Name: Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional); Fresh basil, for serving; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces marinara sauce); 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

I absolutely love cozy, comforting dishes that bring all the flavors of a classic favorite into a bowl, which is why this Lasagna Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my top go-tos. It captures everything I adore about traditional lasagna—the rich meatiness, savory tomato sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses—but in a way that comes together much faster and feels perfect for chilly nights, casual dinners, or feeding a crowd. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, and I can’t wait to share with you how simple and delicious it is to make.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

What really excites me about this Lasagna Soup Recipe is how deeply flavorful it is without being complicated. The combination of ground beef and Italian sausage gives the broth a rich, meaty depth, while the tomato paste and homemade marinara build a bright and tangy base that balances beautifully against the creamy cheese topping. The fresh spinach adds a subtle pop of color and nutrition, and the herbs like basil and oregano bring that unmistakable Italian essence I crave. It tastes like all the best parts of lasagna but lighter and more refreshing in soup form.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. I love how you can brown the meat, sauté some aromatics, and then let everything simmer together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The broken lasagna noodles cook right in the broth, which is such a fun way to repurpose traditional pasta! Plus, this soup is incredibly versatile—it’s perfect for weeknight meals when I’m pressed for time, yet impressive enough to serve guests or enjoy for a cozy Sunday dinner. I honestly think you’ll find it just as comforting and satisfying as I do.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the first part of the image, a large white pot holds browned ground meat cooked with bits of onion, showing a mix of dark brown and light gray colors with a wooden spoon resting inside. The second part of the image shows the same pot with the browned meat partly covered by a bright red tomato paste layer sitting on top, with a yellowish liquid being poured in from a white container, while the wooden spoon stays in the pot. The background is a white marbled surface, and the pot is centered in both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Lasagna Soup Recipe are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the savory proteins to the fresh herbs and luscious cheeses, every addition makes this soup feel special and authentic.

Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, rich base flavor with just enough fat to keep the meat juicy.
Ground Italian sausage: Adds a punch of seasoning and savory depth to complement the beef.
Yellow onion, chopped: Gives a sweet and aromatic foundation to the soup.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, bringing out their natural flavors and preventing sticking.
Garlic, minced: Offers pungent, mouthwatering notes essential for any Italian-inspired dish.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a richer broth.
Homemade or store-bought marinara sauce: Provides the bulk of the tomato base with herbs and spices.
Red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat to keep things interesting.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Brings fresh, herbaceous brightness both inside the soup and as a garnish.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that deepen the flavor profile.
Low sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light and allows the tomato and meat flavors to shine.
Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The fun twist—these cook right in the soup to give that signature pasta texture.
Fresh spinach leaves (optional): Adds a green, nutritious touch and a lovely color contrast.
Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mellow layer of richness to balance the acidity.
Mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully and gives that classic cheesy stretch.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Fresh basil for serving: A fragrant finishing touch that elevates every bowl.

Directions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage until they are fully cooked through and have developed a nice caramelized color. Be sure to season them with salt and freshly ground pepper as they cook. Once browned, drain off any excess grease and remove the meat from the pot to set aside.

Step 2: Return the pot to the stove and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook it with the onions and garlic for a minute to deepen its flavor. Next, pour in your marinara sauce along with the red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix everything well to create a vibrant sauce base.

Step 4: Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and return the cooked meat back into the pot. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then carefully add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender—this will take about 10 to 12 minutes. If you are using spinach leaves, stir them in during the last few minutes so they just wilt.

Step 5: While the soup simmers, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This cheesy blend is what makes the soup feel indulgent and lasagna-like.

Step 6: Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls and generously dollop the cheese mixture on top. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite!

Servings and Timing

This Lasagna Soup Recipe yields about 7 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is around 15 minutes, which mainly includes chopping onions and garlic and breaking the lasagna noodles. Cook time is approximately 35 minutes, covering the meat browning, sautéing, simmering, and noodle cooking. Altogether, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish—making it a manageable meal for weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. There’s no additional resting time needed; I recommend serving it hot for the best comforting experience.

How to Serve This Lasagna Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick lasagna soup showing several layers: a rich red tomato broth forms the base layer with visible bits of browned ground meat and herbs. On top, there are soft, wavy pasta strips partly covered with melted, creamy white cheese that blends smoothly into the soup. A silver spoon lifts a scoop with a pasta strip, some meat, and cheese, revealing the texture of the ingredients. In the background, a green basil leaf adds a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serving this Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of my favorite parts because it’s so inviting and versatile. I love pairing it with crunchy garlic bread or a warm focaccia to soak up all that delicious broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly. For added comfort, you can even serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.

When it comes to garnishing, I find that fresh basil leaves add a wonderful punch of color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving elevates each bowl visually and flavor-wise. For presentation, I serve the soup in deep bowls for a cozy vibe and to hold a good amount of both broth and cheese topping. Portion sizes are generous here; you can adjust by serving smaller bowls for a starter or bigger ones for a hearty entrée.

As for drinks, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with the tomato-based broth and Italian spices. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced herbal tea complements the flavors without overpowering them. This soup is ideal served piping hot, especially on cooler days or casual family gatherings where comfort is key. I often make it on chilly weeknights because it warms me up from the inside out.

Variations

One of the best things about this Lasagna Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. For example, if you prefer a lighter meat option, you can swap out the beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken without losing that savory heartiness. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and add extra mushrooms or lentils for protein, using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. I also love adding different greens such as kale or Swiss chard if I want a more robust vegetable presence.

For dietary modifications, gluten-free lasagna noodles or even gluten-free pasta shapes can be used instead of traditional lasagna noodles. Vegan versions are possible too—just substitute the meat with plant-based crumbles, use a dairy-free marinara sauce, and replace ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based or tofu-based cheese alternatives. Adding nutritional yeast gives a lovely cheesy flavor as well. Feel free to experiment with spices like fennel seed or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

If you want to boost convenience, you can make this soup using an electric pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed up the cooking time. Just brown the meat using the sauté function, then add all ingredients and cook under pressure for around 7 minutes. This method yields tender noodles and rich flavors much faster, perfect for busy nights.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend storing any leftover lasagna soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent spills. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Refrigerate the soup promptly and it will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days. Before storing, allow it to cool slightly at room temperature but don’t leave it out for more than two hours.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully! When you plan to freeze it, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date to keep track. Frozen lasagna soup stays at peak quality for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to help the noodles rehydrate evenly. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring because the noodles and cheese can heat unevenly. Adding a fresh dollop of the ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mixture or some grated Parmesan on top right before serving really revives the flavors and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually tastes great the next day once the flavors have had more time to meld. I recommend making the cheese topping fresh just before serving, but you can prepare the soup base a day ahead and store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.

What can I use if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can substitute with broken pieces of other pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or broken spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the shape and size of your pasta.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the ground beef and sausage and increase the amount of vegetables. Mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes work well to add texture and protein. Remember to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How spicy is this soup?

The recipe includes a small amount of red pepper flakes, which add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less according to your taste preference.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the topping?

You can, but I find that shredding your own mozzarella and grating fresh Parmesan really makes a difference in meltability and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that brings the essence of traditional lasagna to your table in a fun new way, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with rich meatiness, vibrant tomato flavors, tender noodles, and dreamy cheesy goodness that will warm you up and satisfy your cravings. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy those cozy, homemade vibes as much as I do!