There is something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of soup that tastes like your favorite lasagna, and this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe captures all that warmth and flavor in just one pot. Imagine layers of savory ground beef simmered with fragrant garlic and onion, a rich tomato broth studded with tender pasta, all tied together with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. This dish brings the cozy familiarity of classic Italian lasagna into a quicker, easier, and mess-free meal that you can whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that feel homemade and satisfying, this soup is bound to become a new wintertime favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a key role, creating a perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and aromas. From hearty meats to fragrant herbs and gooey cheeses, each element is essential to making this soup feel just as indulgent as traditional lasagna without the fuss.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory depth and a meaty base to the soup.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a mellow bite when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic flavor that wakes up the senses.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides a robust and tangy tomato base that’s slightly chunky for texture.
- 4 cups beef broth: Adds a savory liquid foundation that complements the meat and tomato flavors.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken): Traditionally Italian pasta gives the soup that extra hearty feel.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Imparts classic Italian herbaceousness.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a sweet, fresh herbal note balancing the acidity.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle heat to brighten the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates a luscious creaminess that blends beautifully into the soup.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly on top for that iconic gooey finish.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh aroma just before serving.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground beef or Italian sausage until nicely browned. This step is crucial because it locks in the meat’s flavors and creates a rich foundation for the soup. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your broth doesn’t become greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onions and minced garlic directly to the pot, stirring occasionally until the onions become soft and translucent. This gentle cooking releases the natural sweetness of the onions and mellows the garlic’s sharpness, layering more depth into your soup base.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a simmer. This simmering stage lets the flavors meld and develop into that hearty, comforting broth reminiscent of lasagna’s tomato sauce but with a delicious soup twist.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering broth and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Using broken lasagna noodles or your preferred pasta type helps the soup feel substantial, giving you bite-sized bites of pasta that soak up the savory broth.
Step 5: Stir in Ricotta Cheese
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, stir in the ricotta cheese. This addition transforms the soup by adding creamy richness and a silky texture, echoing the cheesy layers found in traditional lasagna but without any fuss.
Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella and Basil
Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. The mozzarella melts in the hot soup, delivering that iconic lasagna cheese pull, and the basil leaves bring a fresh herbal brightness that lifts every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh basil and mozzarella are our go-to garnishes for this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, feel free to get creative with grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. These touches elevate presentation and add extra bursts of flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty soup with a simple side like warm garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or a plate of roasted vegetables rounds out the meal beautifully. These sides complement the soup’s rich flavors without overwhelming your palate, keeping things balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls or bread bowls for a charming, cozy vibe that makes every meal feel special. You can even offer small ramekins of extra ricotta or shredded mozzarella on the side so everyone can customize their bowl to their heart’s desire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more comforting and delicious.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to make it ahead in batches. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that pasta can become softer after thawing, so slightly undercook it during the initial preparation if you plan to freeze.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to avoid breaking down the pasta too much. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Top with fresh mozzarella and basil just before serving again for that instantly fresh feel.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this soup?
Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles work great, other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells hold up well and add variety to the texture. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the meat for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add cooked lentils for an extra protein boost.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients except the cheese in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the ricotta cheese and pasta during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish. You can always omit or adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
What can I use instead of ricotta if I don’t have any?
Cream cheese or cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta in a pinch, though the texture will be a bit different. For a dairy-free option, try blending silken tofu with a little garlic and lemon juice for a similar creamy effect.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is like giving yourself a warm hug in a bowl, packed with all the flavors of your favorite Italian comfort food but much faster and simpler to prepare. I encourage you to try it soon, especially on chilly nights when you want something cozy yet vibrant. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation, offering both convenience and deliciousness every time.
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a hearty, warming soup. Featuring ground beef or Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, flavorful herbs, tender pasta, and a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, it’s a perfect weeknight meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Pasta and Seasonings
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles broken into pieces)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses and Garnishes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the soup’s aromatic flavor base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta pieces to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente texture, absorbing the savory broth.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Stir in the ricotta cheese well to incorporate a creamy texture throughout the soup, enriching the overall flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves for a final burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use broken lasagna noodles or other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if lasagna noodles are unavailable.
- For a spicier soup, increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes and broth.
