Name: Easy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a blend); 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces; 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese; 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Skip the Layers, Not the Flavor: Why This easy lasagna soup recipe Will Be Your New Weeknight Favorite

Oh, weeknights! They can be a culinary minefield, can’t they? You crave something hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, but the thought of a sink full of dishes or endless prep sends you straight for the takeout menu. What if I told you there&#x2019s a magical dish that delivers all the soul-satisfying taste of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering, the endless pots, or the long bake time? Enter the easy lasagna soup recipe – a true game-changer that’s about to become your new weeknight hero!

A Personal Ode to Weeknight Wonders

As a passionate home baker and cook, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that bridge the gap between “effortless” and “absolutely delicious.” This easy lasagna soup recipe is that golden ticket. Imagine a rich, savory tomato broth, tender broken lasagna noodles, seasoned ground meat, and a dreamy blend of cheeses, all mingling in one pot. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly earn rave reviews from your family without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.

The Magic of One Pot, Full Flavor

The beauty of this recipe truly lies in its simplicity. Forget about boiling noodles separately or assembling intricate layers. Everything, from browning the meat to simmering the sauce and cooking the pasta, happens in a single pot. This not only means minimal cleanup (hallelujah!) but also allows all those incredible flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a comforting meal without the fuss. For more easy and satisfying meals, be sure to see more easy recipes on my blog!

Why This Lasagna Soup Delivers Big Flavor, Fast

One-Pot Wonder: Seriously, one pot for everything from start to finish means less fuss and more enjoyment.
Flavor Infusion: Cooking the pasta directly in the broth allows it to absorb all those delicious Italian flavors, rather than just simmering in plain water.
Creamy & Cheesy Finish: The generous dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan stirred in at the end create a luxurious, molten cheese experience that’s simply irresistible.
Speedy Satisfaction: Forget the hour-long bake time of traditional lasagna; this soup is on your table in under 45 minutes!

The Perfect Balance of Richness and Acidity

This soup masterfully balances the hearty richness of ground meat and cheese with the bright acidity of tomatoes. The crushed and diced tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy backbone, which is then deepened by tomato paste and brightened by aromatic herbs. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its simple preparation.

Texture Harmony: Tender Pasta, Velvety Broth, Creamy Cheese

Every spoonful of this easy lasagna soup is a delight for the senses. You get the satisfying chew of perfectly tender, broken lasagna noodles, swimming in a velvety smooth, seasoned broth. Then, those pockets of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella deliver an incredible, melty mouthful that truly captures the essence of classic lasagna.

Customizable Comfort: Adapt This Recipe to Your Taste

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking, add more or less spice, swap out the meat, or even load it up with extra veggies. It’s a template for deliciousness, ready for your personal touch.

True One-Pot Convenience (Minimal Cleanup!)

I cannot stress the one-pot factor enough! After a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a mountain of dishes. This easy lasagna soup recipe is a dream come true for busy cooks, offering maximum flavor with minimum cleanup.

Ingredients: What You Need & Why Each Matters

Here is what you need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing this delicious soup to life:

Ground Meat (Beef, Sausage, or a Blend): This is your flavor foundation. I often use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on my mood!) for an extra layer of savory depth. Italian sausage brings wonderful fennel and herb notes. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can also work, just ensure you season them well!

Aromatics (Onion, Garlic): The holy trinity of Italian cooking! Finely diced onion and minced garlic create the aromatic base that all other flavors build upon. Don’t skimp on these – they’re essential for depth.

Tomato Power (Crushed, Paste, Diced): We’re using a trio for maximum tomato goodness! Crushed tomatoes form the bulk of the rich sauce. Tomato paste adds concentrated umami and incredible depth. Diced tomatoes provide texture and a brighter, fresher tomato burst. This combination ensures a complex, vibrant tomato base.

Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): This is our liquid gold! I typically use low-sodium chicken broth, but vegetable broth is perfect for a vegetarian version or if you simply prefer it. It forms the savory base for the soup to cook in.

Lasagna Noodles (Broken): The star of the show! Breaking them into bite-sized pieces makes them spoon-friendly and allows them to cook perfectly in the soup. Don’t worry if they’re not uniform – that’s part of the charm!

Dairy Blend (Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan): The creamy, cheesy, quintessential lasagna finish! Ricotta cheese adds that signature creamy texture and mild sweetness. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, providing that gooey, stretchy goodness. Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best!) brings a sharp, salty, umami kick that ties all the flavors together.

Herbs (Dried Italian Seasoning, Fresh Basil/Parsley): These are non-negotiable for authentic Italian flavor. Dried Italian seasoning goes into the soup as it simmers, infusing everything. Fresh basil and parsley are perfect for a bright, aromatic garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving. For truly authentic Italian flavors, I sometimes refer to resources like Food Network’s guide on Italian spices to ensure I’m hitting all the right notes.

Substitutions: Don’t Have It? Here’s What To Do

Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
Tomatoes: If you only have one type, adjust accordingly – more crushed tomatoes for broth, or more diced tomatoes if you like chunkier soup.
Noodles: Other pasta shapes like campanelle, mafalda, or even rotini can work in a pinch, though the wide lasagna-like texture is part of the appeal.
Cheese: A blend of cottage cheese and cream cheese can substitute for ricotta in a pinch, and provolone could stand in for mozzarella.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Lasagna Soup Perfection

Follow these easy steps for a comforting meal:

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, brown your ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!

2. Build the Sauce Base

Stir in the tomato paste and dried Italian seasoning, allowing the paste to cook for 1-2 minutes. This deepens its flavor. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir to combine all the delicious ingredients.

3. Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes

Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and develop that rich, savory base.

4. Cook the Noodles Directly in the Pot

Uncover the pot, increase the heat slightly, and add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook according to package directions for al dente pasta (usually 8-10 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You want them tender but with a slight bite.

5. Stir in the Cheeses for Creaminess

Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until just melted and creamy. The heat from the soup will be enough to do the trick.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot easy lasagna soup recipe into bowls. Garnish generously with the remaining Parmesan cheese, a dollop of extra ricotta (if desired), and fresh basil and/or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your masterpiece!

Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup Every Time

Don&#x2019t Overcrowd the Pot: Use a large enough Dutch oven or pot to allow the noodles to cook evenly without sticking.
Break Noodles Evenly for Consistent Cooking: Aim for roughly 1-2 inch pieces so they cook at a similar rate and are easy to eat.
Adjust Broth for Desired Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add a little more broth. If it&#x2019s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce slightly.
Salt to Taste Throughout the Process: Season the meat, then the sauce, and finally the finished soup. This builds layers of flavor.
Fresh Herbs Make All the Difference: While dried herbs add great flavor during cooking, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens the entire dish.

What to Serve With Your Lasagna Soup

This hearty soup is practically a meal in itself, but a few accompaniments can make it an even more delightful experience:

Crusty Bread for Dipping: A good crusty baguette or Italian bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth.
Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully.
Garlic Bread or Crostini: For an extra dose of Italian goodness, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread or crispy crostini.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Lasagna Soup

One of the best things about this easy lasagna soup recipe is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep!

Refrigeration Guidelines

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid and may become softer, and the soup will thicken considerably.

Freezing for Future Meals

Lasagna soup freezes surprisingly well, especially if you undercook the noodles slightly initially. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips for Optimal Texture

When reheating, whether from the fridge or thawed, you’ll likely need to add a splash of extra broth or water to achieve your desired consistency, as the noodles will have absorbed a lot of the liquid. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.

Lasagna Soup FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give it that authentic feel, other pasta shapes like campanelle, mafalda, farfalle, or even rotini can work. Just be mindful of their cooking times and adjust accordingly.

How do I make this vegetarian?

It’s super easy to make this easy lasagna soup recipe vegetarian! Simply omit the ground meat and instead, sauté diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onions and garlic. You can also add 1 cup of brown or green lentils (cooked according to package directions) for extra protein, or a can of drained cannellini beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the soup base (meat, aromatics, tomatoes, broth) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bring the base to a simmer and then add and cook the broken lasagna noodles just before serving. This prevents the noodles from becoming too soft or absorbing too much liquid if they sit in the soup too long.

Why is my soup too thin/thick?

If your soup is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick (which happens often with pasta-based soups as the noodles absorb liquid), simply stir in a bit more chicken or vegetable broth (or water) until you reach your desired consistency.

What if my noodles stick together?

Stirring frequently while the noodles are cooking is key to preventing them from sticking. Also, ensure you’re using a large enough pot so the noodles have room to move around. If they do stick a little, a gentle stir will usually loosen them up.