Hearty & Easy Lasagna Soup: A One-Pot Comfort Meal for Chilly Nights

Forget the layers and the fuss of traditional lasagna! This incredible Lasagna Soup brings all the beloved flavors of your favorite Italian classic into a comforting, soul-warming bowl. Imagine tender lasagna noodles swimming in a rich, savory tomato soup, perfectly blended with seasoned ground beef (or sausage), and crowned with a luscious, creamy three-cheese ricotta mixture. It’s the ultimate hassle-free comfort food, ideal for those crisp fall evenings or frosty winter nights when you crave something truly satisfying.

This recipe transforms a laborious layered dish into a convenient, one-pot marvel, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. It delivers that authentic lasagna taste without the extensive prep, promising a delicious and hearty meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why This Lasagna Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

Every now and then, a recipe comes along that completely surpasses expectations. This Lasagna Soup is precisely that kind of dish. When I first tried making it, I was genuinely surprised by how incredibly flavorful and satisfying it turned out to be. It has all the depth and complexity of a slow-cooked meal, yet it comes together with remarkable ease.

Despite making a generous batch – enough for several servings – our household devoured it with such enthusiasm that we were left with only enough for a single leftover meal. That’s always a sign of a truly great recipe! The beauty of this soup lies in how all the components harmonize beautifully: the savory meat, the aromatic herbs and spices, the robust tomato base, and the essential cheesy topping. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering warmth, richness, and that unmistakable taste of homemade Italian comfort.

I am absolutely thrilled to share this recipe with you, confident that it will bring as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it has to ours.

The Magic Behind Lasagna Soup: A Symphony of Flavors

What makes this soup so special? It’s the thoughtful combination of classic lasagna elements, reimagined for a soup format. You get the hearty protein, the rich tomato sauce, the al dente pasta, and, of course, the creamy, cheesy goodness that defines lasagna. This deconstructed approach means less time layering and baking, and more time enjoying a piping hot bowl of deliciousness. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy all the textures and tastes of lasagna without the traditional commitment.

The base is a deeply flavorful tomato broth, infused with Italian seasonings and a hint of spice. Broken lasagna noodles cook directly in the soup, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. And the crowning glory, the three-cheese ricotta mixture, melts perfectly into the hot soup, creating pockets of creamy, savory bliss with every spoonful. It truly brings the “lasagna” experience to life in a warm, comforting broth.

Lasagna Soup Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful soup. Most items are pantry staples, ensuring this recipe is both accessible and convenient. Here’s what you’ll need for this hearty and flavorful dish:

1 pound of ground beef or sausage: I personally prefer ground beef for its classic flavor and versatility, but a mild or hot Italian sausage can add an extra layer of spice and richness. My fiancé, Kal, is particular about sausage, so ground beef is our go-to!
Salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat and building a foundational flavor profile. Don’t be shy; proper seasoning makes a world of difference.
2 tbsps olive oil: For sautéing and building the aromatic base of the soup.
2 tbsps of minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key to that authentic Italian aroma and flavor.
1/4 cup tomato paste: This concentrated paste adds deep, umami-rich tomato flavor, enhancing the overall body of the soup.
24 ounces of marinara sauce: Use your favorite high-quality store-bought marinara or, if you have time, a homemade sauce works beautifully. The better the marinara, the better your soup will taste!
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: For a subtle warmth that complements the tomato base. Adjust to your preference – add more if you like it spicy!
1 tbsp onion powder: Reinforces the savory depth alongside the fresh onion powder used for the meat.
2 tbsps Italian seasoning: A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, crucial for that signature lasagna flavor.
1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds chunks of tomato and extra liquid, contributing to the rustic texture of the soup.
2 tbsps chicken bouillon: Enhances the savory notes and depth of the broth. You can use cubes or granulated bouillon.
7 cups of chicken broth: The liquid base for our soup. Low-sodium broth is a good choice to control salt levels.
1 box of lasagna noodles, broken into 1/4 sized pieces: The “lasagna” component! Breaking them ensures they’re easy to eat in a spoon.
About 2 cups of fresh spinach (optional): Adds a touch of freshness, color, and nutrients. It wilts down quickly in the hot soup.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: For that classic stringy, melty cheese pull.
1 cup parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to the cheese topping.
10 ounces ricotta cheese: The creamy backbone of the cheese mixture, providing a luxurious texture.

Crafting Your Lasagna Soup: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting lasagna soup to life in your kitchen. The process is straightforward and yields incredibly delicious results.

Brown the Meat and Build the Flavor Base

Begin by placing a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your chosen ground meat (beef or sausage) and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up into fine, crumbles as it browns. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors. As the meat cooks, season it generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and onion powder to taste. Once fully browned, drain off any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming oily. Remove the cooked meat from the pot and set it aside in a bowl.
Sauté Aromatics and Create the Rich Tomato Broth

Return the same pot to medium heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to shimmer. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Next, stir in the tomato paste, cooking it for another minute to deepen its flavor. Then, pour in the marinara sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything together well, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes. Finally, pour in the chicken bouillon and chicken broth, stirring until all ingredients are well combined.
Cook the Noodles and Add Freshness

Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to gently simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other. Continue simmering until the noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, typically al dente. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your noodles. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach, if using, and let it wilt into the hot soup for just a minute or two.
Prepare the Three-Cheese Ricotta Topping

While the soup simmers, prepare your creamy cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir them together until well blended. This mixture is what gives the soup its authentic lasagna essence, providing a delightful creamy and cheesy contrast to the robust tomato base.
Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle generous portions of the hot lasagna soup into individual bowls. Before serving, add a generous dollop of the prepared three-cheese mixture directly into the center of each bowl. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheeses, creating pockets of creamy, savory goodness. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful!

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the lasagna noodles as they cook. Overcooked noodles can become mushy. You want them al dente, with a slight chew, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You might need to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a touch more Italian seasoning to suit your palate.
Cheese Mixture is Key: The three-cheese ricotta mixture is non-negotiable for that authentic lasagna experience. Don’t skip it! It adds creaminess and balances the rich tomato base.
Breaking Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into roughly 1/4 size pieces. This makes them much easier to eat with a spoon in a soup context.
Spice Level: If you love a bit more heat, feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes. For less heat, you can reduce or omit them.

Variations and Substitutions

This lasagna soup recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and instead use a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or white beans for extra protein.
Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of ground pork and beef. Spicy Italian sausage adds a wonderful kick!
Greens: If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard can also be used. Just be sure to chop them finely and add them a few minutes before the soup is done to allow them to wilt.
Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers when you sauté the garlic.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or another gluten-free pasta shape that holds up well in soup.
Creamier Soup: For an even richer and creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese at the very end, just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Lasagna Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments:

Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Extra Parmesan: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love an additional cheesy sprinkle.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers of this lasagna soup are just as delicious, if not more so, as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find that the noodles have absorbed a lot of the broth, making the soup thicker. Simply add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

This Lasagna Soup truly brings the best of both worlds – the beloved taste of lasagna and the comforting ease of a hearty soup. It’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out and satisfy even the biggest appetites. Enjoy every spoonful!

Yield: 8-12 servings

Lasagna Soup Recipe

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef or sausage
salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste (to season the meat)
2 tbsps olive oil
2 tbsps of minced garlic
1/4 cup tomato paste
24 ounces of marinara sauce
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tbsps italian seasoning
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 tbsps chicken boullion
7 cups of chicken broth
1 box of lasagna noodles, broken into 1/4 sized pieces
about 2 cups of fresh spinach (optional)
1 cup shredded mozarella
1 cup parmesan cheese
10 ounces ricotta cheese

Instructions

In a large pot over medium heat, cook your meat until brown and chopped into fine pieces. Season with salt, pepper and onion powder to taste. Drain the grease and remove from the pot. Set the meat aside.
Place the pot back, and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, then the marinara sauce, crushed red peppers, onion powder, italian seasoning, diced tomatos and chicken boullion. Stir in the chicken broth.
Bring to a boil then add in the noodles. Turn the heat down to medium-low heat, sitr occasionally, until the noodles are cooked to your liking. Add in the spinach.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
When serving, add soup to a bowl, then a dollop of the cheese mixture!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 299Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 1247mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 21g