If you have ever craved the cozy comfort of lasagna but wished it were a little easier and faster to make, you are going to adore this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe. It takes all the mouthwatering flavors and textures of classic lasagna—the rich meat, savory tomato sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses—and transforms them into a warm, satisfying bowl of soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hug on a chilly evening, this soup delivers that perfect balance of heartiness and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to achieving the delicious depth of flavor in this dish. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the juicy ground beef adding richness, or the blend of cheeses contributing creamy goodness—and don’t forget those broken lasagna noodles, which bring the right pasta bite without fuss.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the soup.
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing savory umami and satisfying protein.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant, pungent kick that wakes up the flavors.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, robust tomato broth essential for that classic lasagna taste.
- 4 cups beef broth: Enhances the soup’s savory depth and helps cook the pasta to tender perfection.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties all the flavors together brilliantly.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Provides the perfect pasta texture—easy to eat in spoonfuls.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, dreamy richness reminiscent of lasagna layers.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give the soup that iconic stretchy cheese pull in every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that brightens the soup’s depth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and gently break it up with your spoon as it cooks. Let it brown nicely for about 6 to 8 minutes—that beautiful caramelization is where the rich flavor begins.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once the beef has browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and soft, and the garlic releases its irresistible aroma. This step builds a fragrant foundation for the soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10 to 15 minutes. This moment lets all the flavors marry together beautifully and deepens the soup’s richness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them straight to the pot. Keep the soup at a simmer and cook the noodles for 10 to 12 minutes until tender but still holding their shape—no soggy noodles here!
Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Now comes the creamy, cheesy magic. Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they melt smoothly into the soup, creating a luscious, velvety texture that defines this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste, then ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you like a little added savory punch. Serve it hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup is delicious on its own, but adding fresh garnishes can take it up a notch. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add subtle richness or gentle heat, transforming every bite into a flavor adventure.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with some crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. The crispness and lightness of these sides contrast beautifully with the soup’s warm, rich character, making the whole experience wonderfully balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small, hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks charming but adds an edible bowl that soaks up all the delicious broth. Another idea is to layer the soup in clear mugs or glasses for a visually appealing presentation, showing off the colorful noodles, cheese, and tomato base.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may become slightly softer upon thawing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened. The cheeses will melt back into the soup beautifully, preserving that comforting creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great in this recipe and offers a lighter option. Just brown it the same way you would the beef, and the flavors will still shine.
Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?
Nope! Since the noodles cook right in the soup, breaking them into smaller pieces lets them soften perfectly during simmering without the extra step of pre-cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and replace the ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. The cheese and seasonings will keep the soup rich and flavorful.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s mild by default, focusing on savory and herbaceous notes. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up according to your preference.
Is this soup good for leftovers?
It’s fantastic the next day! The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated leftovers even more satisfying. Just be mindful of the pasta texture, which softens but remains tasty.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that feels like a warm hug, and this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe fits that bill perfectly. Easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and wonderfully versatile, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try—you just might find your new go-to for cozy dinners!
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Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This hearty lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, savory soup perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses come together in a rich tomato and beef broth seasoned with Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Noodles
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
- Add cheeses and season: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- Add chopped fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for extra freshness.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a splash of red wine with the tomatoes enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
