Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No need for layering or baking like traditional lasagna.
- Rich and Hearty – Packed with meat, pasta, and a savory tomato-based broth.
- Great for Meal Prep – Reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Easily adapted for different dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the meat for mushrooms or lentils.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of lasagna noodles.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a bit of heavy cream before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth if it has thickened.
FAQs
How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them separately and add them to each bowl when serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the meat first, then add all ingredients except the noodles and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding noodles in the last 30 minutes.
What’s the best meat to use?
Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but ground beef or turkey work well too.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but freeze without the noodles to avoid mushiness.
How can I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to break them down.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese or simply skip the cheese topping.
What type of broth is best?
Beef broth gives a richer flavor, but chicken or vegetable broth works too.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is a delicious, easy, and comforting meal that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a one-pot dish. Whether you make it meaty, vegetarian, or spicy, it’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
PrintLasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a cozy and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining all the best parts of lasagna—savory meat, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—into a hearty, one-pot soup. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and chilly evenings when you crave comfort food without the hassle of layering.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 6servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics – Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Simmer the Broth – Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles – Add broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture – In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Noodles: Cook them separately and add to each serving.
- Make It in a Slow Cooker: Brown the meat first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding noodles in the last 30 minutes.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze (without noodles) for up to 3 months.