If you’ve ever craved the comforting, hearty flavors of classic lasagna but didn’t want to deal with the layers, baking, and lengthy cooking time, lasagna soup is here to save the day. Imagine all the rich, cheesy, tomatoey goodness of traditional lasagna served in a steaming bowl of soup – it’s warm, satisfying, and surprisingly quick to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.
Lasagna soup takes all the essential elements of its baked counterpart – pasta, savory meat, robust tomato sauce, and creamy cheese – and transforms them into a lighter, quicker, and highly customizable meal. And the best part? It’s almost as fun to eat as it is to make.
Quick Lasagna Soup Recipe
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you’ll be creating:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 bowls
- Flavor profile: Rich, hearty, cheesy, slightly tangy, with aromatic herbs
This recipe will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy Italian trattoria in no time.
Ingredients Needed
To make a full-bodied lasagna soup, you’ll need a balance of fresh ingredients, pantry staples, and a few indulgent extras:
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Proteins & Base
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combo of both)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
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Liquids & Sauces
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water (optional, for thinning)
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Pasta & Carbs
- 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles (or regular pasta if preferred)
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Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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Cheese & Finishing Touches
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Making lasagna soup is as easy as making a regular soup – but with all the layered complexity of lasagna flavors. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Brown The Meat
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once browned, transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics
- In the same pot, add a bit of olive oil if needed and sauté onions until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Build The Broth
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and optional water.
- Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper.
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Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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Cook The Pasta
- Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup.
- Cook until pasta is al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
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Add Cheese
- Return the cooked meat to the pot.
- Stir in a portion of mozzarella to create cheesy, melty pockets in the soup.
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Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Ingredient Insights
Understanding each component helps you make a soup that’s both flavorful and balanced:
- Ground meat: Italian sausage adds extra spice and depth, but lean ground beef keeps it simple and mild.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide body; tomato paste adds concentrated sweetness and thickness.
- Pasta: Lasagna noodles are ideal for authenticity, but rigatoni or penne works beautifully too.
- Cheese: Ricotta offers creaminess, mozzarella adds stretch, and Parmesan delivers that salty, umami punch.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is bright and aromatic; oregano gives a classic Italian touch.
Expert Tips
- Avoid overcooking pasta: Add it towards the end so it retains texture.
- Make ahead: Soup can be refrigerated for 2-3 days, but cook pasta separately if storing, then combine when reheating.
- Boost flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar balances acidity in the tomato base.
- Vegan option: Substitute meat with lentils or mushrooms and use plant-based cheese.
Recipe Variations
Lasagna soup is highly adaptable, so you can make it your own:
- Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie-loaded: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- White lasagna soup: Use Alfredo sauce, chicken, and spinach instead of tomato base.
Final Words
Lasagna soup is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent without being fussy. It combines the soul-satisfying flavors of Italian comfort food with the ease and versatility of a hearty soup. Every spoonful delivers the cheesy, meaty, tomato-rich goodness you expect from lasagna, minus the hours in the kitchen.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For A Quick Lasagna Soup Recipe?
A typical quick lasagna soup recipe requires ground beef or Italian sausage, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken or vegetable broth, uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional toppings such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
How Long Does It Take To Make Quick Lasagna Soup?
The total preparation and cooking time is usually around 30 to 40 minutes, making it much faster than traditional lasagna recipes which can take over an hour.
Can I Make Quick Lasagna Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the meat with vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Adding a plant-based sausage alternative can also enhance the flavor.
Do I Need To Cook The Lasagna Noodles Before Adding Them To The Soup?
No, for a quick lasagna soup, uncooked lasagna noodles are broken into pieces and added directly to the simmering soup. They cook in the broth, absorbing flavors and reducing overall cooking time.
Can Quick Lasagna Soup Be Frozen For Later?
Yes, but it is best to freeze the soup before adding dairy toppings like ricotta or mozzarella. When reheating, add fresh cheese to maintain texture and flavor.
How Can I Make Quick Lasagna Soup Creamier?
For a creamier version, stir in a few tablespoons of cream, half-and-half, or milk toward the end of cooking. Adding a spoonful of ricotta cheese to each serving also enhances creaminess.
Is It Possible To Make Quick Lasagna Soup In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by browning the meat and sautéing vegetables first, then adding the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, adding noodles in the last 30 minutes.
What Are Some Common Toppings For Quick Lasagna Soup?
Popular toppings include shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dollops of ricotta, fresh basil, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.
Can I Use Gluten-free Noodles In Quick Lasagna Soup?
Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used. Break them into pieces as usual and add them to the soup, but be aware that cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand and type of noodles.
How Do I Adjust The Seasoning In Quick Lasagna Soup?
Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat, and fresh herbs like basil or oregano enhance the overall flavor.