Lasagna Soup – Easy One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe

Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that feels like a warm hug in every bite. But let’s be real—sometimes, assembling all those layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese can feel like a major kitchen project. That’s where Lasagna Soup comes in. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors of traditional lasagna, but in a much easier and quicker one-pot form.

This soup is packed with savory Italian sausage, tender ground beef, a flavorful tomato-based broth, and curly pasta that mimics lasagna noodles. The best part? It’s topped with a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, which melts right into the hot soup, creating that signature lasagna flavor.

I first discovered this recipe on a cold winter night when I was craving lasagna but didn’t have the patience to make it from scratch. After a little experimenting, I found that breaking down the ingredients into a soup not only saved time but also made for an incredibly delicious, soul-warming meal. It quickly became a family favorite, especially on busy weeknights when we needed something hearty but hassle-free.

This Lasagna Soup is perfect for meal prep, freezes beautifully, and is incredibly customizable. You can adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients to fit your dietary preferences, and even make it vegetarian if you’d like. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Lasagna Soup, but let’s break it down into the best ones:

1. All the Flavor, None of the Work

Traditional lasagna requires layering noodles, spreading sauce, and baking everything to perfection. This soup gives you all those classic flavors without the hassle. Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and you’re done.

2. One-Pot Simplicity

Nobody likes a sink full of dishes, and this recipe keeps things easy with just one pot. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.

3. Customizable to Your Taste

Love spice? Add extra red pepper flakes. Want a vegetarian version? Swap the meat for mushrooms and lentils. Prefer a lighter option? Use ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. You can easily make this soup your own.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. It stores well in the fridge and freezer, so you can cook once and enjoy it multiple times.

5. Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters will love this dish. It has all the familiar, cheesy, tomatoey flavors of classic lasagna but in a fun, slurpable soup form. Plus, kids love the curly pasta!

6. Ideal for Cold Weather

There’s nothing like a steaming bowl of Lasagna Soup on a chilly day. It’s warming, filling, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for fall and winter nights.

Health Benefits

While Lasagna Soup is definitely an indulgent, comforting meal, it also has some surprising health benefits, especially when made with fresh ingredients and a few smart swaps.

1. Protein-Packed for Sustained Energy

With ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheese, this soup is rich in protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied. If you opt for lean ground turkey or chicken, you can reduce the fat content while still getting plenty of protein.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

The tomato-based broth is packed with lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes that’s been linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. Cooking tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making this soup a great way to get more of it in your diet.

3. Calcium and Bone Health

The cheese mixture (ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan) provides a good dose of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

4. High in Fiber

The onions, garlic, and diced tomatoes all contribute fiber to this soup, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. If you use whole wheat or fiber-rich pasta, you can boost the fiber content even more.

5. Easily Adaptable for a Healthier Version

If you’re watching your calories, consider using low-fat ricotta, lean ground turkey, and whole wheat pasta. You’ll still get all the delicious flavors but with a lighter nutritional profile.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450-500 kcal
• Protein: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fats: ~20g
• Fiber: ~6g

These values will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.

Ingredients List

To make this Lasagna Soup, you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, based on preference)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 6 oz mafalda pasta (or another curly pasta like rotini)

For the Cheese Topping

• 8 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

• Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
• Swap pasta for gluten-free noodles if needed.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Brown the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
• Remove excess grease if needed.

Sauté the Aromatics

• Add the diced onions and garlic to the pot.
• Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
• Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Build the Tomato Base

• Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
• Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir well and bring to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta

• Add pasta to the soup and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
• Set aside for serving.

Serve & Enjoy

• Ladle hot soup into bowls.
• Top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture.
• Sprinkle with fresh basil for extra flavor.

How to Serve

One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a casual get-together, or meal prepping for the week, there are plenty of ways to elevate your bowl of soup and make it even more delicious. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

1. Classic Style with Garlic Bread

Lasagna and garlic bread are a match made in heaven, and this soup is no exception. Serve it with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up all the cheesy, tomatoey goodness. You can also brush Italian bread with garlic butter and toast it for an extra crunch.

2. Over Cooked Lasagna Noodles

For an even more authentic lasagna experience, you can cook a few lasagna noodles separately, break them into smaller pieces, and stir them into the soup just before serving. This gives you that classic lasagna texture while keeping the soup easy to eat.

3. Topped with Extra Cheese

If you’re a cheese lover, don’t be shy—add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, mozzarella, or even provolone on top. Let it melt into the soup for a rich, gooey bite every time.

4. Garnished with Fresh Basil or Parsley

A little bit of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the soup. If you want even more flavor, try adding a small drizzle of olive oil on top.

5. Paired with a Crisp Side Salad

For a lighter, balanced meal, serve this soup with a simple side salad. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the deep, rich flavors of the soup.

6. Served with a Baked Potato

If you’re looking for a more filling side, a baked potato is a great option. The soup’s creamy cheese mixture makes the perfect topping for a warm, fluffy potato.

7. Kid-Friendly Version

For kids, serve this soup over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting and familiar dish. You can also sprinkle extra mozzarella on top to make it extra cheesy.

Pairing Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, drinks, and appetizers. Here are some of the best ways to round out your meal:

1. Side Dishes

• Garlic Knots – Soft, fluffy, and packed with garlic butter flavor, these are perfect for dipping into the soup.
• Cheesy Breadsticks – A fun, kid-friendly side that adds extra cheesiness to your meal.
• Bruschetta – Toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil brings a light contrast to the rich soup.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a healthy, flavorful side.

2. Appetizers

• Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, cured meats, fresh mozzarella, and marinated artichokes makes a great starter.
• Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with balsamic glaze is a light and refreshing contrast.
• Stuffed Mushrooms – Filled with ricotta, garlic, and Parmesan, these make a delicious appetizer that echoes the flavors of the soup.

3. Drinks

• Sparkling Lemonade – The bright citrus flavor balances the richness of the soup.
• Iced Tea – A classic, refreshing option that pairs well with Italian dishes.
• Hot Herbal Tea – If you’re enjoying this soup on a cold day, chamomile or mint tea makes a cozy, soothing drink.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Lasagna Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal, and it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Keep the cheese topping separate to prevent it from getting too soft.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze without the pasta: Cooked pasta can become mushy in the freezer, so if you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the pasta and add it fresh when reheating.
• Use freezer-safe containers: Divide the soup into individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
• If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this soup is super simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overcooking the Pasta

Pasta continues to absorb liquid after cooking, so if you add it too early, it can become mushy. To prevent this:

• Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.
• If adding directly to the soup, cook it just until al dente and serve immediately.

2. Using Too Much Salt

Since chicken broth, canned tomatoes, and cheese all contain salt, it’s best to taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

3. Skipping the Simmering Step

Letting the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to develop fully. Rushing this step can result in a bland soup.

4. Not Draining the Ricotta

If your ricotta is too watery, it can make the cheese mixture runny. To fix this:

• Drain it in a fine-mesh strainer before mixing with the other cheeses.

Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

1. Add a Parmesan Rind

For extra depth of flavor, toss a Parmesan cheese rind into the soup while it simmers. It adds a rich, cheesy taste.

2. Make It Creamier

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for an even richer, creamier broth.

3. Use Fresh Herbs

Adding fresh basil or parsley at the end brightens up the flavors and makes the soup taste fresh.

4. Double the Recipe for Meal Prep

This soup freezes well, so make a double batch and store half for later. It’s a great time-saver!

5. Customize with Vegetables

To sneak in more nutrients, add chopped spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually get better over time. Just store it without the pasta and add fresh noodles when reheating.

2. What pasta works best in this soup?

Mafalda, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles work best because they hold up well in the broth.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and replace the meat with mushrooms and lentils.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you love the flavors of lasagna but want a faster, easier version, this Lasagna Soup is a must-try! It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly comforting—perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your taste.

I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Let me know in the comments if you made any fun modifications. And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations.

Now go grab your ingredients, and let’s make some Lasagna Soup tonight!

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