If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of a classic lasagna but in a much quicker, slurp-able form, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna—rich meatiness, aromatic herbs, creamy cheese—transformed into a hearty, soul-warming bowl of soup that’s ready in just about 40 minutes. This dish is perfect for dinners when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to stand over the stove all evening. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s flexible enough for weeknights or casual weekend meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity, using a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create big, bold flavors. Each component plays a special role—from the savory ground beef to the creamy ricotta, every addition enriches texture and taste.
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a rich, meaty foundation that makes the soup satisfying.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth after sauteing until soft.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Lends a fragrant kick that balances the tomato’s acidity.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: Provides the luscious, tangy base for the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: Builds a hearty liquid foundation full of flavor.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (broken lasagna noodles or similar): Creates the satisfyingly chewy texture reminiscent of traditional lasagna layers.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb flavor that brightens the soup.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a sweet and savory herbal note essential to the dish’s character.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a subtle heat for those who like a little spice in their soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Stirred in for creamy richness and that unmistakable lasagna feel.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: To sprinkle on top, melting into gooey perfection as you eat.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma at serving.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Meat
Start with browning your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the base flavor begins—make sure to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks for even browning. Once browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat so the soup doesn’t become greasy.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the same pot. Sauté these until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step releases a wonderful aroma and ensures that the garlic doesn’t burn, keeping the flavors mellow and aromatic.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Herbs
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in dried oregano, dried basil, and the optional red pepper flakes for a little heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the broth gets infused with those classic Italian notes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now it’s time to add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Since the pasta cooks right in the soup, it absorbs all that rich tomato-beef broth, making every bite deliciously tender yet with a bit of bite. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente—firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 5: Stir in the Ricotta Cheese
Once the pasta is done, remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the ricotta cheese. It blends into the soup, adding a luscious creaminess that mimics the cheesy layers of traditional lasagna. This step takes your dish from simple soup into an irresistible culinary hug in a bowl.
Step 6: Serve with Mozzarella and Basil
Ladle the soup into bowls and immediately top with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. The residual heat will melt it just right, creating gooey, cheesy pockets. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the hearty soup.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are your best friends here—fresh basil is classic, but finely chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also enhance the presentation and flavor. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a small dollop of ricotta on top adds extra indulgence and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This soup stands out wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes it feel like a full Italian feast. The crunchy, buttery bread provides a perfect contrast to the silky soup, while a fresh salad adds brightness and balances richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of extra cheeses on the side so everyone can customize their cheesy experience. For a fun twist, offer small toasted crostini topped with ricotta and tomato on the side, echoing the soup’s flavors in bite-sized form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to soften, so it might be a bit less al dente upon reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without the cheese mixed in. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy. Add fresh cheese after reheating to keep it creamy and fresh.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it. Add fresh mozzarella or ricotta after warming to recapture that indulgent texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles or simply add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it hearty and delicious without the meat.
What type of pasta works best?
Broken lasagna noodles are traditional and mimic the classic texture, but any short pasta like penne or rotini will work just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s easy to control—feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or increase slightly if you like a bit more kick.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a fantastic meal prep option. Just be sure to store pasta and cheese separately if possible to maintain the freshest texture, and combine before serving.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
You can, but beef broth adds a richer, deeper flavor that suits this recipe best. If you prefer chicken broth, you might want to add extra herbs or a splash of soy sauce to enhance the umami.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel instantly cozy and nurtured without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its rich flavors, comforting textures, and cheesy goodness come together perfectly, making it a new favorite dinner idea to turn to again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple, whether for family meals or sharing with friends over a casual, satisfying night in.
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 combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, cozy soup form. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, tomatoes, herbs, and broken lasagna noodles, it’s topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese for an irresistible meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., lasagna noodles, broken)
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness and flavor.
- Add Liquids and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the broken uncooked pasta noodles directly into the soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Ricotta: Stir in the ricotta cheese until it is fully blended into the soup, adding a creamy texture and mild richness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves for a classic lasagna flavor experience.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop.
- Adding a splash of heavy cream before serving can make the soup even richer and creamier.
