Craving all the cheesy, savory magic of classic lasagna—without the layering, baking, and extra pans? You’re going to fall head over heels for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe!
This one-pot wonder turns all your favorite lasagna flavors into a warm, hearty soup, loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, aromatic Italian herbs, and, of course, a creamy dollop of melty, ricotta cheese. Every spoonful is rich, robust, and seriously soul-satisfying.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together fast—no fuss, no mess. Inspired by my grandma’s beloved lasagna, this soup brings nostalgia and comfort to the table in a fraction of the time.
Trust me, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household, just like it did in mine!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of lasagna with none of the hassle
- One-pot, minimal cleanup dinner that’s ready in under an hour
- Perfectly cozy and satisfying for chilly nights
- Super customizable for kids, picky eaters, or dietary needs
Key Ingredients for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Italian Sausage and Ground Beef
The dynamic duo for a deep, hearty base! Using both sweet Italian sausage and ground beef gives the soup rich, complex flavor. Prefer things leaner? Use all ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version. You can go all beef or all sausage, too—it’s up to your taste.
Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes provide that hallmark tangy depth you associate with lasagna sauce. Go for a high-quality canned brand (like San Marzano, if possible) for the best, naturally sweet flavor. In a pinch, you can blend diced tomatoes or use tomato passata as a substitute.
Lasagna Noodles
Classic lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces, really make the soup feel like a true deconstructed lasagna. If you can’t find them, swap in mafalda, bow-tie (farfalle), or even rotini. Gluten-free noodles work just as well for dietary needs!
Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese
A creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella topping is that signature finishing touch! Dollop ricotta directly into each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella for ultimate coziness. Cottage cheese can stand in for ricotta, and provolone or Monterey jack can replace mozzarella if needed.
Italian Seasoning and Fresh Basil
Classic Italian seasoning pumps up the herby aroma, while fresh basil adds a pop of bright, fresh flavor at the end. Dried basil or parsley works, but fresh really adds something special.
Instructions for The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.
Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up as they cook, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed for a less greasy soup.
Sauté Aromatics
Push the meat to one side and toss in the diced onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for another minute until the kitchen smells amazing!
Build the Soup Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom. Stir well, then bring the whole pot to a gentle boil.
Add and Cook the Pasta
Drop in the broken lasagna noodles, stirring so they don’t stick. Simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to keep things moving!
Finish with Cream
Lower the heat and swirl in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the soup with salt and black pepper as you like. The cream gives the broth a luxurious, silky finish—don’t skip it unless you need a lighter option.
Serve and Cheese It Up
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top generously with dollops of ricotta cheese, a shower of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add fresh chopped basil for a fresh kick. Dive in while it’s gooey and bubbling!
Recipe Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Swap out the sausage and ground beef for a plant-based meatless crumble or an extra can of white beans for added protein. Vegetable broth and lots of diced mushrooms make a rich, hearty base—just as satisfying without the meat!
Gluten-Free Twist
Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or any bite-sized gluten-free pasta. Be sure to monitor the pasta while simmering, as gluten-free noodles can cook a little faster and break down more easily.
Spicy Italian Style
Kick things up a notch with hot Italian sausage and a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes. A dash of Calabrian chili oil at the end will give the soup a subtle, smoky heat that’s absolutely addictive.
Extra Veggie-Packed
Sneak in extra nutrition by tossing in chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper when you add the soup base. The veggies simmer to perfection and add great texture and color.
Lower Calorie & Dairy-Free
Swap out the heavy cream for unsweetened cashew milk or a dairy-free creamer. Use vegan ricotta-style cheese and a dairy-free mozzarella shred for all the comfort, minus the dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup piping hot with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette. For extra flair, sprinkle each bowl with chopped basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a little extra Parmesan. It’s also delicious paired with roasted vegetables or antipasto platters for a full Italian-inspired meal!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, store the cheese toppings separately and add them just before serving. This soup also freezes beautifully—just skip the noodles, freeze the broth and meat mixture, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this lasagna soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the soup base in advance and add cooked noodles and cheese right before serving for the best texture.
Q: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
A: Cottage cheese or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can stand in for ricotta if you prefer a lighter, tangier option.
Q: How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy in leftovers?
A: Cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving, or slightly undercook them if storing the soup all together.
Ready to cozy up with the ultimate comfort food? The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe brings all the flavor (and nostalgia) of lasagna into a single, easy pot. I hope you’ll try it, fall in love, and share your own delicious twist—don’t forget to leave a comment or rating below!
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe is a cozy, one-pot comfort food packed with cheesy, savory flavors—delivering all the taste of classic lasagna with half the effort!
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sausage and ground beef, cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat, about 5-6 minutes.
- 2Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Scrape up any browned bits, stir well, and bring to a gentle boil.
- 4Add the broken lasagna noodles. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender (10-12 minutes).
- 5Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a handful of fresh basil. Serve hot!
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