Lasagna soup has officially stolen my heart as the ultimate weeknight comfort food! I remember the first time I tried making a deconstructed lasagna soup, and it was a revelation – all the amazing flavors I adore in lasagna, but in a delicious, slurpable soup. This easy lasagna soup captures that cheesy, tomato-y goodness with tender noodles, all in one pot. The aroma filling my kitchen as it simmers is pure happiness, and it’s so satisfying to know I can have this hearty meal on the table in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
You’re going to adore this delightful soup for so many reasons. It truly is the best way to enjoy lasagna flavors without all the fuss!
- Incredible Taste: It delivers all the rich, savory, and cheesy flavors you crave from traditional lasagna.
- Super Quick Prep: This is truly an easy lasagna soup, ready in under an hour from start to finish.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this comforting and familiar dish.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.
- Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a filling meal that will keep you warm and satisfied.
- Versatile: This easy lasagna soup is perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
Gathering your lasagna soup ingredients is the first step to this delightful meal. I always make sure to have everything prepped before I start cooking, which makes the process so much smoother.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – the base for sautéing our aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef – for that classic lasagna flavor and heartiness
- 1 small onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds essential sweetness and depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fragrant and flavorful, a must-have
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – the savory liquid base for our soup
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes – provides a rich tomato flavor and texture
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce – adds another layer of tomato goodness
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – these cook right in the soup, making it a true one-pot wonder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, cheesy topping
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – adds a creamy, tangy element
- Salt and pepper, to taste – to season perfectly
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) – a pop of freshness and color
How to Make Lasagna Soup
This one pot lasagna soup is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and comforting. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
- Step 1: Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned, about 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off.
- Step 2: Toss in the 1 small onion, diced, and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. The kitchen will start smelling amazing!
- Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Now for the magic of this quick lasagna soup! Add the 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, directly into the simmering liquid. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom. They’ll become perfectly tender right in the soup!
- Step 5: Once the noodles are tender, it’s time to season your lasagna soup. Taste it and add salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and a generous dollop of 1/2 cup ricotta cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if you like!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks along the way that really elevate this comforting dish. Follow these tips for an even more amazing bowl of lasagna soup!
- For the richest flavor, use good quality crushed tomatoes and broth.
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles; they should be al dente as they’ll continue to soften in the hot soup.
- A small pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning can give your soup a lovely, subtle warmth.
- Make sure to let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving.
What’s the secret to perfect Lasagna Soup?
The secret to a truly perfect lasagna soup is building layers of flavor. Sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant before adding the liquids and using a good quality Italian seasoning blend makes all the difference for the best lasagna soup. For more delicious recipes, check out our recipes section.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the soup base (everything up to adding the noodles) a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and then cook the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Lasagna Soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the noodles, which can make them fall apart. Also, remember to break the noodles into smaller pieces so they are easier to eat in the soup. Don’t skip seasoning to taste at the end! For a similar comforting meal, try our turkey meatloaf recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to make it feel even more special. Serving this Italian lasagna soup is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Simple Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra dose of flavor, some cheesy garlic bread is always a welcome addition.
Nutrition Facts for Lasagna Soup
This delicious lasagna soup is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. It’s a great way to enjoy those classic lasagna flavors in a lighter, soup form.
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, consider our Zepbound weight loss recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Lasagna Soup
This hearty lasagna soup is wonderful for meal prep, and it stores and reheats beautifully. After cooking, let your delicious soup cool down a bit on the counter for about 30 minutes to an hour before packaging. This helps prevent condensation, which can make things soggy. For refrigeration, divide the soup into airtight containers. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wait until it’s completely cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems a bit thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
What is lasagna soup?
Lasagna soup is essentially all the delicious flavors of a classic baked lasagna, but transformed into a comforting, slurpable soup. It typically includes a tomato-based broth, ground meat (or vegetarian alternative), herbs, and broken lasagna noodles, often topped with ricotta and mozzarella cheese. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the taste of lasagna without the lengthy cooking and assembly time.
How to make lasagna soup without noodles?
If you’re looking for a lasagna soup without noodles, you have a few great options! You can substitute the broken lasagna noodles with other hearty elements like small pasta shapes (like ditalini or elbow macaroni), or even small meatballs. For a lower-carb version, you can omit the noodles entirely and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for texture and flavor. Some recipes even use cauliflower rice. For a similar low-carb option, try our keto cottage cheese bread recipe.
What’s the best way to make lasagna soup ahead of time?
To make lasagna soup ahead of time, I recommend cooking the noodles separately and storing them apart from the soup base. This prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft or mushy. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup base, then add the cooked noodles and stir in the cheese toppings. This way, you get that perfect noodle texture every time.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze leftover lasagna soup! It makes for a wonderfully convenient meal later. However, it’s best to freeze the soup base without the noodles and cheese toppings. Once you reheat the soup base, you can then cook fresh noodles and add the cheese. This ensures the best texture for both the noodles and the creamy cheese elements.
Variations of Lasagna Soup You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic lasagna soup recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many delicious ways to switch things up and make this comforting dish your own. Exploring these variations is part of the fun!
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: For a meat-free version, simply omit the ground beef or swap it for plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying vegetarian lasagna soup that’s just as flavorful.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or a swirl of sriracha when serving for a kick. This spicy lasagna soup is fantastic on a chilly evening.
- Low-Carb Lasagna Soup: To make a lower-carb version, skip the lasagna noodles altogether. Instead, add extra vegetables like chopped zucchini, spinach, or even cauliflower rice for texture. This keeps the classic flavors while reducing the carbs.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: For an extra decadent bowl, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end of cooking until smooth. This adds a wonderful richness to the soup.
Lasagna Soup: 1 Delicious One-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty soup that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a quick and easy one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- The noodles will soak up the broth the longer it sits, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
- If you plan on freezing, cook the noodles separately and add them after reheating.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat or use veggie crumbles and vegetable broth.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soups
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
