The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup takes everything you love about a classic lasagna—the rich, savory flavors, the melty cheese, and the comforting pasta—and transforms it into a one-pot, soul-warming soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This recipe combines a fragrant, herby tomato broth with tender lasagna noodles, ground beef, and a generous sprinkle of gooey cheese. It’s as satisfying as traditional lasagna but comes together in a fraction of the time. If you’re craving the cozy warmth of lasagna without the baking and layering, this soup is your answer!

this RECIPE

A cozy twist on an Italian classic

Lasagna itself has a rich history as one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. Originating in the Emilia-Romagna region, this layered pasta bake has been adapted and reimagined around the world. Lasagna soup is a modern American twist, taking all the classic flavors but simplifying the cooking process. It’s a perfect example of comfort food that adapts traditional recipes to our busy lifestyles. This soup lets you enjoy all the depth of flavors without the commitment of assembling and baking a full lasagna. And trust me, it’s just as satisfying!

My love for this lasagna soup 🍲

The first time I made lasagna soup, it was a chilly fall evening, and I had been craving something hearty. Traditional lasagna sounded delicious, but I was not in the mood to spend hours in the kitchen layering noodles and waiting for it to bake. Enter lasagna soup! I remember how quickly the aroma filled my kitchen—the garlic, onion, and herbs sizzling in olive oil created that instant comfort-food vibe. After one spoonful, I was hooked! This recipe has become a weeknight staple in my home, and I love how flexible it is—you can customize it in so many ways (more on that later).

Let’s talk ingredients: flavor-packed and flexible

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this delicious lasagna soup and a few tips on substitutes in case you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch things up.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onion and garlic. You could use a neutral oil if you’re in a pinch, but olive oil brings a beautiful depth of flavor.
• Onion and garlic: These are the aromatic base that infuses the soup with warmth. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Ground beef: Provides protein and richness. You could substitute it with ground turkey or even skip it entirely if you want a vegetarian version.
• Herbs and spices: Dried oregano, basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes bring an Italian-inspired flavor to the broth. If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh ones are a great alternative.
• Chicken broth: This thins out the sauce to make it soup-like. You could swap it for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Heavy cream: Adds a touch of creaminess, making the soup velvety and rich. If you want a lighter version, try half-and-half or even whole milk.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, these give you that classic lasagna feel in every spoonful. Any pasta shape can work, but there’s something special about those lasagna edges!
• Parmesan and mozzarella cheese: These are melted in at the end, adding that signature cheesy finish. Feel free to add more or less based on your preferences.

Kitchen gear: What you need to make this easy soup

The best part about this lasagna soup is that you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A sturdy, large pot is essential to hold all the soup ingredients. A Dutch oven works beautifully for this, as it distributes heat evenly and maintains a gentle simmer.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together. A wooden spoon is gentle on your pot’s surface and helps avoid scratches.
• Cheese grater: Grating your own Parmesan makes a huge difference in flavor, so if you have a box grater or microplane, it’s worth using here.
• Ladle: For serving up big, satisfying bowls of soup. There’s nothing quite like a ladle for that perfect soup portion!

Step-by-step: How to make lasagna soup

Ready to bring some Italian-inspired comfort into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Imagine I’m right there with you, stirring the pot and savoring the smells.

1. Sauté the aromatics: Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your chopped onion and cook for about 7 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Then add in your minced garlic, and cook for just a minute—enough to release its fragrance. (Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it!)
2. Cook the beef and season: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon. Sprinkle in the oregano, dried basil, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, and cook until the beef is fully browned with no pink spots remaining. Once it’s cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.
3. Add the liquids and bring to a boil: Pour in the sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil. It may look thin at this stage, but don’t worry—the noodles will soak up a lot of the liquid as they cook.
4. Cook the noodles: Once the soup is boiling, add in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium, and let them cook until they’re tender, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom.
5. Add the cheese: Remove the pot from heat, and sprinkle in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and creamy. At this point, the soup will be thick and cheesy—just like lasagna in a bowl!
6. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with fresh basil if you like. It adds a bright, herby note that complements the richness of the soup.

Variations to try for a personalized touch

• Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-carb option: Replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles or even cauliflower florets for a lighter, low-carb version.
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. The spiciness pairs well with the creamy cheese and tomato flavors.
• Creamy tomato basil twist: For a different flavor, add a handful of fresh chopped basil into the soup as it simmers, and use crushed tomatoes instead of sauce.
• Cheesy overload: Add a little ricotta cheese on top when serving for a more decadent, traditional lasagna experience. Just a dollop goes a long way!

Serving suggestions for a cozy meal

This lasagna soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the table, try serving it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top adds a nice finishing touch. Serve it in wide bowls to show off the cheesy goodness, and maybe even set out some extra cheese for those who love it extra cheesy!

Suggested beverages 🍹

For a comforting meal like lasagna soup, pair it with a drink that balances out the flavors:

• Italian soda: A refreshing lemon or blood orange Italian soda cuts through the richness and adds a fun, bubbly element.
• Iced tea with lemon: A classic choice that pairs well with the tomato-based flavors. Try a slightly sweetened black tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
• Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry: Simple, refreshing, and the cranberry complements the tomato and herb flavors without overpowering them.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of peppermint or chamomile tea is a lovely way to unwind after this hearty meal.

Storage and reheating tips

Lasagna soup stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Just allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid while stored. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Scaling the recipe up or down

This recipe makes enough for about four generous servings. If you’re cooking for a larger group, you can easily double the ingredients—just be sure to use a bigger pot! On the flip side, if you’re cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredients without any issues. Just keep in mind that the noodles will continue to soften in the leftovers, so if you’re planning for multiple days, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each portion.

Troubleshooting tips for perfect lasagna soup

• Soup too thick? Add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Lasagna soup can thicken up quickly, especially after you add the cheese.
• Noodles too soft? Be sure not to overcook the noodles in the soup. Keep an eye on them, as they’ll continue to soften even after you take the pot off the heat.
• Too salty? If your soup tastes a bit too salty, add a splash of water or a little extra cream to mellow it out.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, but I recommend freezing it without the noodles, as they can get mushy. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add fresh-cooked noodles.

3. Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works, though broken lasagna noodles give it the most authentic feel.

4. How do I make it less spicy?
Simply skip the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add a dash at the end if you’d like a milder heat.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, just keep in mind that fresh herbs are generally more subtle, so you might need a bit more. Fresh basil and oregano add a wonderful aroma!

This lasagna soup is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I hope it brings you as much comfort and joy as it has for me. Enjoy, and don’t be afraid to make it your own!

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