Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods worldwide, but have you ever tried lasagna soup? This dish transforms everything you love about traditional lasagna—rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, melted cheese, and tender noodles—into a warm and comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prepping, lasagna soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about lasagna soup: from ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions to customization ideas, nutritional benefits, and tips for storing leftovers.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup takes all the best parts of lasagna and turns it into a one-pot meal that’s much easier to prepare than the traditional layered version. Here are a few reasons why this dish is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires baking and layering, lasagna soup is made in a single pot on the stovetop.
- Rich and Flavorful: The broth is packed with a blend of Italian herbs, tomatoes, and savory meat, creating a deeply satisfying taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats well, making it great for leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can make it vegetarian, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: If you love classic lasagna, this soup will quickly become a new favorite.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a bowl of comforting goodness. Here’s what you need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (for extra nutrients)
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage), breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Simmer
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and let them cook in the broth for 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Make the Cheese Mixture
While the soup simmers, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a scoop of the ricotta cheese mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Let the cheese melt slightly before serving.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about lasagna soup is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Protein Variations
- Turkey Lasagna Soup: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Chicken Lasagna Soup: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
Different Pasta Options
- Instead of lasagna noodles, try rotini, bowtie, or any short pasta.
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
- For a low-carb option, substitute with zucchini noodles.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
- Replace ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Skip the meat and add lentils or chickpeas for protein.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side to soak up the broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or Italian salad adds a crisp contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts pair well.
- Cheesy Breadsticks: Because you can never have too much cheese!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Lasagna soup makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigeration:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Let the soup cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- If making for future meals, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from getting mushy.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
- Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Nutritional Benefits of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is packed with nutrients while still being a satisfying comfort food. Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: ~350-450 (depending on portion size and cheese amount)
- Protein: ~25g (thanks to beef and cheese)
- Carbs: ~45g (from noodles and tomatoes)
- Fats: ~15g (from meat and cheese)
- Fiber: ~5g (from tomatoes and any added veggies)
To make it healthier, consider using lean ground meat, whole wheat pasta, or adding extra vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort meal that combines the best of traditional lasagna with the ease of a one-pot dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and cozy, this soup will hit the spot.
Try this recipe and feel free to get creative with the ingredients to make it your own! Enjoy your bowl of hearty, cheesy, and delicious lasagna soup.
Would you like more soup recipes or other creative meal ideas? Let me know! 🍲😊
