Lasagna is one of those meals that everyone loves. It’s rich, filling, and full of comforting flavors that instantly make you feel at home. But let’s be honest, making traditional lasagna from scratch takes time. Between boiling noodles, layering everything perfectly, and baking it for close to an hour, it can feel like a lot, especially on busy nights. That’s where lasagna soup comes in. It has everything you love about classic lasagna but in an easy, one-pot version that comes together much faster. This soup is cozy, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. You get the same savory tomato broth, tender pasta, ground meat, and gooey cheese, but with way less effort.
The best part about this recipe is how simple it is to put together. You do not need to be an expert cook. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time on the stove, you’ll have a hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. This soup is ideal for meal prep too. It stores well, freezes nicely, and tastes even better the next day. It’s also great for feeding a crowd. You can double the batch, serve it with bread or salad, and everyone will leave the table full and happy. Whether it’s cold outside or you’re just craving something warm and comforting, lasagna soup is the kind of recipe that delivers big flavor without the hassle.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Everything works together to create that classic lasagna flavor, but in soup form. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious pot of lasagna soup at home.
Ingredient Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 pound | 800 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | 12 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) | 150 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | 30 |
| Chicken or beef broth | 4 cups | 60 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon | 2 |
| Lasagna noodles, broken up | 8 ounces | 280 |
| Ricotta cheese | 1/2 cup | 180 |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup | 320 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup | 110 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Fresh basil or parsley for garnish | A few leaves | 2 |
Estimated calories per serving (serves 6): Around 450 to 500
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook until it turns soft and translucent. This brings out the sweetness of the onion, which adds depth to the soup. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Don’t let it brown, just a light sauté to release the aroma.
Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart as it browns. Let it cook until there is no pink left. If there’s excess fat in the pot, you can drain it off. Then stir in the tomato paste and coat the meat mixture evenly. Cooking the paste for a minute helps intensify the tomato flavor.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir everything well. Add in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer.
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and drop them directly into the pot. Stir them around to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered, letting the noodles soften right in the soup. Stir every few minutes. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of your noodle pieces.
While the noodles are cooking, mix the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan together in a small bowl. This cheese blend will be used to top the soup when serving. It melts into the hot broth and gives you that perfect cheesy finish.
When the noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each one with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Add fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This soup is extremely adaptable. You can switch out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you prefer. Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. If you want to add more vegetables, toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms while cooking the onions. They’ll soften right into the soup and add extra nutrition.
For a creamier broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. You can also adjust the spice level by using more or less red pepper flakes. Cheese lovers can load up even more by adding extra mozzarella right before serving. And if you have leftover soup the next day, add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of lasagna soup offers a nice balance of protein, carbs, and fat. It’s a filling meal on its own and includes nutrients from both the meat and the tomatoes. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 450 to 500
- Protein: 25 to 30 grams
- Fat: 20 to 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 to 40 grams
- Fiber: 3 to 5 grams
- Sodium: 800 to 900 milligrams
These numbers can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and brands used, but the soup stays well within a wholesome range.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna soup is hearty enough to serve as a main course, but a few sides can turn it into a full meal. A piece of garlic bread or a crusty baguette goes perfectly for dipping into the flavorful broth. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a crisp contrast to the richness of the soup. For a drink, a glass of red wine or a sparkling water with lemon would complement the flavors beautifully.
This soup also makes great leftovers. Store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. Just keep the cheese mixture separate and add it fresh when reheating. You’ll still get that creamy, melty finish.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is everything you love about classic lasagna but made simpler and quicker. It’s rich, savory, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavors that are sure to please. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s the kind of recipe that fits right into your weekly routine. It’s perfect for feeding your family, impressing guests, or just warming up on a quiet night at home. Once you try it, this soup will probably earn a regular spot on your menu.