Imagine all the comforting, layered goodness of classic lasagna, transformed into a warm, hearty, and incredibly easy-to-make soup! This Easy Lasagna Soup delivers on that promise, combining savory ground beef, a rich tomato broth, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy swirl of ricotta and mozzarella. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you crave the flavors of Italian comfort food without the lengthy assembly of a traditional lasagna. Simple to prepare and utterly satisfying, this soup is a guaranteed family favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Easy Lasagna Soup is a revelation for busy weeknights! I absolutely love how it captures the essence of a complex dish like lasagna in a convenient, one-pot (or mostly one-pot) format. The way the ground beef, onions, and garlic build a flavorful base, then simmer with the tomatoes and broth, creates a deeply satisfying and rich broth. The broken lasagna noodles soften beautifully, mimicking those tender pasta layers, and the fresh ricotta and melty mozzarella added at the end truly complete the experience. It’s a comforting, hearty, and surprisingly quick meal that feels special and homemade without all the fuss.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Easy Lasagna Soup:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean recommended)
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite jarred brand or homemade)
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces (about half a box) lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes & Add-ins:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
• Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is great for minimizing grease. You can also use ground turkey, ground Italian sausage (mild or hot), or a combination of meats. If using sausage, adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for building flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup. Vegetable broth or beef broth can also be used.
• Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality jarred marinara sauce that you enjoy the flavor of, or your favorite homemade recipe.
• Diced Tomatoes: Undrained diced tomatoes add texture and acidity. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs. You can also use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
• Lasagna Noodles: Breaking them into smaller pieces makes them easy to eat in a soup. Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or cavatappi can be substituted, but lasagna noodles really give it that authentic lasagna feel.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta provides a creamier texture. Part-skim can be used, but might be slightly less rich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. Freshly shredded cheese usually melts better than pre-shredded.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish. Dried basil can be stirred in with the Italian seasoning if fresh isn’t available.
• Spinach (Optional): Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added greens.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Brown Beef, Onion, and Garlic:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the 1 pound ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and brown it thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the 1 diced onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• If there is a significant amount of grease from the beef, carefully drain it off.

2. Add Liquids and Seasoning:

• Stir in the 4 cups chicken broth, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained), and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
• Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that your broth and marinara may already contain salt, so start conservatively and adjust later.

3. Simmer the Soup Base:

• Bring the soup mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. You can simmer longer if time allows, up to an hour or more, for even richer flavor.

4. Cook the Pasta:

• After the soup has simmered for 30 minutes (or longer), uncover the pot.
• Add the 8 ounces of lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces, directly into the simmering soup.
• Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged and doesn’t stick together.
• Cook the pasta according to its package directions (usually 8-10 minutes) or until it is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Serve and Garnish:

• Once the pasta is cooked, remove the soup from the heat.
• Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual serving bowls.
• For each serving, dollop about 2-3 tablespoons of ricotta cheese on top.
• Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
• Serve immediately, allowing guests to stir in the cheeses as they eat.

Tips for Success

• Brown Meat Well: Thoroughly browning the ground beef creates a crucial flavor base for the soup.
• Drain Grease: If your beef is not lean, draining excess grease will prevent the soup from being oily.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta directly in the soup, but be careful not to overcook it. It will continue to soften slightly even after the heat is off. Al dente is perfect.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the soup after simmering. You might need more salt, pepper, or even a dash more Italian seasoning. A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
• Fresh Basil is Best: While dried basil works in a pinch, fresh basil for garnish truly brightens the flavors.
• Ricotta and Mozzarella at Serving: Adding the cheeses to individual bowls keeps the soup from becoming too thick or stringy if you have leftovers. It also ensures each person gets a fresh, creamy swirl.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

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

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping into the rich broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Italian pairing that complements the flavors.
• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like a Sangiovese or Chianti would be a great adult beverage pairing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table for sprinkling.

Nutritional Information

(Approximation per serving, based on 6 servings. Values can vary significantly based on beef lean percentage, specific marinara sauce, and amount of cheese used.)

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 30-35 g
• Fat: Approximately 15-25 g (depends on beef fat and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-40 g
• Fiber: Approximately 3-5 g
• Sodium: Approximately 800-1200 mg (can be reduced with low-sodium broth/marinara)
• Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100 mg

Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and exact portion sizes.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftover Lasagna Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid and soften further.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to thin the soup back to your desired consistency, as the pasta will soak up liquid.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended once the pasta is added, as pasta can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the soup base (before adding pasta) in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to a simmer and add fresh pasta and cook before serving with cheeses.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup is a brilliant culinary hack that delivers all the comforting, hearty goodness of traditional lasagna in a convenient and delightful bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings or when you need a delicious pick-me-up. Get ready to ladle out some comfort!

We’d love to hear how your Easy Lasagna Soup turned out! Share your favorite garnishes or any creative twists you added in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious and easy recipes!