and flavorful lasagna soup is now ready to be enjoyed! Ladle generous portions into individual soup bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of broth, meat, and noodles. To complete the authentic lasagna experience, top each serving with a generous dollop of the prepared three-cheese mixture. The cheese will slowly melt into the warm soup, creating creamy pockets of goodness. For an extra touch of freshness, vibrant color, and aromatic appeal, sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, and if desired, a few fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and savor every comforting spoonful immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is undeniably at its best when served fresh on the day it’s made. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid over time, which can lead them to become softer and potentially mushy. However, if you anticipate having leftovers, here’s an expert tip for optimal results: consider cooking and storing the pasta separately from the broth and meat mixture. This way, you can combine them when reheating, ensuring the noodles retain their ideal al dente texture. If you do store the soup with the noodles already in it, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you will likely need to add a bit more broth (chicken, vegetable, or even water) to thin it back to your preferred consistency. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable for a vegetarian diet. To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. You can replace the meat with plant-based ground crumbles, following package directions for cooking, or for a hearty, whole-food approach, finely chop about 8-10 ounces of cremini or button mushrooms and sauté them with the onion and garlic until tender. The mushrooms will add a wonderful umami depth and a satisfying texture that stands in well for meat. Crucially, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a truly vegetarian soup.
While this recipe is primarily designed for stovetop cooking, it can certainly be adapted for other appliances. For an Instant Pot, brown the meats using the sauté function, then add the remaining liquid ingredients and seasonings (reserving the noodles and cheese mixture). Pressure cook on high for 8-10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Add the soaked and cut noodles and cook on sauté or simmer until they are tender (a few minutes). For a slow cooker, brown the meats separately on the stovetop first (this step is important for flavor development). Then, transfer the browned meat and all other ingredients (except the noodles and cheese mixture) to the slow cooker insert. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the soaked and cut noodles during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, or cook them separately on the stovetop and add them at serving time to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy.
A large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or a spacious Dutch oven (like the 7-quart Dutch oven mentioned in the recipe card) is highly recommended. The heavy bottom of these pots helps distribute heat evenly across the cooking surface, which is essential for preventing ingredients from sticking and allowing the soup to simmer gently for optimal flavor development without scorching. A pot with a tight-fitting lid is also important for the covered simmering phase.
Yes, you can absolutely freeze this soup, but with an important caveat regarding the pasta. For the best texture and quality, it’s highly recommended to freeze the broth and meat mixture *before* adding the noodles. The cooked noodles can become very soft, and even mushy, after freezing and thawing in the soup. To freeze the base: allow the soup (without noodles) to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the soup base in the refrigerator overnight, gently reheat it on the stovetop, and then cook fresh, soaked lasagna noodles to add just before serving. If you must freeze the soup with the noodles already in it, expect a significantly softer pasta texture upon reheating.
The soaking step is your secret weapon! It helps remove excess starch, preventing your soup from becoming cloudy and ensuring the noodles cook through without turning to mush. After soaking, cutting the noodles into smaller, uniform pieces (about 1-inch squares or 1×2-inch rectangles) makes them easier to eat and ensures even distribution throughout the soup. Also, avoid overcooking them in the soup; you want them al dente, just like in a baked lasagna.
Perfect Companions: Serving Suggestions for Lasagna Soup
This hearty lasagna soup is truly a meal in itself, brimming with satisfying flavors and textures. However, a few thoughtfully chosen complementary sides can elevate the dining experience even further, turning a simple meal into a delightful feast. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complete your lasagna soup experience:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is an absolute must-have! Its firm texture is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, savory, tomatoey broth. Our homemade Italian bread is an excellent choice, but a good quality baguette, ciabatta, or even a rustic sourdough loaf would work beautifully.
- Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots: To amplify the Italian theme and add another layer of savory goodness, serve your soup with warm, buttery garlic bread or soft, aromatic garlic knots. The pungent garlic flavor beautifully complements the herbs and cheese in the soup, creating a harmonious flavor profile that is truly irresistible.
- Fresh Dinner Salad: A light, crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness and warmth of the soup. A simple mix of leafy greens (like romaine or spring mix), vibrant cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and a light vinaigrette (such as a zesty lemon-herb or classic balsamic) works wonderfully. It adds freshness, a delightful textural contrast, and a touch of brightness to balance the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of tender-crisp roasted vegetables can add an extra layer of flavor, nutrition, and textural interest. Consider roasting asparagus, broccoli florets, zucchini spears, or even bell peppers with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their slight char and tender texture make a great accompaniment.
- Extra Cheese and Fresh Herbs: Don’t forget the final, crucial touch! Always serve the soup with a generous dollop of the prepared three-cheese mixture on top of each bowl. As the cheese slowly melts into the warm soup, it creates creamy, indulgent pockets of goodness that are the hallmark of true lasagna. A final sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil just before serving adds a vibrant color, a burst of fresh aroma, and visually signals the freshness and care put into the dish, making it even more appealing.
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of lasagna soup, customized with your favorite accompaniments, and savor the rich, homemade flavors!
Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes
If you loved the ease and robust flavor of this lasagna soup, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is filled with a treasure trove of other hearty and delicious soup recipes, perfect for any season and any craving. Each offers a unique blend of comforting warmth, satisfying ingredients, and deep flavors that your family will adore. Dive in and discover your next favorite soup to cozy up with:
- Classic Pasta Fagioli Soup: A hearty Italian bean and pasta soup, rich in flavor and wonderfully filling.
- Hearty Minestrone Soup: A vegetable-packed Italian staple, perfect for a nutritious and delicious meal.
- Olive Garden Copycat Zuppa Toscana: Creamy, savory, and loaded with sausage, potatoes, and kale – a popular restaurant favorite made at home.
- Creamy Baked Potato Soup: Indulgent and satisfying, tasting just like a loaded baked potato in soup form.
- Savory Italian Sausage Tomato Orzo Soup: A flavorful and quick soup featuring tender orzo pasta and robust Italian sausage.
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Lasagna Soup
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Rate It
Save ItSaved!
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ½ pound ground Italian sausage
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 32 ounces marinara sauce 4 cups
- 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 10 lasagna noodles
- 9.5 ounces ricotta cheese full-fat
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 3 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, divided
- fresh basil and fresh parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
-
7 quart Dutch oven
-
Chef’s knife
Before You Begin
- Soaking the lasagna noodles before adding them to the pot will help remove the starch from them. They will finish cooking in the soup. The process of soaking them will also make it much easier to cut them into smaller pieces.
Instructions
-
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat, add the sausage, ground beef, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
-
Add to the pot the marinara sauce, broth, onion, garlic, tomato paste, salt, dried parsley, ground pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil and bring to a boil. Once boiling cover pot with a lid and cook down on low for about 20 minutes.
-
In the meantime, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley in a medium bowl and set aside for serving.
-
Place noodles into a bowl or pan long and deep enough to fully submerge them in water. Gently stir them so that they don’t stick together, and soak for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove noodles, and place them onto a cutting board or any working surface. Cut into desired pieces.
-
Add noodles to the pot, and cook to desired tenderness on a low boil, approximately 5 to 10 more minutes.
-
Once the soup has cooked for 20 minutes, remove the lid, and cook for an additional 5 minutes with the noodles in.
-
Top with the remaining tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley and serve into a soup bowl. Add a dollop of cheese mixture on top and any additional parsley and basil.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Lasagna soup is best served the day of, as the noodles will likely soak up a good portion of the liquid and become mushy. However, you can still store it in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, adding a bit more broth if needed when reheating. If you know you’ll have leftovers, feel free to cook and store the pasta separately from the broth and combine them when reheating.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on this blog on Dec 24, 2022, and has been updated with additional tips and expanded content for an even better cooking experience.