When the weather gets chilly and your family is craving something warm and comforting, this easy lasagna soup is the answer. It’s the perfect fusion of all the delicious flavors of a traditional lasagna but in a cozy, hearty soup form. No more fussing with layering noodles and ricotta cheese. Just throw everything into one pot, let it simmer, and you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness ready in no time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this simple lasagna soup recipe has got you covered!
The Basics of Making Easy Lasagna Soup
- What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients
Lasagna soup is made with familiar, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. This recipe requires ground beef, canned tomatoes, pasta, cheese, and a few seasonings. Using simple ingredients makes this recipe both easy and affordable.- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Onion and garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Beef broth or vegetable broth
- Pasta (such as rotini or mafaldini)
- Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Cooking Tools and Equipment
You don’t need anything fancy to prepare lasagna soup! A large pot or Dutch oven is your best friend here. It gives you enough space to cook all your ingredients without crowding, which allows the flavors to develop perfectly. A good ladle for serving and a sharp knife to chop your onions and garlic will also be helpful.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
- Step-by-Step Instructions
The beauty of lasagna soup lies in its simplicity. Here’s a breakdown of the process:- Cook the Meat: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If you’re using turkey or chicken, it’s just as easy to swap them in.
- Sauté Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and the beef broth. Stir to combine. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the pasta and let it cook until al dente. You can use any pasta that’s sturdy enough to hold up in a soup. Mafaldini, rotini, or even broken-up lasagna noodles work great.
- Cheese Layer: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the ricotta (or cottage cheese) and mozzarella until they melt into the soup, creating that comforting, cheesy goodness.
- Finish with Parmesan: Before serving, sprinkle fresh Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
- Why This Recipe Works
Lasagna soup is so easy to make, yet feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The rich tomato base combined with hearty meat and melted cheese make it the perfect comfort food. Plus, you can make it in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have the time to fuss over a traditional lasagna.
Easy Lasagna Soup
Description
A simple and hearty soup that combines all the best flavors of lasagna into a one-pot wonder. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
4 cups beef broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup rotini or other short pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Pour in the tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning, and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
Add the ricotta and mozzarella, stirring until melted.
Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.
Variations and Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
Add More Veggies for Extra Flavor and Nutrition:
If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, lasagna soup is a fantastic dish to do so! Vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers can be easily added without altering the flavor too much.
- Zucchini: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture that pairs well with the meaty broth. You can slice it thinly or chop it into small chunks, and stir it in with the pasta.
- Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach or even frozen spinach works beautifully in this soup. Add it toward the end of cooking and let it wilt in the hot broth, adding color and nutrition.
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green peppers add a touch of sweetness and a little crunch. Dice them up and sauté them with the onions and garlic for a deeper flavor before adding them to the soup.
Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey or Chicken:
While ground beef is the traditional choice for lasagna soup, you can easily make this dish lighter by swapping in ground turkey or ground chicken. Both options will still give you a hearty, filling soup without as much fat. If you’re looking for a leaner soup, ground turkey breast is a great choice, while ground chicken offers a mild flavor that still holds up well in the broth.
- For extra flavor, sauté the turkey or chicken with Italian sausage seasoning or a pinch of fennel to mimic the flavor of sausage without actually using it.
Make It Vegetarian or Vegan:
This soup can easily be adapted for vegetarians or vegans by making a few swaps. Instead of ground meat, you can use plant-based ground meat (like lentils, crumbled tempeh, or plant-based crumbles), which will soak up the delicious broth and provide a satisfying texture. You can also add in more veggies to make it a hearty vegetable soup.
- For Vegan Cheese: Swap the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew ricotta or vegan mozzarella.
- For Non-Dairy Creaminess: If you want to make the soup creamy without dairy, you can stir in a splash of coconut milk or a spoonful of cashew cream to achieve that same rich texture.
Use Different Pasta Shapes:
Traditional lasagna uses long noodles, but the beauty of lasagna soup is that you can use any small pasta shape that holds up well in a soup. Rotini, fusilli, penne, and shells all work great in this dish. Even broken lasagna noodles can be tossed in if you prefer a more authentic feel.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles) for a low-carb alternative. Be sure to cook the zucchini noodles separately to avoid them becoming too soggy.
Keep It Creamy with More Cheese:
For an ultra-creamy lasagna soup, don’t be afraid to add extra cheese! While ricotta and mozzarella are the standard, you can mix in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or even cream to make the soup extra indulgent. Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, velvety texture. You can even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top when serving for a tangy, creamy finish.
Turn Up the Heat:
If you love a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the soup. For an even bolder flavor, try adding crushed chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy kick. If you prefer a tangy heat, stir in a small amount of sriracha sauce or hot sauce. These additions can easily be adjusted to your spice tolerance.
Substitute for Broth:
For a different flavor base, try using chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This can give the soup a lighter, slightly different flavor profile, especially if you’re making a vegetarian or vegan version. For a more savory, rich broth, you could even use bone broth for extra nutrients and depth of flavor. If you’re watching sodium levels, look for low-sodium broth or make your own broth from scratch.
Make It Ahead and Freeze for Later:
Lasagna soup makes a great dish to prepare in advance. Since the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight, it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can also freeze the soup for later use, making it a convenient dish for busy nights. When freezing, it’s best to store the soup and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and soggy when reheated. This will allow you to enjoy it at a later time with a fresh, homemade taste.
Serving and Storing Lasagna Soup
How to Serve Lasagna Soup:
Once your lasagna soup is ready, it’s time to serve up this comforting dish! Ladle the soup into large bowls, ensuring everyone gets a good amount of the hearty pasta and meaty broth. For an extra touch of richness, sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top. If you like a bit of color and freshness, garnish with some fresh basil or parsley. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread goes wonderfully with this soup, perfect for dipping into the savory broth. You can also serve a simple side salad with mixed greens or a Caesar salad to complete the meal. If you’re looking to make it a little more festive, a light drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze on top before serving adds an elegant flair.
How to Store Lasagna Soup:
If you have leftovers (which is always a plus), storing them is easy! Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and improve the next day, making it even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing Lasagna Soup:
Lasagna soup also freezes wonderfully! To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion if you’re using containers. This soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup is too thick after freezing, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Reheating Leftovers:
Reheating lasagna soup is quick and easy. You can warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For a faster option, you can microwave individual servings in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes or until hot. If the soup has thickened too much, simply add a little more broth or water and stir to combine.
Storage Tips:
If you plan on storing the soup for more than a day or two, it’s best to keep the cheese toppings (like mozzarella or ricotta) separate until serving. This prevents them from becoming too soft or greasy in the soup.
If you’ve made a large batch and want to store the pasta separately, that’s a great option as well. Keep the soup and pasta in separate containers to prevent the pasta from soaking up all the broth. When you reheat, simply combine the two for a fresh serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While ricotta and mozzarella are the traditional choices, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even provolone for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this lasagna soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and add more veggies, like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini, to make it a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add plant-based cheese for extra creaminess.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, lasagna soup can be made ahead of time. Just cook it and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even better the next day.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicy kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup base. If you like it extra hot, consider adding a bit of hot sauce to taste.
Conclusion
This easy lasagna soup is not only simple and quick but also packed with all the flavors of your favorite lasagna. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving comfort food on a weeknight. With a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, cheesy meal ready in under 30 minutes. Make this soup once, and it’ll likely become a regular in your dinner rotation.