Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but what if you could enjoy all the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish in a warm, hearty bowl of soup? Welcome to the world of Lasagna Soup—a dish that combines everything you love about traditional lasagna with the comforting essence of soup. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for any time of the year. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the best Lasagna Soup you've ever tasted!
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a deconstructed version of the traditional baked lasagna, reimagined as a hearty and flavorful soup. It captures the essence of lasagna with its rich tomato base, meaty flavors, layers of cheesy goodness, and al dente pasta, all in a single bowl. The dish is perfect for those who love the taste of lasagna but crave something a bit lighter and quicker to prepare. Whether you're looking for a cozy winter meal or a satisfying dinner, Lasagna Soup is an excellent choice.
Ingredients List for Lasagna Soup
To create this mouthwatering Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds a hearty, meaty flavor essential to the soup.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Provides a spicy, savory kick that complements the beef.
- 1 large onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the soup.
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent aroma.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Balances the sweetness of the red pepper with a slight bitterness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup.
- 1 (28 oz) can of crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tomatoey base of the soup.
- 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Helps create the soup's consistency and adds a savory background.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle, sweet, and peppery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a slightly bitter, earthy taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a hint of minty and lemony notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a mild heat to balance the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The star of the dish, these noodles will soak up all the delicious flavors of the soup.
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element that mimics the layers of traditional lasagna.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the soup.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup for a gooey, cheesy experience.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Meat Substitutes: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or use a combination of chopped mushrooms and lentils.
- Pasta Options: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even broken-up spaghetti. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or even mascarpone for a richer flavor. Vegan cheese alternatives can be used to make this dish dairy-free.
- Low-Carb Option: To reduce carbs, try using zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of traditional pasta. You can also omit the noodles altogether and enjoy the soup as a hearty, low-carb stew.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these detailed steps to create your own bowl of comforting Lasagna Soup.
1. Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a wooden spoon as they cook.
- Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Once done, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Create the Tomato Base:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to coat the vegetables.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and the cooked meat back into the pot.
- Stir in the dried basil, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup is simmering, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside until the soup is ready.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella.
- Mix until well combined and set aside.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Once the soup has simmered, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the pot and stir to combine.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Cook Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lasagna Soup is an easy and delicious dish that doesn’t require extensive culinary skills. Here’s a quick recap of the steps involved:
- Brown the Meat: Cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned, then set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Cook the onion, bell peppers, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Make the Soup Base: Add the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings to create a rich, flavorful base.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the lasagna noodles separately until al dente.
- Mix the Cheese: Prepare a creamy cheese mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Assemble and Serve: Combine everything and serve hot with extra cheese on top.
Following these steps will ensure you end up with a perfectly balanced, delicious bowl of Lasagna Soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lasagna Soup, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Overcooking the Noodles: Lasagna noodles should be cooked just until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.
- Adding Cheese Directly to the Pot: Stirring cheese directly into the pot can cause it to become stringy or clump together. Instead, add it to individual bowls just before serving.
- Skipping the Simmering Step: Allowing the soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes is crucial for developing the rich, layered flavors that make this dish so comforting.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: A good quality chicken broth is essential, as it forms the base of the soup. Opt for homemade or a high-quality store-bought version.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Lasagna Soup is as visually appealing as it is tasty. Here are some tips to serve and present it beautifully:
- Serve in Deep Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to accommodate the hearty soup and allow the cheese to melt nicely on top.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil over the top before serving.
- Pair with Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm, buttered rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Main Course: This soup is hearty enough to be served as a main course. Pair it with a simple side salad and bread for a complete meal.
- For a Casual Gathering: Serve it in smaller bowls or mugs at a casual dinner party or family gathering. It’s easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.
- As a Weeknight Dinner: Lasagna Soup is quick enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner, especially if you make the soup base ahead of time.
Presentation Ideas for Lasagna Soup
Making Lasagna Soup look as good as it tastes is easy with these presentation ideas:
- Layer the Cheese: Instead of mixing all the cheese into the soup, layer it on top like traditional lasagna. Start with the ricotta mixture, add some soup, and then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Use a Soup Tureen: If serving at a dinner party, present the soup in a beautiful soup tureen with a ladle, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Individual Casserole Dishes: For a more rustic presentation, serve the soup in individual oven-safe casserole dishes. Place them under the broiler for a minute or two to melt and slightly brown the cheese on top.
Lasagna Soup Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you master the Lasagna Soup recipe:
- Make Ahead: The soup base can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove, then add the cooked noodles just before serving.
- Double the Recipe: This soup freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a quick meal later on. Just freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your soup spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can. Cook the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop, then transfer everything except the pasta and cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the cooked pasta and cheese just before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed.
3. Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
- Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw the soup, reheat, and then add freshly cooked pasta.
4. What can I serve with Lasagna Soup?
- Garlic bread, a side salad, or a simple bruschetta would pair wonderfully with Lasagna Soup.
5. Can I use other types of pasta?
- Absolutely! Any sturdy pasta will work, though lasagna noodles give the soup its signature feel.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics—rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a bowl of Lasagna Soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it with substitutions and variations, this soup is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. So grab your pot and ladle, and dive into the comforting goodness of Lasagna Soup today!
PrintLasagna Soup Recipe
This Lasagna Soup recipe is a comforting twist on traditional lasagna, combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato broth in one delicious bowl. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it delivers all the flavors of your favorite lasagna without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Lasagna noodles
- Mozzarella cheese
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot.
- Simmer until noodles are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less broth according to preference.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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