If you love the comforting flavors of Italian lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, you’re going to adore this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna rolled into a warm, soul-soothing bowl of soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a big hug from your food. Loaded with tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and three kinds of cheese swirling together, this dish satisfies every craving and warms you right to the core.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a savory, mouthwatering soup where every element plays a vital role. From the robust flavor of ground beef to the creamy cheeses that add decadence, each ingredient is essential for crafting this delicious comfort meal.
- Olive oil: A splash of richness that helps brown the beef and meld flavors beautifully.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty depth that makes this soup satisfyingly filling.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base when sautéed.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant kick that enhances the Italian profile.
- Crushed tomatoes: The vibrant, tangy body of the soup that’s full of natural umami.
- Beef broth: Builds a rich, savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that makes the flavors sing.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces for perfect pasta comfort in every spoonful.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds silky creaminess and a mild tang that balances the tomato acidity.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness for irresistible texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish that keeps you coming back for more.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten and personalize the soup to your taste.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly to develop a rich, robust flavor that forms the backbone of your soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once your beef is beautifully browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about three minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant, layering in sweet, aromatic depth that’ll blend marvelously with the tomato base.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the pot. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, so the flavors meld and the broth thickens just right.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Now break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces—this is key for the soup’s texture. Stir them into the pot and simmer for another 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfectly cooked but not mushy.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The creamy cheeses melt into the soup creating a luscious, velvety texture that’s truly heavenly. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Ladle the soup into bowls while piping hot and prepare to enjoy the satisfying, cheesy blend that feels like a warm embrace in every bite.
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or fresh chopped basil on top for a fresh, vibrant touch. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add an exciting layer of richness and gentle heat if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread pairs beautifully, balancing the rich soup and adding a delightful crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic mugs for an inviting, casual look, or ladle into mini casseroles and sprinkle cheese on top for an au gratin finish before serving. It’s perfect for entertaining or cozy evenings with the family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the soup to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers even tastier.
Freezing
This Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes well. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to two months. Just remember, cheeses can sometimes change texture after thawing, but the taste remains fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this soup?
It’s best to use regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces as instructed. No-boil noodles may not cook properly in the soup’s liquid, potentially leaving you with unevenly cooked pasta.
Is it possible to use instant pot or slow cooker for this soup?
Yes! Brown the meat using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, then add ingredients and cook under pressure for 6 minutes. Slow cookers can also be used, cooking on low for about 4-6 hours, adding noodles towards the end.
Can I prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time?
You can measure and combine the cheeses beforehand, storing them in the fridge until ready to add. This helps streamline the cooking process without compromising flavor.
What if I want my soup less thick?
Simply add a little extra beef broth or water while simmering to achieve the preferred consistency. Adjust seasonings afterward to maintain flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy meal that hits all the right notes of comfort and flavor, this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. It’s quick, satisfying, and so flavorful—perfect for sharing with family or diving into on a chilly evening. Give it a try and discover how wonderfully warming and delicious a bowl of lasagna soup can be.
Print
Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Hearty Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Featuring ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles simmered to perfection, this dish is finished with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Lasagna Noodles and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a warming meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based beef crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Lasagna noodles can be substituted with other pasta types if desired.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences; adding crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
