Description
Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal that delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna—savory meat, rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheese—without the layering. It’s easy, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses & Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for browning the meat.
- Cook meat: Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon; drain excess fat to keep the soup rich but not greasy.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, which builds flavor and sweetness.
- Add seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper to infuse the soup with classic Italian herbs.
- Cook tomato paste: Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor before adding other liquids.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and broth, mixing everything well for a rich tomato base.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Add noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming overly soft and mushy.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to cater to different dietary preferences.
- For a richer, creamier soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.
- If making ahead, store soup and noodles separately to maintain noodle texture.
- This soup freezes well if you omit noodles and cheese during freezing; add fresh ones when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
