Imagine all the rustic, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna transformed into a soul-warming bowl of Lasagna Soup! This recipe is a true weeknight hero: big on flavor, brimming with tender pasta, robust meat, and a trio of melty cheeses floating on a rich tomato broth. Every spoonful is cozy and filling, with each element singing in perfect harmony. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food mash-up, perfect for when you’re craving lasagna but don’t want to fuss with layering noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lasagna Soup uses everyday ingredients, but each one is vital to creating layers of bold, hearty flavor and irresistible texture. Gather these up and get ready for some magical synergy in your soup pot!

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: The foundation of a robust, meaty base—sausage will add extra spice and depth, while ground beef keeps it classic.
1 small onion (diced): Brings sweetness and savoriness to balance the tomato-y broth.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds incredible aroma—don’t skimp!
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers that distinctly Italian flavor, warming and earthy.
1 teaspoon dried basil: This sun-kissed herb brightens up the soup beautifully.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up your palate—add to taste.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup slightly.
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The juicy, robust backbone of your soup’s broth.
4 cups beef or chicken broth: Adds heartiness and creates a savory, sippable base.
1 cup tomato sauce: Amps up the tomato factor and brings everything together.
8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): Noodly goodness in every bite—breaking them creates the perfect rustic feel.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, perfect for that signature lasagna topping.
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons atop each bowl.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and just what you need for that finishing punch.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, bringing richness and sheen to the base.
Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good soup needs balance and seasoning.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of green makes everything more inviting.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned. If you have excess fat in the pot, feel free to drain it off before moving to the next delicious phase.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing as the onion softens and the garlic releases its flavor—this is where comfort food magic begins.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, then stir in the tomato paste. Let this cook for about a minute to “wake up” the dried herbs and deepen the tomato flavor. You’ll notice the scent shift from simple sauté to full-on Italian kitchen.

Step 4: Build the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer away for 15 minutes. This gives all the flavors time to mingle and create that trademark Lasagna Soup taste.

Step 5: Add the Noodles

Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and simmer until they’re perfectly al dente—usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom. By now, the soup will look like a pot of bubbling tomato-pasta perfection.

Step 6: Prep the Cheese Mixture

While the noodles are cooking, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. This creamy cheese blend will mimic the glorious cheese layers you find in traditional lasagna.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls and finish each one with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the ultimate cozy dinner!

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Garnishing your Lasagna Soup is both fun and essential. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan, a scattering of chopped basil or parsley, and even a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy. The fresh herbs add a hit of color and brightness while the cheese gets deliciously oozy in the hot soup.

Side Dishes

This soup shines alongside a crusty piece of garlic bread or a warm baguette—perfect for scooping up the cheesy, tomato-y broth. For a lighter touch, pair it with a simple green salad tossed with Italian dressing. The freshness will help balance the richness of your Lasagna Soup feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, ladle Lasagna Soup into mini bowls or mugs for a party-ready starter. For a family night, serve it “deconstructed” with the cheese mixture and fresh herbs in little bowls, letting everyone top their own. A rustic bread bowl turns this hearty meal into a true showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna Soup actually gets even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors continue to meld. Simply let any leftovers cool, then store them in airtight containers for up to four days. Keep the cheese mixture separate if you can, so you can add a fresh dollop with each bowl you reheat.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! For best results, freeze the soup before adding the noodles, since pasta can get mushy after thawing. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay tasty for up to three months—just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh-cooked noodles and cheese.

Reheating

Reheat Lasagna Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating is also totally fine for single servings. Don’t forget to add a spoonful of your cheese mixture just before serving to keep that cheesy “lasagna” experience alive.

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles or even diced mushrooms for a satisfying, meat-free version. Use vegetable broth and the rest of the steps remain exactly the same for a hearty, vegetarian Lasagna Soup.

What kind of noodles should I use if I can’t find lasagna noodles?

If lasagna noodles aren’t handy, you can use any flat noodle like mafaldine or even pappardelle broken into pieces. In a pinch, rotini or penne work too; the goal is to have delicious pasta bites that soak up all that savory broth.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat, onion, and garlic first, then transfer everything except the noodles and cheese mixture to your slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, adding the broken noodles for the last 20 to 30 minutes. Finish with the cheese topping as usual for perfect slow-cooked Lasagna Soup.

How do I make Lasagna Soup creamier?

For an even richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half during the final minutes of simmering. It turns the broth velvety and adds a lovely subtle sweetness—especially irresistible on chilly nights!

Is Lasagna Soup freezer-friendly with cheese mixed in?

It’s best to freeze the soup portion alone, since the cheese blend can change texture in the freezer. Add fresh cheese as a topping after reheating for the tastiest results and the true “lasagna” experience in your bowl every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the flavor of a bubbling pan of lasagna but want the comfort and ease of soup, you absolutely have to try this Lasagna Soup. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings all the big Italian flavors you love into one easy, slurpable meal. I can’t wait for you to dig in—your weeknight dinners are about to get a whole lot more delicious!