Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re craving the comforting layers and rich flavors of classic lasagna but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, I’ve got the perfect solution: my Easy and Flavorful Lasagna Soup. This incredible dish takes all the beloved components of lasagna – savory meat, tender pasta, rich tomato, and luscious cheese – and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying soup that comes together much faster than the traditional baked version! It’s pure comfort in every spoonful.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a soup that tastes exactly like your favorite Italian casserole? I am completely obsessed with this Lasagna Soup because it delivers all the complex flavors of lasagna in a convenient, comforting bowl. The rich, savory meat sauce is simmered to perfection, and the broken lasagna noodles cook right in the pot, soaking up all that deliciousness. A creamy, cheesy element at the end truly brings it home, mimicking those beloved cheesy layers. It’s a fantastic one-pot meal, perfect for a busy weeknight, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Plus, minimal cleanup is always a win in my book!

The Rise of “Soup-ified” Comfort Food

The concept of transforming beloved comfort dishes into soup form has become incredibly popular, driven by a desire for quicker preparation, easier serving, and often, fewer dishes. Lasagna soup is a prime example of this trend, breaking down the traditional layered structure of lasagna into a hearty, cohesive bowl. It maintains the core components: a rich tomato-based meat sauce, tender pasta (often broken lasagna noodles), and distinct cheesy elements, usually a dollop of ricotta or a swirl of cream.

This style of soup allows for the deep melding of flavors typically associated with long-simmered dishes, but in a significantly reduced cooking time. It’s a testament to culinary innovation, allowing us to enjoy complex, multi-layered flavors in a comforting and accessible format, perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful and easy Lasagna Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
• 1/2 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, optional)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• For serving (optional, but highly recommended): Fresh ricotta cheese

Swaps and Notes

• Meat: Using both ground beef and Italian sausage creates a rich, complex flavor. You can use all beef or all sausage if preferred. Ground turkey or a plant-based crumble can also be substituted for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a good base for the sauce. Diced tomatoes can be used for more texture.
• Broth: Beef broth adds a richer flavor for the meat base. Chicken broth is a fine alternative.
• Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the noodles into 1-2 inch pieces before adding them to the soup is key. Do not pre-cook them; they will cook directly in the broth.
• Herbs: Dried oregano and basil are classic lasagna flavors. Fresh herbs can also be added at the end for brightness.
• Creamy Element (Optional): While traditional lasagna soup is often topped with ricotta, for extra creaminess throughout the soup, you can stir in 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese or 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the very end with the Parmesan.
• Cheese for Serving: Fresh ricotta and extra Parmesan are perfect for garnishing, adding that final authentic lasagna touch.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this delicious Lasagna Soup simmering!

1. Brown Meat: In a large Dutch oven or deep pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage (if using). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Build Tomato Base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef/chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente (tender but still with a slight bite).
5. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash more broth or water until desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) if needed. Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls. For an authentic touch, dollop a spoonful of fresh ricotta cheese into each bowl and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Lasagna noodles can get mushy if cooked too long in soup. Cook them until they’re al dente. They’ll continue to soften slightly as the soup rests.
• Shred Cheese Freshly: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred your own Parmesan from blocks. Pre-shredded cheeses can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that make the soup grainy.
• Drain Meat Fat: Draining excess fat from the ground meat prevents the soup from becoming greasy.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Broths and tomatoes can vary in saltiness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Easy and Flavorful Lasagna Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice for soaking up every last bit of that delicious broth. Consider a quick batch of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for the bread element.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Simple Italian Sides: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus would be excellent companions.
• Beverage Pairings: A robust red wine (like a Chianti or Merlot), or for a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or sparkling water with a lemon twist.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Easy and Flavorful Lasagna Soup makes for fantastic leftovers, as the flavors often deepen!

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb more liquid, and the soup will thicken considerably.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: This soup freezes fairly well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this comforting and hearty soup, you might also like these other rich and flavorful meals:

• For another classic pasta dish, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you love easy, cheesy meals that feed a crowd, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• For a faster way to make cheesy lasagna without the layering, my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is excellent.
• And if you’re craving another deep, comforting bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.
• For a super easy way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.

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Final Thoughts

Easy and Flavorful Lasagna Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl, with the incredible convenience of coming together quickly. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy meal prepping, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite comfort food recipes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!