If you have ever dreamed of turning that comforting, cheesy lasagna experience into a hearty, warm bowl of soup, then this Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully captures the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna with every spoonful, blending savory ground meats, rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and a luscious cheese blend, all elevated by fresh spinach for a lovely burst of color and nutrients. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to curl up and savor the ultimate cheesy comfort with a fresh twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in delivering that classic lasagna vibe, from the hearty meats to the fresh herbs that brighten the whole dish.
- Lean ground beef (1/2 pound): Adds rich, meaty flavor and satisfies your savory cravings.
- Ground Italian sausage (1/2 pound): Brings subtle spiced notes that deepen the soup’s character.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Yellow onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, aromatic base layer perfect for sautéing.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of fragrant warmth that lifts the entire soup.
- Fresh spinach leaves (2 cups, optional): For a fresh pop of color and mild, leafy green goodness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for sautéing and adding a silky mouthfeel.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor into a rich, savory base.
- Homemade or store-bought marinara sauce (24 ounces): Creates the classic lasagna tomato essence.
- Low sodium chicken broth (7 cups): Forms the flavorful, comforting liquid your soup simmers in.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle heat to enhance the overall taste.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a fresh herbal brightness that complements the sauce.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A traditional herb that pairs perfectly with tomato dishes.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Gives that unmistakable Italian aroma and flavor.
- Lasagna noodles (9, broken into pieces): The heart of the dish, bringing that satisfying noodle bite.
- Ricotta cheese (10 ounces): Creamy and mild, it’s the ideal base for the cheese topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds a gooey, melty layer of cheesy delight.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a sharp, salty finish to the cheese blend.
- Fresh basil (for serving): A fragrant garnish that elevates the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add both the lean ground beef and the Italian sausage. As the meats sizzle, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors. Cook until nicely browned, which locks in that savory depth. Once done, drain excess grease and set the cooked meat aside. This step lays the rich, meaty foundation for the entire soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, drizzle in the olive oil and lower the heat to medium. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. This slow sauté brings out the onions’ natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. These aromatics build layers of flavor that make the soup surprisingly vibrant.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Seasonings
Next comes the heart of that rich tomato base. Stir in the tomato paste and pour in your marinara sauce along with the red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil to create an enchanting Italian herb bouquet. Pour the chicken broth into the pot and mix everything thoroughly. Return the browned meat back to the pot, allowing all these flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles and Spinach
Bring your soup to a rolling boil, then carefully add the broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the noodles should be tender and perfectly cooked. During the last few minutes, stir in the fresh spinach leaves to wilt them just right, infusing the soup with a lovely pop of green and a mild, fresh flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the noodles are cooking, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a creamy, luscious blend. This cheese mixture is what gives the soup that classic lasagna richness in every spoonful, and it’s ready to be dolloped on top just before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot, comforting soup into bowls, and add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture on top so it begins to melt slowly, creating a melty cheese layer reminiscent of a baked lasagna. Finish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and visually stunning touch. This final flourish turns your bowl into a cozy hug of Italian flavors.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes brings this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh basil leaves are a simple, fragrant choice that complements the tomato and cheese perfectly. For extra indulgence, a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan just before serving never hurts. You can also drizzle a little high-quality olive oil or add a twist of cracked black pepper for that gourmet finish.
Side Dishes
Lasagna soup is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A rustic garlic breadstick or warm crusty baguette provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of that cheesy tomato broth. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast, balancing out the richness of the soup and making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when entertaining, serve the soup in small ramekins topped with the cheese mixture and broil briefly until bubbly and golden. This presentation echoes the baked cheese top of classic lasagna and impresses your guests. You could also portion the soup into bread bowls for a rustic, comforting touch that amps up the cozy factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe makes a great next-day meal. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover soup without the cheese topping to maintain the best texture. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, then add fresh cheese mixture before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, add a spoonful of the cheese blend on top of individual servings. This ensures the creamy cheesy goodness stays fresh and gooey, just like the first time you enjoyed it.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can skip the ground beef and Italian sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding mushrooms or lentils for a hearty texture, and keep all the delicious cheese and spinach for flavor.
What type of cheese can I use if I don’t have ricotta?
If ricotta isn’t on hand, cottage cheese is a great substitute that offers a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to drain excess liquid for the best result. Alternatively, mascarpone can add richness but is less traditional.
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and color, you can use frozen spinach—just thaw and drain well before adding it in the last minutes of cooking. Dried spinach is not recommended as it won’t give the right texture or flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
It helps to break the lasagna noodles into even pieces and add them near the end of cooking. Keep an eye on the simmer time, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For a firmer bite, slightly undercook the noodles since they will continue to soften in leftovers.
Is this soup spicy?
This recipe has just a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes—enough to add warmth but not overpower the other flavors. You can always adjust the amount to your preference or leave it out entirely for a milder taste.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe is a true celebration of comfort food in a bowl. It brings together all the best flavors of classic lasagna while being easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy dinner, this soup is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously warm hug in every spoonful.
Print
Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Lasagna Soup with Cheese and Spinach is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, savory soup. Combining browned ground beef and Italian sausage with marinara sauce, fresh spinach, broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan cheese topping, this recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy lasagna in soup form, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- Fresh basil, for serving
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces marinara sauce)
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Pasta
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or broken into fourths as specified)
Cheese Mixture
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage together until browned. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as they cook. Drain any excess grease and remove the cooked meat from the pot, setting it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste and marinara sauce along with the red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Pour in the chicken broth and mix everything well. Return the browned meat to the pot and stir to combine.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. If using, add the spinach leaves in the last few minutes to wilt them.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir well to create a creamy cheese topping for the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and dollop a generous scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an aromatic and colorful finish.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to better control the salt level in the soup.
- Spinach is optional but adds a nice pop of color and nutrition.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly and makes the soup easier to eat with a spoon.
- The cheese mixture can be adjusted to taste or replaced with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
