Imagine everything you love about lasagna — the rich tomato sauce, savory beef, gooey cheese, and tender noodles — transformed into a warm, comforting soup. That’s exactly what Lasagna Soup delivers: all the flavor and comfort of the classic Italian dish, with half the effort and all the coziness.
It’s hearty, creamy, and soul-satisfying, with layers of flavor in every spoonful. The soup base is simmered with Italian herbs and garlic, while the pasta cooks right in the pot, soaking up all that saucy richness. A generous topping of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan melts beautifully into the broth, turning it into a cheesy dream come true.
Whether it’s a chilly night or you just need a comforting dinner that feels like a hug, this one-pot lasagna soup will hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Everything you love about lasagna — in soup form!
- One pot, minimal cleanup, and ready in under 40 minutes.
- Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting.
- Family-friendly and great for meal prep.
- Easily customizable with your favorite cheeses or veggies.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Traditional lasagna is amazing, but let’s be honest — it takes time. With this lasagna soup, you get the same rich flavors and cheesy goodness in a fraction of the time. The broth is infused with garlic, basil, oregano, and a touch of cream, creating a deep, comforting flavor that feels like it simmered all day.
This soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal on its own. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or lazy Sundays when you crave something cozy without the layers and baking time of a full lasagna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or any pasta shape)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Lasagna Soup (Step by Step)
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the soup base
Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the noodles
Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
Step 5: Make the cheese topping
In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until creamy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Ladle hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. The heat of the soup will melt it into creamy perfection.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Don’t overcook the noodles – They’ll continue to soften in the broth.
- Use quality marinara – A good sauce makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Add creaminess – Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half for a richer soup.
- Cook noodles separately if storing leftovers – Keeps them from soaking up all the broth.
- Add extra veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully.
- Use fresh herbs – Basil or parsley adds a pop of freshness before serving.
- Make it spicy – Add extra crushed red pepper or spicy sausage.
- Balance acidity – A pinch of sugar or drizzle of cream mellows the tomatoes.
- Top generously – Don’t skip the cheese topping — it’s what makes it lasagna.
- Double the batch – This soup freezes beautifully for future cozy meals.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Options: Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based meat.
- Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, kale, or diced zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese or skip the ricotta topping.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- White Lasagna Soup: Use chicken, Alfredo sauce, and spinach instead of marinara.
- Cheese Variations: Try provolone, fontina, or asiago for a new flavor twist.
- Broth Swap: Use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
- Add Wine: Deglaze with a splash of red wine before adding sauce for depth.
- Creamy Tomato Version: Add ½ cup heavy cream or mascarpone for velvety texture.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor beautifully.
What to Serve With Lasagna Soup
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Simple Caesar salad or arugula salad
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
- Glass of red wine (Chianti or Merlot pairs perfectly)
- Tiramisu or chocolate mousse for dessert
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to thin if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
To Freeze:
Freeze the soup without pasta for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook the noodles separately?
Yes, it’s the best option if you plan to store leftovers — this keeps them from getting soggy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and use veggie broth; add mushrooms or lentils for texture.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes — any small pasta like rotini, bowties, or penne works great.
Can I make it creamier?
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese, mascarpone, or heavy cream before serving.
Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes — cook the sauce and broth with browned meat on LOW for 6 hours, then add noodles during the last 20–25 minutes.
Can I add spinach or kale?
Definitely! Add greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add more tomato paste.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes — fresh basil or parsley adds wonderful flavor and color.
What cheese works best for topping?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan — together they create the perfect lasagna flavor.
Does it taste like lasagna?
Yes — it’s everything you love about lasagna, just in a spoonable, cozy form!