Hearty lasagna soup bowl

This lasagna soup transforms all the best parts of traditional lasagna into a quick and cozy bowl of comfort. The rich tomato sauce mingles with tender noodles and a creamy cheese topping to create a hearty meal that comes together in under an hour. Perfect for weeknights when you want lasagna flavors without the fuss of layering and baking, this soup is loaded with savory goodness and just the right touch of warmth.

Ingredients

• Italian Sausage or Ground Beef: provides a savory, seasoned base that makes the soup hearty. If you choose leaner ground meat, adding olive oil helps boost flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: create the essential flavor foundation yellow onions add natural sweetness, and fresh garlic gives the best aroma.
• Tomato Paste: deepens the flavor and should be browned with the meat to bring out richness.
• Crushed Tomatoes: form the robust tomato base, and fire-roasted versions add a smoky layer.
• Chicken Broth: adds body to the soup but vegetable or beef broth works well depending on your preference.
• Lasagna Noodles: are broken into large pieces and added near the end to avoid mushiness but other pastas like mafalda or bowtie can be used.
• Italian Seasoning, Basil, and Oregano: are crucial for that classic lasagna herb profile.
• Ricotta Mozzarella and Parmesan: recreate the creamy cheesy top layer with ricotta mixed with salt and pepper giving a luscious dollop.
• Optional add-ins: like red pepper flakes for heat or spinach and mushrooms for extra veggies add layers of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage or ground beef breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until nicely browned around 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat but keep a little to maintain flavor for the next steps.

Add the Onion and Garlic:

Stir in the diced onion cooking until it softens and becomes fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.

Toast the Tomato Paste:

Add the tomato paste directly to the pot and stir well into the meat mixture. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes which deepens the flavor and adds richness to the soup.

Add Tomatoes Broth and Seasoning:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth next. Stir in Italian seasoning along with oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and if you like some heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring everything up to a gentle boil.

Add the Broken Lasagna Noodles:

Turn the heat down to a simmer and add the lasagna noodles breaking them into bite-sized pieces first. Stir carefully to prevent sticking and simmer the soup for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender but not falling apart.

Adjust Flavor and Thickness:

Check the consistency if it’s too thick add another half cup of broth or water. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper or herbs if needed.

Prepare the Cheese Topping:

In a small bowl mix ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth. Shred fresh mozzarella and parmesan cheese ready for topping the soup.

Serve with Cheese:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Spoon a generous dollop of ricotta on top then sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan. The heat will melt the cheese creating that signature lasagna warmth.

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for three to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight making it even tastier the next day. For freezing separate the broth and meat mixture from the pasta then freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove adding fresh noodles and a splash of broth to refresh the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner protein. For vegetarian versions use mushrooms extra veggies and vegetable broth instead of meat. Different pasta shapes like bowtie penne or mafalda work just as well and sometimes make the soup more fun to eat. You can also swap chicken broth for beef broth for an even richer taste.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad such as Caesar or arugula with lemon dressing balances the richness. Roasted veggies like zucchini broccoli and mushrooms offer a great side to round out the meal. Homemade focaccia or parmesan roasted potatoes add extra comfort if you want something heartier.

Pro Tips

Make sure to brown the meat well for building the deepest flavor base. Avoid adding noodles too early or they’ll get mushy; they should simmer just until tender. Browns the tomato paste with the meat before adding liquids for extra richness and complexity.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats wonderfully. For best texture, cook noodles separately and add them fresh when warming up.

→ Can this be frozen?

Freezing is possible if noodles are omitted. Pasta tends to become mushy after freezing, so add fresh pasta upon reheating.

→ How can I make a vegetarian version?

Swap the meat for mushrooms or extra vegetables and use vegetable broth to maintain rich flavors.

→ What pasta shapes work as substitutes?

Mini lasagna (mafalda), bowtie, rotini, rigatoni, or penne all hold the broth well and make great alternatives.

→ Is slow cooker preparation possible?

Yes, brown the meat first, then add ingredients (except noodles and cheese) and cook on low 6–7 hours. Add noodles near the end.

→ How to achieve a creamier texture?

Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end, or melt extra mozzarella directly into the broth.