Name: Ultimate Lasagna Soup: Beefy, Cheesy & Oh So Satisfying!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 medium Onion, finely diced; 3 Garlic Cloves, minced; 1 lb. Ground Beef; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes; 28 to 32 ounces Chicken Broth; 2 teaspoons Dried Basil (or 2 Tablespoons fresh); 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano; 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes; 8-10 Lasagna Noodles, broken into bite-size pieces; 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (optional); 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, divided; 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese

Lasagna Soup is a culinary marvel that transforms the beloved, layered Italian classic into an incredibly convenient and comforting bowl of goodness. Imagine sinking your spoon into a rich, savory broth brimming with tender pasta, seasoned meat (or plant-based alternative), and a symphony of robust tomato flavors, all crowned with a creamy, cheesy dollop that evokes the very heart of a traditional lasagna. While its layered namesake, with its roots deep in Italian culinary history and celebrated for its meticulous construction and slow-cooked perfection, this deconstructed version brings all those cherished elements together in a fraction of the time, making it an ingenious modern twist on a timeless dish.

Why People Adore Lasagna Soup

I find that people absolutely adore Lasagna Soup for its ingenious blend of convenience and authentic taste. It offers the hearty, deeply satisfying experience of lasagna without the extensive preparation. Every spoonful delivers that quintessential combination of savory, tangy, and creamy textures, from the perfectly cooked pasta sheets broken into bite-sized pieces, to the rich meat sauce and the luxurious swirl of ricotta and mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight, providing warmth and a taste of Italy’s rich culinary heritage in an effortlessly delicious format that truly satisfies the soul.

Ingredients:

For the Lasagna Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference) OR lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (optional, but adds lovely color and flavor)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups good quality chicken broth or beef broth (I often use a mix!)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference, optional)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (helps balance acidity, optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 12-15 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces (I find wavy work best!)
For the Creamy Ricotta Topping:
- 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
For Serving (Optional Garnishes):
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- Extra red pepper flakes

Equipment You’ll Need:

A large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or stockpot (at least 6-8 quarts)
Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and sharp knife
Small mixing bowl for the ricotta topping

Preparing Your Delicious Lasagna Soup:

Phase 1: Sautéing Aromatics and Building the Flavor Base

Brown the Meat: Place your large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground Italian sausage or ground beef. Break up the meat with your spoon as it cooks. You want to brown it thoroughly, ensuring no pink bits remain. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor in our Lasagna Soup. If you’re using ground beef, especially a higher fat content, you might notice a good amount of rendered fat. For a lighter Lasagna Soup, you’ll want to carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot before moving to the next step. This prevents the soup from becoming overly oily. If using leaner Italian sausage, draining might not be necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics: Once your meat is beautifully browned and drained if needed, reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onion and the optional red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become translucent and soft, and the bell pepper has softened. We’re not looking for any browning here, just a gentle softening to release their sweet flavors. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is the beginning of something truly special!
Introduce the Garlic and Tomato Paste: Now, stir in the minced garlic and the can of tomato paste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the tomato paste deepening in color, almost a rust-red, and becoming wonderfully fragrant. This step is incredibly important for intensifying the tomato flavor and removing any raw, metallic taste from the paste. It adds a rich umami depth that is essential for a truly authentic-tasting Lasagna Soup. Don’t rush this part!

Phase 2: Simmering the Hearty Lasagna Soup Broth

Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and the undrained diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot – this is called deglazing, and it’s where a lot of hidden flavor resides. Next, carefully pour in the 6 cups of chicken or beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Season and Simmer: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and granulated sugar (if using). Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you’ll adjust the seasoning later, but a good base is important now. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This simmering time is absolutely crucial for the flavors to meld and deepen, creating that signature rich, complex taste we expect from a fantastic Lasagna Soup. Don’t skip this step – it’s where the magic happens! The longer it simmers, the more incredible the flavor will be. I often let mine go for 45 minutes if I have the time.
Taste and Adjust: After simmering, remove the lid and give the soup a taste. This is your chance to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? More pepper? Perhaps a tiny pinch more sugar if your tomatoes were particularly acidic? Maybe a little extra red pepper for a kick? Remember, you’re building a masterpiece, and every flavor nuance counts in this Lasagna Soup.

Phase 3: Cooking the Lasagna Noodles

Add the Lasagna Noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Carefully add the broken lasagna noodle pieces to the simmering soup. Stir immediately to ensure the noodles don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot.
Cook to Al Dente: Cook the noodles in the soup for about 8-12 minutes, or until they are al dente. Al dente means they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. It’s very important not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to soften a bit as they sit in the hot soup. Cooking them directly in the soup allows them to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth, rather than just plain water. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup becomes too thick as the noodles absorb liquid, you can add an extra ½ to 1 cup of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in Cream (Optional): Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. If you desire an extra layer of creaminess and richness, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. This step is entirely optional, but it truly elevates the luxuriousness of the Lasagna Soup, giving it a wonderfully smooth mouthfeel.

Phase 4: Preparing the Creamy Ricotta Topping

Combine Ricotta Mixture: While your Lasagna Soup is simmering or the noodles are cooking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the dreamy ricotta topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a spoon or small spatula to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. This topping is what truly ties the “lasagna” experience into your soup, providing that iconic creamy, cheesy counterpoint to the robust tomato base. Set this aside until you’re ready to serve your glorious Lasagna Soup.

Phase 5: Serving Your Lasagna Soup

Ladle and Top: Ladle generous portions of the hot, flavorful Lasagna Soup into individual serving bowls. Make sure each bowl gets a good mix of the hearty broth, meat, and those perfectly cooked lasagna noodle pieces.
Garnish Generously: Now for the grand finale! Place a dollop (or two, I won’t judge!) of the creamy ricotta mixture directly on top of each bowl of Lasagna Soup. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully into the hot soup, creating those lovely cheese pulls.
Final Touches: Finish with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color. If you love a bit of heat, another pinch of red pepper flakes wouldn’t hurt.
Enjoy Immediately: Serve your homemade Lasagna Soup piping hot and savor every single spoonful. This hearty and comforting soup is a complete meal in itself, perfect for a cozy night in. Leftovers, if you have any, are also fantastic the next day – just be aware the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating. You’ve just created a truly exceptional bowl of Lasagna Soup!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the culmination of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and hungry. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience the very essence of comfort food in a truly innovative and delightful way. Think about it: all the rich, savory, and cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna, meticulously transformed into a soul-warming bowl of soup. No more elaborate layering, no more hours of baking, just pure, unadulterated flavor delivered with incredible ease. I can honestly say, from personal experience, that the first spoonful of this incredible dish will make you wonder why you hadn’t tried it sooner. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, breaking tradition can lead to something truly spectacular.

What makes this recipe a definite must-try, in my humble opinion, is its uncanny ability to capture that quintessential lasagna taste profile – the tangy tomato, the aromatic herbs, the tender meat (or veggies, if you prefer!), and of course, that luscious, melted cheese – all without the usual fuss. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying but are short on time, or for a cozy weekend meal when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It delivers big on taste, promises warmth with every spoonful, and is incredibly satisfying. Trust me when I say, once you make this, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your cooking repertoire, a dish you’ll turn to again and again because it simply brings so much joy and deliciousness to the table.

Enhance Your Lasagna Soup Experience: Serving & Variation Ideas

Now, while this incredible soup is a showstopper all on its own, there are definitely ways to elevate the experience and make it even more spectacular. For serving, I always recommend pairing it with some kind of crusty bread. A warm, buttered garlic bread or a simple, rustic baguette is the absolute perfect accompaniment, ideal for soaking up every last drop of that rich broth. The crunch of the bread provides a wonderful textural contrast to the silky soup. If you’re looking to round out the meal, a fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette also works wonders, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup. It’s all about balancing the flavors and textures for a truly memorable meal.

Get Creative with Your Lasagna Soup!

But don’t stop there! One of the things I love most about cooking is the freedom to experiment, and this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few variations you might consider trying to truly make it your own:

Cheese Lovers’ Dream: While ricotta and mozzarella are key, feel free to add a sprinkle of smoked provolone or a sharp asiago for an extra layer of complexity. A dollop of burrata on top just before serving would also be an absolute game-changer, adding an incredible creaminess.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the aromatics, or even a swirl of chili oil right before serving, can provide a fantastic kick.
Go Green: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and load up on vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even some finely chopped spinach stirred in at the end would be delicious and add vibrant colors and nutrients. You could also use a plant-based crumble as a substitute for ground meat.
Meat Options: Instead of ground beef or sausage, consider ground turkey or a mix of both. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, so have fun exploring what you love best.
Herb Variations: While basil and oregano are classic, don’t shy away from experimenting with a touch of fresh thyme or marjoram for a slightly different aromatic nuance.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

I truly hope you’ll give this fantastic recipe a whirl in your own kitchen. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a dish that brings so much warmth and happiness, and this Lasagna Soup truly delivers on all fronts. It’s not just about nourishing your body, but also about feeding your soul with delicious, homemade goodness. I promise you, the aroma filling your home as it simmers will be enough to get everyone excited for dinner.

Once you’ve experienced the pure delight of this soup, I’d be absolutely thrilled to hear all about your cooking adventure! Did you stick to the recipe, or did you add your own unique twist? What were your favorite parts? Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, your experiences, and especially your photos! I love seeing how these recipes come to life in your homes. Your feedback and creativity are what make this culinary community so vibrant and inspiring. Happy cooking, everyone, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, comforting bliss!