Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you love all the cozy comfort of lasagna but want something quicker and lighter, this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine all those familiar Italian flavors wrapped up in a warming bowl of soup — perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something hearty without the fuss of layering pasta sheets and baking for hours. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I need a little comforting joy that’s both satisfying and simple.

What really makes this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe special is how effortlessly it delivers all the best parts of classic lasagna with minimal prep and clean-up. Plus, it’s super flexible, so if you have a picky eater or want to sneak in some extra veggies, it’s no problem at all. I love making a big pot because it’s just as good the next day — if not better!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe blend simple pantry staples with fresh touches to create layers of flavor. Shopping for these is straightforward, and you probably already have most of them at home. Let me guide you through some key tips to keep your soup tasting just right.

• Olive Oil: Use a good quality oil to sauté your beef and aromatics; it adds a nice depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean for a good balance of flavor and fat, but you can substitute ground turkey if you want it lighter.
• Onion: Yellow onions work beautifully here for their sweetness when softened.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential to get that vibrant punch, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned): Don’t drain these; the juices help build your soup’s base.
• Tomato Sauce (or puree): Adds richness and body to the broth.
• Tomato Paste: Just a little bit amps up the tomato flavor dramatically.
• Chicken Broth: I like to use a low-sodium variety so I can control the salt level better.
• Water: To adjust the soup’s thickness — add more if you like it more broth-y, less for a stew-like consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: The herb blend brings classic Italy right to your kitchen.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Season gradually and taste as you go.
• Bowtie Pasta: This pasta shape stands up well in soup without getting mushy fast — but rigatoni or ziti also work great.
• Ricotta Cheese: For that creamy texture that reminds you of classic lasagna layers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that stringy, cheesy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or shaved makes all the difference here.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish that balances the richness.

Variations

I like to switch up this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe depending on what’s in season or what my cravings tell me. Feel free to adjust it so it feels like your own version of comfort food — I’ve found that small tweaks can make it exciting again!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for mushrooms or lentils—rich and hearty with a similar texture. I’ve done this on meatless Mondays and it never disappoints.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick. It wakes up the flavors beautifully.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for a nutrient boost. Just add them after the beef is browned.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth label to keep it safe — tastes just as delicious!
• Cheese Swap: I sometimes try smoked mozzarella or a sprinkle of provolone for a smoky, rich note.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Base

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. This is where your soup gets its meaty foundation, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a bowl and drain excess fat if you want to keep it lighter. Then, toss in your diced onions and garlic into the same pot and sauté until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes. The onions soften and garlic releases its aroma here, creating a beautiful flavor base.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Broth

Add your diced tomatoes (with all their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste directly into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together to mingle those flavors nicely. Pour in chicken broth and then add water to reach your desired soup consistency—start with about a cup and adjust. Now sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This gives the tomatoes time to mellow and the herbs to infuse, making the broth rich and comforting.

Step 3: Pasta Time

Stir your pasta into the simmering soup and cook until just tender—usually about 10-12 minutes, depending on the pasta you use. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy. This is a key moment; you want the pasta cooked through but still firm enough to hold up in the soup. Once it’s almost done, stir the cooked ground beef back in so all those flavors combine beautifully.

Step 4: Serve It Up with Cheese

Ladle your soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and shaved Parmesan over the ricotta, and finish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. The ricotta adds a creamy finish that mimics the gooey, cheesy layers of a traditional lasagna without the effort. I’ve found this last step totally makes the soup feel indulgent — perfect for cozy nights in.

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh parsley and a good sprinkle of Parmesan as garnishes in this soup because they bring that brightness you need right before digging in. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or cracked black pepper on top to finish things off. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh basil leaves work beautifully too.

Side Dishes

Since the soup is so filling, I usually keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some toasted garlic bread to soak up all that delicious broth. On special occasions, I’ve served this with a caprese salad to complement the tomato and cheese flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this soup in small, elegant crocks to make each bowl feel special. You could also layer it in individual mason jars for grab-and-go lunches. Adding little skewers of mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes on the side adds a playful nod to classic lasagna ingredients, making the presentation even more fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it holds up well for 3 to 4 days. Because the pasta continues to soak up broth, I usually keep some extra broth on hand to stir in when reheating so it doesn’t dry out. This little trick keeps it tasting fresh and just as comforting as the first night.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is totally possible, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly before freezing because it can become mushy otherwise. Freeze the soup without the cheese toppings, which I add fresh after thawing. When I thaw, I do it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I find the best results come from warming it gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the pasta. Stir often to keep everything evenly heated and creamy. Add cheese just before serving to keep that luscious melty texture alive.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup recipe has become one of my absolute favorites when I want comfort food that’s straightforward and satisfying without a ton of time or cleanup. It hits those nostalgic notes of traditional lasagna but in a fresh, playful way that feels relaxed and approachable. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or anytime you want a bowl of cozy goodness that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Print