If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna but without the fuss, Easy Lasagna Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. Every spoonful delivers rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and melty cheese — all in a single bowl. You get everything you love about lasagna, but it’s quicker, lighter, and made in just one pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or simply want to indulge in a warm, hearty meal, this Easy Lasagna Soup never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this dish is how each simple ingredient pulls its weight, layering the soup with deep flavor, hearty texture, and that signature lasagna nostalgia. No fancy tricks here — just the real building blocks of comfort food.
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Adds hearty, savory depth; sausage will bring even more Italian spice if you love a little zing.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and body to round out the flavors.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with irresistible aroma and warmth.
- Beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together; use low-sodium if you prefer.
- Crushed tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and a classic tomato punch.
- Tomato sauce: Adds a smooth, rich tomato backdrop for the other ingredients.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives body to the broth.
- Italian seasoning: The essential blend of herbs that whispers “lasagna.”
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that perks up each bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Your flavor balancers; season to taste.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces so every bowl brims with pasta goodness.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy clouds for topping, just like a lasagna’s middle layer.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot soup for that gooey, stretchy finish.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of salty, nutty magic for the top.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the whole bowl with fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage, if you want a little more spice) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This step is all about building that delicious savory base. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat — you want flavor, not grease!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add your diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the browned meat. Let them cook together for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the whole kitchen smells like pure comfort. This quick sauté brings out the natural sweetness of the onion and really wakes up the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a dollop of tomato paste, then stir in the beef broth. Toss in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling bold), and season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring everything to a friendly boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes — this is when all those flavors start to meld into lasagna bliss.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces right over the pot. Stir them in and let the soup simmer for another 10–12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Give everything a gentle stir from time to time so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 5: Cheese It Up and Serve
Ladle the hot Easy Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a scattering of fresh basil or parsley is the perfect finishing touch. Dig in while it’s piping hot and watch the cheese melt into the soup!
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A scoop of ricotta, a shower of shredded mozzarella, and a little Parmesan on top make this Easy Lasagna Soup taste just like the classic baked version. For a pop of color and freshness, some chopped basil or parsley is always welcome. If you like a little heat, try a pinch more red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
Pair your bowl with thick slices of toasted garlic bread or a crusty Italian baguette for dunking — trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette also balances out the richness and makes this meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve Easy Lasagna Soup in big mugs with the cheese toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own bowl. Or, for a rustic family meal, bring the pot straight to the table and let everyone help themselves. You can even make mini “lasagna soup shooters” for a playful appetizer at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before reheating. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This soup is freezer-friendly! Simply cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container (leave a little space for expansion). It will keep for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the cheese toppings and add them fresh when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens up, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it to your desired consistency. You can also microwave single servings in a bowl, then top with fresh cheese and herbs.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While the broken lasagna noodles give the soup its signature feel, you can swap in any short pasta you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this Easy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more texture and flavor.
What if I want a creamier soup?
For a silky, creamy finish, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream just before serving. It gives the Easy Lasagna Soup a luscious, decadent texture that’s hard to resist.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check all your other ingredients (like broth and cheese) to be certain they’re gluten-free as well.
How can I add more veggies to this recipe?
Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini when you sauté the onions and garlic. The soup is super forgiving and welcomes all kinds of veggie boosts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s cozy, satisfying, and downright fun, Easy Lasagna Soup is the answer. It packs all the flavors you crave in a classic lasagna but with a fraction of the time and effort. Give it a try — I promise, one spoonful and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, cozy soup. It features ground beef, tomatoes, tender lasagna noodles, and a trio of cheeses, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant, building a flavorful base for your soup.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and simmer for an additional 10–12 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream just before serving.
- You can swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles if dietary restrictions require it.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a richer, more flavorful soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
