If you’re craving the comforting flavors of your favorite Italian classic but want something quicker and cozier, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all of the hearty, cheesy, and herb-infused goodness of traditional lasagna but in a soul-warming bowl of soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients coming together in a rich, savory broth loaded with tender pasta and creamy cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the preparation straightforward yet bursting with flavor. From the savory ground meat to the fragrant herbs and cheeses, every component adds texture, depth, or color to create a perfectly balanced dish.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides the rich, meaty base for your soup’s heartiness.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant kick to the overall aroma and taste.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Delivers a vibrant, tangy tomato essence that forms the soup’s rich sauce.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the flavorful liquid that ties all the ingredients together.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (lasagna noodles, broken): Gives that signature texture and chew, just like in classic lasagna sheets.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly peppery note essential to Italian cooking.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Infuses the soup with sweet and aromatic undertones.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Imparts creaminess that mirrors the luscious layers of traditional lasagna.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top to create a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a pop of fresh color and bright herbal freshness.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned. This step is key because it infuses your soup with deep, savory flavor. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy while still retaining that rich meaty taste.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them together until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. This gentle sauté brings out their natural sweetness and aromas, which form the flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a hint of spice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step unlocks the rich Italian-inspired flavors that make this soup so comforting and delicious.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your broth is simmering, toss in the uncooked broken lasagna noodles. Let them cook right in the soup for 8 to 10 minutes until they reach the perfect al dente texture. Cooking the pasta in the broth ensures it absorbs all those fantastic flavors rather than just sitting separately.
Step 5: Stir in Ricotta Cheese
After the pasta is tender, stir in the creamy ricotta cheese to the pot. This step transforms your soup into a rich, velvety dish that beautifully reflects the cheesy layers of a classic lasagna but in soup form. Mixing it in at the end keeps the cheese fresh and luscious.
Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella and Basil
Serve your soup hot, topped generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. The mozzarella melts into delightful pools of gooey goodness, while the basil adds a fresh and bright finish. This final touch makes this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe feel indulgent and special.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Some fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled on top add a lovely bold green contrast and an aromatic lift. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan right before serving. A drizzle of good olive oil can also add a silky richness that elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
While the soup is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side like garlic bread or crisp green salad can round out your dinner beautifully. The crunch and freshness balance perfectly against the soup’s warm, hearty texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy feel or clear glass mugs for a fun, casual twist at parties. For kids, adding fun shaped pasta or letting them help garnish can make mealtime a joyful event. Additionally, layering a bit of ricotta on top of each serving before adding the mozzarella can create a mini lasagna look in each bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or busy evenings when you want something satisfying without extra cooking.
Freezing
This soup freezes well! Just cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent the cheese from overcooking or separating. Give it a good stir while warming to bring it back to that cozy, creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well and provides a leaner version of this soup. Just brown it the same way for great flavor.
What pasta works best for Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Classic lasagna noodles broken into pieces are ideal for that authentic feel, but any small pasta like penne or rotini can work just as nicely.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the meat for mushrooms or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it flavorful and hearty.
How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes?
The amount listed adds just a gentle warmth. You can leave it out or increase it depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare parts of this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic a day ahead, then refrigerate until ready to finish the soup. This can save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and incredible taste that everyone will love. Whether for a cozy night in or a casual gathering, this soup feels like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy every flavor-packed bite. Give it a go and watch it quickly become one of your go-to favorites!
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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Easy Lasagna Soup that brings all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, ready-in-40-minutes soup. This recipe uses ground beef or Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and broken lasagna noodles, combined with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes, which will enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Add Soup Base Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld together.
- Cook Pasta: Add the broken uncooked pasta to the simmering soup. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender but still al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until the soup is creamy and well combined. This adds a rich, cheesy texture reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and fresh herbs.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use fresh lasagna noodles broken into pieces if available for a better texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a splash of heavy cream before serving can make the soup even creamier.
