If you’re craving the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of classic lasagna but want something easier and quicker, this easy lasagna soup recipe is the answer. Easy lasagna soup brings together all the best parts of traditional lasagna—tender noodles, seasoned meat, tangy tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese—into a comforting, one-pot meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or whenever you need a hearty, family-friendly dinner.
This easy lasagna soup recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor. No layering, no baking, and no complicated steps—just a big pot of cozy soup that tastes just like your favorite Italian casserole. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup and why you’ll love it!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup
- One-Pot Wonder: All the classic lasagna flavors in a single pot—no layering or baking!
- Quick & Simple: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Customizable: Swap proteins, add veggies, or adjust the cheese to your liking.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Comforting: Perfect for cold weather or when you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic easy lasagna soup:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautéing |
Onion | 1 cup, chopped | Yellow or white |
Garlic | 3-4 cloves | Minced |
Ground Italian sausage | 1 pound | Or use ground beef, turkey, or chicken |
Chicken broth | 6-8 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz) | Undrained |
Tomato paste | 2-3 tablespoons | Adds richness |
Marinara sauce | 24 oz jar | Your favorite brand |
Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme |
Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for a little heat |
Salt & pepper | To taste | |
Lasagna noodles | 8-10 pieces | Broken into bite-sized pieces |
Ricotta cheese | 1 cup | For topping |
Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup shredded | For topping |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | For topping |
Fresh basil or parsley | For garnish | Optional |
Spinach | 2 cups | Optional, for extra veggies |
Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground Italian sausage (or your preferred meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Broth
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices), marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- If adding spinach, stir it in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Topping
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- You can add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or basil for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle hot lasagna soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your easy lasagna soup!
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Stir occasionally and check for doneness to avoid mushy pasta.
- Use Quality Marinara: A good sauce makes a big difference in flavor.
- Cheese on Top: Add the cheese topping just before serving for the best texture.
- Customize the Protein: Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition with spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Options
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Swap for sausage for a leaner soup.
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu.
- Chicken: Ground chicken also works well.
Pasta Choices
- Other Pasta Shapes: Use mafalda, bow-tie, or rotini if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta.
Extra Veggies
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Sauté with onions for umami flavor.
- Bell Peppers or Zucchini: Add with the onions for extra texture.
Cheese Toppings
- Cottage Cheese: For a lighter topping, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
- Extra Mozzarella: For more cheese pulls, add extra mozzarella on top.
Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with garlic bread, crusty baguette, or breadsticks to soak up the broth.
- Salad: Pair with a simple green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- Family-Style: Set out bowls of cheese and herbs so everyone can customize their soup.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze soup (without the noodles for best texture) for up to 3 months. Add cooked noodles when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Lasagna soup is a great make-ahead meal. For the best texture, cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. This prevents them from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy.
2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, lasagna soup freezes well. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft.
3. What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute. For extra flavor, add a bit more Italian seasoning if you’re skipping sausage.
4. How do I make lasagna soup vegetarian?
To make vegetarian lasagna soup, use plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu for protein and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty meal.
5. How can I make lasagna soup creamy?
For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. You can also add extra ricotta or even a bit of cream cheese to the cheese topping for extra richness.
Related Recipes;
- Pastina Soup Recipe: Easy, Cozy Comfort Food
- Egg Roll Soup Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Comforting
- Cheesy Penne Garlic Beef Recipe
Conclusion
Easy lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with all the flavors you love from classic lasagna, but so much simpler to make. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, you can have a delicious, family-friendly meal on the table in under an hour. Customize it with your favorite proteins, veggies, and cheeses, and enjoy a bowl of cozy, Italian-inspired goodness any night of the week. Try this easy lasagna soup recipe and see why it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: One-Pot Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 8 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3min.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, cook for 1min.
- Pour in broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce, stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then add broken lasagna noodles.
- Reduce heat and simmer 15min, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and all the ricotta; season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- For vegetarian, skip meat and add more veggies.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Adjust noodle quantity to your preference.
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