Lasagna Soup is a delicious, hearty twist on the classic lasagna, combining all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, cozy soup. This one-pot meal features tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, making it the perfect dish for chilly nights. It’s everything you love about lasagna—without all the layers! Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a salad, and you’ve got a comforting, filling meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lasagna Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines the best parts of lasagna in a bowl! The savory, tomato-based broth is packed with ground beef, onions, and garlic, while the pasta soaks up all the flavors. The addition of ricotta cheese and melted mozzarella gives it that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes lasagna so special. This soup is a family favorite and a great option for meal prep—it’s easy to make, comforting, and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the liquids and seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.

4. Cook the pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.

5. Add the cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta mixture, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.

6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and top with extra mozzarella cheese if desired.

7. Enjoy: Serve your Lasagna Soup hot, with a side of garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: For a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and use plant-based ground meat or lentils. Add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

• Make it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes to give the soup a bit of heat.

• Use a different pasta: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.

• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

• Use different cheese: For a twist, try adding some Parmesan or fontina cheese along with or instead of ricotta and mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Leftover Lasagna Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.

• Freezing: Lasagna Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop. Add more broth or water to adjust the consistency after freezing.

• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and adding extra broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked lasagna noodles?

Yes! If you have leftover cooked lasagna noodles, you can break them into pieces and add them to the soup at the end of cooking. Just be mindful not to overcook the noodles.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. You can also use a plant-based protein if you want a vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Lasagna Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before serving.

4. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes and stir in the cheeses at the end.

5. Can I use ricotta cheese substitutes?

Yes! If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a dairy-free ricotta for a vegan version of this soup.

6. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more ricotta cheese or use a potato masher to mash some of the vegetables and noodles, or even add a bit of tomato paste for extra richness.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.

8. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

The pasta can absorb a lot of liquid and get soft if it sits in the soup for too long. If you’re making this soup ahead of time, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup just before serving to prevent overcooking.

9. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, but be sure to chop them finely and cook them down for a few minutes before adding the broth.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the pasta with gluten-free pasta, and make sure the broth and any other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup is the perfect combination of rich, cheesy, and comforting flavors, offering all the deliciousness of lasagna in a bowl! With savory ground beef, melty cheese, and tender pasta, this one-pot soup is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to make, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or for guests, this Lasagna Soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!