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Hearty Lasagna Soup: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

Hearty lasagna soup in a rustic bowl, rich tomato broth with ground beef, sausage, lasagna noodles, spinach, and a big dollop of ricotta-mozzarella-parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil and served with crusty bread

Craving the delicious flavors of classic lasagna but short on time? Our amazing lasagna soup delivers all that comforting goodness in a fraction of the time! This one-pot wonder captures the rich, savory essence of your favorite baked pasta dish, transformed into a cozy bowl of soup. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a comforting meal any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

This recipe is designed with busy parents and beginners in mind, making baking simple and enjoyable!

  • Quick and easy weeknight meal: Prepare this delightful lasagna soup in under an hour for a stress-free dinner.
  • All the classic lasagna flavors: Enjoy savory meat, rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese, all in one spoonful.
  • One-pot convenience, less cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pot, simplifying both cooking and washing up.
  • Hearty and satisfying for any season: This substantial soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or enjoying as a flavorful meal anytime.
  • Customizable with simple variations: Easily adapt this versatile soup to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your own delicious lasagna soup.

  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce jar marinara sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoons dried basil
  • 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
  • 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil, for serving

Notes & Substitutions

The blend of lean ground beef and Italian sausage provides a rich, complex flavor. Feel free to use all beef or all sausage if you prefer. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For the marinara, a good quality store-bought sauce saves time, but homemade adds a special touch. If you don’t have lasagna noodles, use other pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the hot soup, adding a boost of greens and color. Cottage cheese works perfectly in place of ricotta for the creamy topping.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this incredible soup.

  • Large Dutch oven or pot
  • Meat chopper (optional, but handy)
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Ladle

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your comforting lasagna soup.

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon or meat chopper as it browns. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper while cooking.
  2. Once the meat is fully browned and cooked through, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside in a bowl.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the olive oil to the same pot. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
  5. Add the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the tomato paste to cook for a minute to deepen its flavor.
  6. Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Return the browned meat to the pot, stirring it into the liquid.
  7. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  8. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to simmer gently. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  9. If using, stir in the fresh spinach leaves during the last couple of minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt quickly into the hot soup.
  10. While the soup simmers, prepare the creamy cheese topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  11. Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual serving bowls.
  12. Dollop a generous scoop of the creamy cheese mixture onto the center of each bowl of soup.
  13. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips will help you create the best lasagna soup every time.

  • Prevent noodles from clumping: Stir the soup frequently after adding the noodles to keep them separate. You can also add a splash more broth if they absorb too much liquid.
  • Adjust seasoning to personal taste: Taste the soup before serving and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
  • Achieve a perfect creamy texture: For an extra creamy soup base, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the very end.
  • Ensure meat is thoroughly browned: Browning the meat well adds depth of flavor to your lasagna soup. Don’t rush this step.
  • Avoid overcooking the noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Cook just until they are tender-crisp.
  • Handle spicy elements for desired heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preference; omit them for mild soup or add more for a fiery kick.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile lasagna soup is perfect for any occasion.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread or soft garlic knots for dipping. Offering extra shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese at the table allows everyone to customize their bowl. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the richness of the soup.

Make Ahead Instructions

To prepare your lasagna soup in advance, cook the soup base (meat, sauce, broth) as directed, but do not add the noodles. Allow the base to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the base and cook fresh noodles just before eating.

Storage & Freezing Tips

Store any leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup base without the noodles or the cheese topping. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop and cook fresh noodles before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Make it vegetarian or vegan: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding extra mushrooms or lentils for heartiness. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Use different pasta shapes: Instead of broken lasagna noodles, try rotini, penne, or cavatappi for a different texture.
  • Add extra vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots with the onion for more nutrients and flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends: Try a mix of provolone, fontina, or asiago in your cheese dollop.
  • Try a spicy kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bolder flavor.
  • Slow cooker modification instructions: Brown meat and sauté aromatics separately, then combine all soup base ingredients (minus noodles) in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. Add noodles for the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving for this delicious lasagna soup.

Nutrient Value
Calories 521 kcal
Carbohydrates 36 g
Protein 31 g
Fat 28 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 11 g
Trans Fat 0.4 g
Cholesterol 85 mg
Sodium 606 mg
Potassium 663 mg
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 3 g
Vitamin A 1370 IU
Vitamin C 7 mg
Calcium 276 mg
Iron 3 mg

This hearty soup offers a good balance of protein and carbohydrates to keep you feeling full and satisfied. According to Everyday Health, combining protein with carbohydrates can slow digestion and provide sustained energy, preventing blood sugar spikes. It’s a flavorful meal option!

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect lasagna soup? We’ve got answers!

  • Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, you can use no-boil noodles, but they may cook faster, so keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • How can I thicken my lasagna soup? For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth slightly or simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. You can also add a cornstarch slurry.
  • Is it freezer-friendly with noodles? The soup base freezes well, but cooked noodles can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to add fresh noodles upon reheating.
  • What sides pair well with this soup? Crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even a simple bruschetta make excellent companions.
  • Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Sauté meat and aromatics in the Instant Pot, then add remaining ingredients (except noodles and cheese). Pressure cook for 5-7 minutes, then quick release, add noodles, and simmer until tender.
  • How long does lasagna soup last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this soup lasts for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This incredible lasagna soup truly delivers all the comforting, savory flavors you love about traditional lasagna, but with the amazing convenience of a quick, one-pot meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special family dinners, or whenever you crave a hearty bowl of deliciousness. Get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying meal that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe rotation. We hope you love this easy lasagna soup recipe as much as we do! Let us know what you think and don’t forget to rate the recipe!

Hearty lasagna soup in a rustic bowl, rich tomato broth with ground beef, sausage, lasagna noodles, spinach, and a big dollop of ricotta-mozzarella-parmesan cheese, garnished with fresh basil and served with crusty bread

Hearty Lasagna Soup: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

A comforting and hearty soup that brings all the classic flavors of lasagna into a bowl. This recipe features ground beef and Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, a rich marinara base, and a creamy ricotta-mozzarella topping.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 24 ounce marinara sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoons dried basil
  • 7 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 9 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves optional
  • 10 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large pot, brown ground beef and sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper as you cook. Drain the grease and remove the meat from the pot.
  2. Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat, then sauté chopped onion for about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or two.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil, along with the broth. Return the cooked meat to the pot.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then add lasagna noodles broken into pieces. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. Add spinach, if using.
  5. In a small bowl, stir together the mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, dollop a scoop of the cheese mixture on top, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, use whole milk ricotta. The cheese mixture will melt beautifully into the hot soup, creating a creamy texture. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes for desired spice level.

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