Let's be honest: we all love eating lasagna, but making it on a Tuesday night? No thank you. The boiling, the layering, the hour-long bake time, it's a weekend project. This Lasagna Soup is my favorite way to cheat the system! It is the ultimate deconstructed lasagna, giving you all those rich, tomatoey, cheesy flavors in a one-pot soup that's ready in 30 minutes. It's all the reward with none of the work.
Lasagna Soup made with ground beef, sausage, spinach and three types of cheese creates the ultimate comfort meal. Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is one of my favorite soups! Imagine a soup with beef, garlic, onion, and tomato sauce with tender lasagna noodles throughout creating that classic lasagna experience. Tastes just like lasagna, but it's way easier to make with layers of cheesy noodles smothered in rich marinara in every spoonful.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
- How to Make Lasagna Soup
- My Top Tips for Lasagna Soup
- Making Lasagna Soup with My Family
- Substitutions for Lasagna Soup
- Variations for Lasagna Soup
- Equipment for Lasagna Soup
- Storage Tips for Lasagna Soup
- Adam's Tip for Lasagna Soup
- FAQ about Lasagna Soup
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Lasagna Soup
- All the flavor, none of the fuss: This lasagna soup recipe easy version gives you authentic lasagna taste without layering or long baking times.
- One-pot wonder: This one-pot lasagna soup means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner with your family.
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of broken lasagna noodles, beefy marinara broth, and three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) appeals to everyone.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup ingredients list includes everything you love about traditional lasagna. The beefy marinara broth uses crushed tomatoes & tomato paste base for depth, while broken lasagna noodles provide that signature pasta texture. The three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) creates that authentic lasagna experience, and Italian seasoning blend brings all the flavors together.
What You'll Need
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles & Greens:
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
For the Three-Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Broken lasagna noodles: Using broken lasagna noodles instead of other pasta gives you that authentic lasagna texture and appearance.
- Ground beef and sausage: The combination creates the beefy marinara broth that tastes just like traditional meat lasagna.
- Three-cheese topping: The three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) dolloped on each bowl creates that signature lasagna cheese layer.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step-by-Step Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking up as it cooks, until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes & tomato paste base.
- Add low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in Italian seasoning blend, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes kick.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop the beefy marinara broth flavors.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in savory spinach greens and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- If using, stir in heavy cream for a creamy optional finish (heavy cream).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan with parsley and basil.
- Ladle soup into bowls, dollop with the three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan), and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Hint: For 5 ingredient lasagna soup, use just ground beef, marinara sauce, broth, lasagna noodles, and mozzarella cheese.
My Top Tips for Lasagna Soup
Don't add the broken lasagna noodles too early or they'll become mushy and absorb too much liquid. Wait until the broth is fully flavored before adding pasta. The three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) should be dolloped on just before serving so it stays creamy and doesn't fully dissolve into the soup. If making ahead, cook the noodles separately and add them to bowls when serving. This technique is similar to what we use with our chicken tortellini soup, where proper pasta timing makes all the difference.
Making Lasagna Soup with My Family
Last Sunday, Adam helped me make this one-pot lasagna soup for dinner. He was fascinated by breaking the lasagna noodles into pieces. "This is fun, Mom! They make such a cool cracking sound!" he said excitedly. When it came time to mix the cheese topping, he carefully stirred the three cheeses together.
When we sat down to eat, Adam took a big spoonful with lots of cheese. "This tastes exactly like lasagna! But it's soup! How did you do that?" Grandma Viola tried hers and said, "Lasagna Soup made with ground beef, sausage, spinach and three types of cheese is absolutely brilliant. All the flavor without all the work of layering!"
Substitutions for Lasagna Soup
- Meat: Make lasagna soup vegetarian by skipping the meat and using plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables.
- Pasta: Use other pasta shapes if you don't have broken lasagna noodles, though it won't look as authentic.
- Cheese: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a similar texture but different flavor profile.
- Greens: Replace savory spinach greens with kale, Swiss chard, or skip them entirely.
Variations for Lasagna Soup
- Crockpot version: Make lasagna soup crockpot style by cooking everything except noodles and cheese on low for 6 to 8 hours, then add noodles in the last 30 minutes.
- Pioneer Woman version: Try the lasagna soup pioneer woman style by adding extra Italian sausage and fresh basil.
- White lasagna: Make a white version with chicken, Alfredo sauce, and white cheese for a completely different take. Check out this cheesy sausage lasagna soup for more inspiration.
Equipment for Lasagna Soup
- Large Dutch oven or pot: Essential for this one-pot lasagna soup with room for all ingredients and pasta.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the meat and stirring the beefy marinara broth.
- Ladle: For serving the soup neatly with plenty of noodles in each bowl.
- Mixing bowl: For combining the three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) before serving.
Storage Tips for Lasagna Soup
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The broken lasagna noodles will absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup base without noodles or cheese for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles and prepare cheese topping when serving.
- Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water to restore consistency.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and comfort food collections. The beefy marinara broth with broken lasagna noodles makes it ideal for family meals. It pairs beautifully with our tuscan white bean soup or taco soup when you want variety.
Adam's Tip for Lasagna Soup
"Make sure you get lots of the cheese topping in your bowl because that's what makes it taste like real lasagna. Also, if you dip garlic bread in the soup, it's really good. Don't skip the mozzarella cheese on top!"
FAQ about Lasagna Soup
What ingredients do you need for lasagna soup?
Essential lasagna soup ingredients include ground beef or sausage, crushed tomatoes & tomato paste base, low-sodium chicken broth, broken lasagna noodles, and the three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan). For this lasagna soup recipe easy version, we also add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning blend, and savory spinach greens. The red pepper flakes kick adds subtle heat. For a 5 ingredient lasagna soup, use just meat, marinara sauce, broth, noodles, and mozzarella.
What are the common mistakes when making lasagna soup?
The biggest mistakes with lasagna soup are: (1) Adding broken lasagna noodles too early, which makes them mushy, (2) Not using enough liquid, as noodles absorb a lot of broth, (3) Stirring the three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) into the soup instead of dolloping on top, which dilutes it, (4) Overcooking the savory spinach greens, making them lose color, and (5) Not browning the meat properly, which reduces the beefy marinara broth flavor. For one-pot lasagna soup, proper timing and layering of ingredients is key.
Does lasagna soup need heavy cream?
No, lasagna soup doesn't need heavy cream to be delicious! The creamy optional finish (heavy cream) is completely optional. The three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) provides plenty of creaminess on its own. If you want a richer beefy marinara broth, you can add ½ cup of heavy cream at the end, but traditional lasagna soup recipe easy versions often skip it. For lasagna soup vegetarian or lighter versions, the tomato-based broth with cheese topping is perfectly satisfying without any cream.
Is lasagna soup Italian food?
Lasagna soup is an Italian-American creation, not a traditional Italian dish. While it uses authentic Italian ingredients like broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning blend, ricotta, and mozzarella, it's a modern adaptation that makes lasagna easier to prepare. Traditional Italian cuisine doesn't include this specific soup, but it incorporates classic Italian flavors like the crushed tomatoes & tomato paste base, red pepper flakes kick, and savory spinach greens. Think of it as an American comfort food inspired by Italian lasagna, similar to how lasagna soup tiktok has made it popular with a new generation.
Conclusion
Here's to being a "lazy" chef! I hope this recipe satisfies that deep lasagna craving without wrecking your kitchen or your schedule. It's the smartest (and most delicious) shortcut in the book. This Recipe delivers all the flavors you love about lasagna in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
The beefy marinara broth combined with broken lasagna noodles and three-cheese topping (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan) creates that authentic experience in a bowl. Whether you make it traditional or try lasagna soup crockpot style, it's always a hit. This one-pot lasagna soup with Italian seasoning blend and savory spinach greens is pure comfort. Try our creamy cowboy soup or taco soup for more shortcuts. Enjoy!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lasagna Soup:
recipe
Easy Lasagna Soup One Pot Family Favorite
Equipment
- 1 Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot Large enough to hold pasta and broth without bubbling over.
- 1 Wooden spoon Ideal for breaking up meat and stirring safely with kids nearby.
- 1 Ladle Helps scoop plenty of noodles into each bowl.
- 1 Medium mixing bowl Used to combine the three cheese topping.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 0.5 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
For the Noodles and Greens
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup heavy cream optional
For the Three Cheese Topping
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. If using, stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, parsley, and basil.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with a scoop of the cheese mixture and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- If making ahead, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when reheating to keep the soup from thickening too much.
- This soup freezes best without the noodles or cheese topping added.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add mushrooms or plant based crumbles.
- Garlic bread on the side is highly encouraged and approved by my daughter.
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