Lasagna soup has become one of those go-to meals in our house when we want something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It has all the great flavors of traditional lasagna but in a simpler, soup form. The first time I tried this recipe, I was looking for a way to combine the delicious layers of lasagna into something easier to prepare on a weeknight. The idea of a soup that had all the cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagna without the layers of pasta really caught my attention.
This soup turned out to be a hit. It’s hearty, savory, and so satisfying, with a rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and a cheesy finish. It’s easy to make, and everyone loves it, making it the perfect dinner option for busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking.
Servings | Total |
6 | 50mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I came across this lasagna soup idea online while searching for ways to make traditional lasagna more convenient. After reading a few different recipes, I decided to try making my own version, adjusting it to fit what I had in the kitchen and to suit our tastes. After a few tries, I perfected it with the right balance of ingredients—just enough meat, cheese, and pasta, all in a deliciously hearty broth.
Why Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a great alternative when you’re craving the flavors of lasagna but don’t want to spend the time layering and baking. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. The soup is also a little lighter than the traditional lasagna, but it still delivers all the comfort and satisfaction you want from a hearty meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or even for meal prep, as it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

What is Lasagna Soup Made of?
Lasagna soup combines all the traditional lasagna ingredients, but in a simpler form:
- Ground beef – The base of the soup, providing a savory and filling protein.
- Italian sausage – Adds a flavorful kick, complementing the ground beef.
- Onion and garlic – For flavor in the base of the soup.
- Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce – To create the rich, tangy broth.
- Beef broth – To add depth to the soup.
- Lasagna noodles – Broken into pieces, these provide that familiar lasagna texture.
- Ricotta cheese – Gives the soup a creamy, cheesy richness.
- Mozzarella cheese – For that melty, gooey cheese topping that’s a hallmark of lasagna.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a little extra cheesy flavor.
- Seasonings – Basil, oregano, salt, and pepper for that perfect Italian seasoning blend.
What to Have with Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread – A perfect side to dip into the soup.
- Side salad – A light green salad with a vinaigrette adds a fresh balance to the richness of the soup.
- Crusty bread – A simple crusty bread is great for sopping up the broth.
- Roasted vegetables – Roasted broccoli or zucchini complement the soup nicely.
Is Lasagna Soup Healthy?
While lasagna soup is rich and comforting, it can be made healthier by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, or by adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. You can also adjust the amount of cheese to make it lighter. It’s a filling soup, but when made with lean protein and lots of veggies, it can be a balanced and nutritious meal.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional, or use all ground beef)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and, if using, the Italian sausage. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As the meat cooks, you’ll notice some grease collecting in the pot. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it to avoid an overly greasy soup. Keeping a little fat in the pot, however, helps retain flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t turn bitter. At this point, the kitchen will be filled with the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, signaling the start of a flavorful soup.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the meat mixture. Next, add the beef broth, which will create the soup’s base. Stir in the dried basil and dried oregano, ensuring the flavors blend evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop that deep, rich lasagna taste.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Once the soup has simmered and developed its flavors, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir well to make sure they are fully submerged in the broth. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot. If the soup thickens too much during this step, you can add a little extra broth or water to maintain the right consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Topping
While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheesy topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This mixture will serve as a creamy, melty topping that mimics the layers of a classic lasagna.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are fully cooked, remove the soup from heat. Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mixture. As the heat from the soup melts the cheese, it creates a creamy, cheesy layer that makes every bite taste just like traditional lasagna. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan.
Enjoy your homemade lasagna soup with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for chilly nights and is sure to be a family favorite!
Tips
- Add more vegetables – You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the soup to boost the nutrition and flavor.
- Make it vegetarian – Omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding extra beans or veggies like mushrooms and lentils for protein.
- Use gluten-free noodles – If you need a gluten-free version, just substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed.
2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes, lasagna soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove.
3. Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! You can use a combination of different cheeses like Gouda, provolone, or Parmesan for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
Lasagna soup is a great way to enjoy the flavors of classic lasagna without all the layers and fuss. It’s quick, easy, and full of delicious flavors that everyone loves. This soup is perfect for busy nights or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you make it for your family or share it with friends, it’s sure to be a hit!
MORE RECIPES

Lasagna Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stirring spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional, or use all ground beef)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and, if using, the Italian sausage. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As the meat cooks, you'll notice some grease collecting in the pot. If there is excess fat, carefully drain it to avoid an overly greasy soup. Keeping a little fat in the pot, however, helps retain flavor.
- Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t turn bitter. At this point, the kitchen will be filled with the rich aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, signaling the start of a flavorful soup.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the meat mixture. Next, add the beef broth, which will create the soup’s base. Stir in the dried basil and dried oregano, ensuring the flavors blend evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop that deep, rich lasagna taste.
- Once the soup has simmered and developed its flavors, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Stir well to make sure they are fully submerged in the broth. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot. If the soup thickens too much during this step, you can add a little extra broth or water to maintain the right consistency.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the cheesy topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. This mixture will serve as a creamy, melty topping that mimics the layers of a classic lasagna.
- Once the noodles are fully cooked, remove the soup from heat. Ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mixture. As the heat from the soup melts the cheese, it creates a creamy, cheesy layer that makes every bite taste just like traditional lasagna. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan.