Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting twist on traditional lasagna that combines rich tomato broth, savory meat, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses into a cozy soup. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for family dinners and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, providing all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free noodles or zucchini ribbons)
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
Pasta
- 6–8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil and oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional Variations
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice
- Mushrooms, lentils, chickpeas, or beans for vegetarian options
- Gluten-free noodles or zucchini ribbons as pasta substitute
- Diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables
- Brown the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until fully browned and caramelized, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed or diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, and chicken or beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a savory tomato soup base.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or fresh herbs, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Cook the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them directly into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still firm (al dente).
- Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gently stir in dollops of ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella. Allow the cheeses to melt slowly into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Optionally, add cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for the best flavor impact.
- Add noodles towards the end of cooking to keep them perfectly al dente and prevent mushiness.
- Layer cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—for balanced creaminess and sharpness.
- Simmer the soup slowly before adding noodles to let flavors develop fully.
- Stir cheeses gently into the soup to maintain a smooth texture without clumps.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavors improve over time.
- Freeze soup in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or water if the soup becomes too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: lasagna soup, comfort food, Italian soup, cheesy soup, easy dinner, family-friendly, freezer-friendly, quick soup