If you have ever wished to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but in a quicker, lighter form, then this Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with savory ground meat, tangy tomato goodness, tender lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses all swimming in a vibrant broth, this soup combines all your favorite lasagna elements into one easy-to-make, soul-satisfying bowl. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress friends, this recipe promises warmth, satisfaction, and a delightful twist on a beloved dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is key to pulling off a spectacular Lasagna Soup Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, contributing unique flavors, textures, and color that make this soup truly special.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory depth and a satisfying protein element.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and a subtle earthiness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth that feels like home.
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and vibrant chunks that enhance texture.
- 15 oz can tomato sauce: Adds rich, smooth tomato flavor to balance the broth.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the comforting soup base without overpowering other flavors.
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles: Offers the classic pasta experience in a slightly fun, more manageable form.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Provides creamy richness for topping the soup beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly into the ricotta for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color to lift the dish.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and no longer pink, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. This step creates a rich base flavor, and draining any excess fat keeps the soup from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently in the leftover meat drippings until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This builds a sweet and savory aroma that’s essential for a deep, satisfying broth.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring everything together. Then add the chicken broth, giving the pot a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmering step allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Once the broth is richly infused, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Let them cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. These tender noodles bring the hallmark texture you expect from traditional lasagna.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Cheese Topping
While the noodles cook, mix the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese in a small bowl until well combined. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and spoon a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that authentic Italian flavor and vibrant finish.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the star garnish here, lending a bright herbal freshness that perfectly counters the richness of the cheese and meat. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper for an added layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Side Dishes
This Lasagna Soup Recipe shines wonderfully with simple sides like warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the tomatoey broth, and the salad adds a refreshing, crunchy contrast that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers to delight guests visually and add a unique texture and flavor component. Another idea is to layer some soup with cheese in a clear glass or jar for a lasagna-inspired parfait that’s both playful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Lasagna Soup Recipe, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the soup keeps well for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick, flavorful lunch or dinner the next day without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for longer storage by placing it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Frozen Lasagna Soup Recipe can last for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking the noodles and cheese. Stir occasionally until heated through. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration or freezing, stir in a splash of broth or water to restore the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef or sausage for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils, or use plant-based meat substitutes to keep the meaty texture while keeping it vegetarian.
What type of noodles work best for this soup?
Broken lasagna noodles are ideal because they mimic classic lasagna sheets but smaller and more manageable in a soup form. However, you can also substitute broken flat pasta pieces or even penne if necessary.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This recipe is typically mild and comforting. Feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes during the meat browning stage or sprinkle some chili powder to give your Lasagna Soup Recipe a bit of a spicy kick.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can certainly prep the meat sauce and cheese mixture a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately and combine them just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! The familiar flavors of lasagna in a soup are often a hit with kids, especially when topped with the creamy cheese blend. To appeal to picky eaters, consider cutting back on garlic or herbs as preferred.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect bowl of comfort that brings the classic Italian favorite to your table in a fun, simple way. With its irresistible mix of flavors and textures, it’s a beautiful meal to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just find this soup becoming a new family favorite you reach for again and again.
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Lasagna Soup combines all the rich flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, tomatoes, and broken lasagna noodles simmer in savory broth, topped off with creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a delicious, family-friendly meal ready in about an hour.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned Goods and Broth
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Olive oil (amount for sautéing, about 1-2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Sauté together until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes, which builds the flavor base for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the tomato sauce. Then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered until the noodles are tender but not mushy, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture and Serve: While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella in a bowl. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbal finish.
Notes
- Use Italian sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor, or ground beef for a milder taste.
- Freshly chopped basil enhances the aroma and presentation but can be substituted with dried basil if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Broken lasagna noodles can be substituted with broken spaghetti or other short pasta shapes if preferred.
- To reduce cooking time, pre-cooked or no-boil lasagna noodles can be used but may alter the texture.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
