Can I cook the noodles directly in the soup?

Yes, though it's not ideal for leftovers. If taking this approach, break the noodles before adding them to the boiling soup, and add an extra cup of broth to compensate for absorption. Cook just until the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables or include plant-based meat substitutes for a heartier texture. The cheese toppings can remain for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based cheese alternatives for a fully vegan soup.

What's the best way to cut the lasagna noodles?

Kitchen scissors work wonders for this task. After cooking the noodles to al dente, drain them and allow them to cool slightly before snipping into bite-sized pieces. For easier handling, you can toss the drained noodles with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For slow cooker: Brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer to the slow cooker with all other ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding separately cooked pasta at the end. For Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the meat and aromatics, add remaining ingredients except pasta and cheese, pressure cook for 10 minutes with natural release, then stir in separately cooked pasta.

Lasagna Soup Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24oz.) jar pasta sauce; 5 cups chicken broth; 1 (14oz.) can crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 10 uncooked lasagna noodles; Mozzarella cheese, shredded; Parmesan cheese, grated; Ricotta cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

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This Lasagna Soup transforms the classic Italian casserole into a hearty, comforting bowl of goodness you can enjoy with a spoon! Combining all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna—rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and tender noodles—but in a deliciously slurpable form. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time for all those layers. The best part? It comes together in just under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that still delivers that slow-cooked Italian taste everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the Flavor, Half the Work: Get the taste of homemade lasagna without the hassle of layering and hour-long baking times.
One-Pot Wonder: Most of the magic happens in a single Dutch oven or large pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
Customizable: Whether you prefer extra cheese, different proteins, or want to sneak in more veggies, this soup adapts to your preferences perfectly.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to love this soup—it’s like a familiar favorite in a whole new format.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Just a touch to start things off, helping to brown the meat and sauté the aromatics for maximum flavor development.
Ground beef: The foundation of our lasagna flavor—lean works best to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that infuses the entire soup with flavor.
Garlic: Because what’s Italian cooking without garlic? It adds essential depth and aroma.
Pasta sauce: Your shortcut to instant flavor! Choose your favorite jarred sauce to personalize this recipe.
Chicken broth: Creates the soup base while adding richness and complexity.
Crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor that makes this truly taste like lasagna.
Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that delivers that classic Italian profile in one simple step.
Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes—trust me, it makes a difference!
Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial for bringing all the flavors together.
Lasagna noodles: The star of the show! They’re cooked separately and cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect soup spoonability.
Cheese trio (mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta): These create that authentic lasagna experience when dolloped on top of each steaming bowl.
Fresh parsley: A final flourish of color and fresh flavor to brighten everything up.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this soup your own? Here are some delicious twists:

Protein Swaps

Replace the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a zestier version, or use ground turkey for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute plant-based crumbles or skip the meat entirely and add extra vegetables.

Veggie Boost

Toss in some diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for additional nutrients and color.

Cheese Alternatives

Try smoked mozzarella for a more complex flavor, or use dairy-free cheese alternatives if you’re avoiding dairy. Cottage cheese works beautifully as a substitute for ricotta.

Pasta Options

If you don’t have lasagna noodles, use bowtie pasta, rotini, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat apart as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the pasta sauce, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavors

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and creates a rich, deep flavor base.

Step 4: Prepare the Noodles

While the soup simmers, cook the lasagna noodles in a separate pot according to package directions for al dente. Once cooked, cut them into bite-sized pieces using kitchen scissors.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cut noodles to the soup just before serving. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella, a dollop of ricotta, a dusting of parmesan, and some fresh parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook noodles separately: This prevents them from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy if you have leftovers.
Season in layers: Taste and adjust seasoning as you go for the most balanced flavor.
Don’t rush the simmer: Those 30 minutes of simmering are crucial for developing deep flavor—don’t be tempted to cut this short.
Cut noodles after cooking: It’s much easier to cut cooked lasagna noodles than trying to break them up beforehand.
Fresh herbs make a difference: If you have basil on hand, a few torn leaves make an amazing addition to the garnish.

How to Serve

Lasagna Soup is practically a meal in itself, but here are some perfect companions:

Bread Pairings

Serve with crusty garlic bread, breadsticks, or a slice of focaccia for the perfect soup-dunking experience.

Simple Sides

A light green salad with Italian dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich soup. For an authentic Italian dinner, start with a small antipasto plate.

Beverage Match

Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese if you’re having an adult dinner, or a sparkling water with lemon for family meals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the soup and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the pasta from absorbing all the broth and becoming soggy.

Freezing

The soup base (without noodles or cheese) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Add fresh noodles to each serving, or gently stir in refrigerated noodles during the last minute of reheating.

FAQs

Can I cook the noodles directly in the soup?

Yes, though it’s not ideal for leftovers. If taking this approach, break the noodles before adding them to the boiling soup, and add an extra cup of broth to compensate for absorption. Cook just until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables or include plant-based meat substitutes for a heartier texture. The cheese toppings can remain for a vegetarian version, or use plant-based cheese alternatives for a fully vegan soup.
What’s the best way to cut the lasagna noodles?

Kitchen scissors work wonders for this task. After cooking the noodles to al dente, drain them and allow them to cool slightly before snipping into bite-sized pieces. For easier handling, you can toss the drained noodles with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For slow cooker: Brown the meat and sauté aromatics first, then transfer to the slow cooker with all other ingredients except pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding separately cooked pasta at the end. For Instant Pot: Use the sauté function for the meat and aromatics, add remaining ingredients except pasta and cheese, pressure cook for 10 minutes with natural release, then stir in separately cooked pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting, familiar flavors of traditional lasagna to your dinner table in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. The combination of rich tomato broth, tender noodles, and that signature cheese blend creates a bowl of comfort that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for meal-prep options, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. So grab a ladle, some crusty bread, and dive into a bowl of this cozy, crowd-pleasing soup—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!