Lasagna Soup transforms all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a wonderfully warm, hearty, and simple-to-make soup. It’s the perfect bowl of comfort for any occasion.
The Ultimate Comfort: Easy & Delicious Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
When the craving for classic lasagna hits, but time is short or you’re seeking a less labor-intensive option, this Lasagna Soup recipe comes to the rescue! This delightful twist on a beloved Italian dish delivers all the rich, savory flavors and cheesy goodness you adore, but in a comforting, spoonable format. Imagine tender pasta, savory meat, a rich tomato broth, and decadent cheese layers, all mingling in one pot. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that satisfies the soul.
Forget the fuss of layering noodles and multiple baking dishes. Our easy Lasagna Soup recipe brings all those iconic flavors — robust tomato, seasoned ground meat, fragrant herbs, and a blend of cheeses — into a single pot. It’s incredibly adaptable, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that can be on your table faster than you can say “mamma mia!” Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
This isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience. Lasagna soup offers a myriad of benefits that make it a standout dish and a recurring favorite in countless homes:
- Effortless Preparation: Unlike traditional lasagna with its multiple layers, complex assembly, and lengthy baking time, this soup comes together in a single pot, significantly reducing cleanup and hands-on prep. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort but are short on time.
- Unmatched Comfort: Few dishes can rival the comforting embrace of a warm, savory soup on a chilly day. This recipe hits all the right notes for ultimate coziness, making it perfect for fall, winter, or any time you need a comforting pick-me-up.
- Family Favorite: With its familiar flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fantastic way to introduce Italian flavors in a fun, accessible format and encourage everyone to enjoy a balanced meal together.
- Incredibly Customizable: Whether you prefer more vegetables, a different type of meat, or extra cheese, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. It easily adapts to dietary needs or personal preferences, allowing you to truly make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common pantry staples and affordable ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and pasta, it’s an economical choice for feeding a crowd or ensuring delicious leftovers throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping, this soup (with a few smart adjustments regarding pasta) freezes beautifully, making future busy weeknights or unexpected guests a breeze. Cook a large batch and enjoy the convenience later.
“10 STARS!!! Fabulous! My wife said to keep this recipe. Thanks for sharing!”
– C.J.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
Mafalda pasta is a charming choice for this soup because its ruffled edges perfectly mimic miniature lasagna noodles, offering both visual appeal and a great texture for catching the rich broth. However, if it’s not readily available in your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with 6-8 regular lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces. Other excellent alternatives that work wonderfully in this soup include rotini, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), campanelle, or even medium-sized shells. The key is to use a pasta shape that can hold up well in a hearty soup and provides a satisfying bite.
Absolutely! This soup is incredibly delicious and satisfying even without meat, making it a fantastic option for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat consumption. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef entirely. You can enhance the flavor and heartiness by adding more vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or fresh spinach (stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking). For a more substantial vegetarian version, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute during the initial browning step with the onions and peppers.
Yes, Italian sausage is an absolutely fantastic substitute for ground beef in this lasagna soup recipe, and it’s a common variation for a reason! You can use either sweet Italian sausage for a milder, more classic flavor, or spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of a kick and an extra layer of warmth. Just remove the sausage from its casings and brown it as you would the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. The pre-seasoned nature of Italian sausage will infuse the soup with an even deeper, more complex, and wonderfully aromatic flavor profile.
Yes, you can certainly prepare the lasagna soup base ahead of time, which is a brilliant strategy for making weeknight dinners incredibly convenient! Cook the soup up to the point just before adding the pasta (this corresponds to Step 4 in our detailed recipe instructions below). It’s crucial not to add the pasta at this stage if you plan to store the soup. Allow the soup base to cool completely to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup base to a gentle boil on the stovetop, then add the pasta and cook until tender (following Step 5). This method prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and overcooked if it sits in the liquid for too long.
Lasagna soup freezes beautifully, but with a crucial best practice in mind: freeze it *without* the pasta and any added cheese (especially mozzarella or ricotta, which can change texture upon thawing). Prepare the soup base as described for making it ahead of time (up to Step 4, before pasta and cheese). Allow it to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. Once it’s simmering, add your fresh pasta and cook until tender, then stir in the Parmesan and top with mozzarella/ricotta as desired. Freezing without pasta ensures the noodles maintain their perfect texture upon reheating, giving you a fresh-tasting bowl every time.
Absolutely, the slow cooker (crock pot) is a fantastic, hands-off way to make lasagna soup, perfect for when you want a warm meal waiting for you! Start by browning the ground beef, onion, and green pepper in a skillet on your stovetop (remember to drain any excess grease). Transfer this cooked mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot. Add all the remaining ingredients—chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and brown sugar—except for the pasta and the cheeses. Stir everything together well, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours. About 30-45 minutes before serving (or when the soup base is fully cooked), stir in your broken pasta pieces, cover again, and continue cooking until the pasta is tender. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve, topped generously with mozzarella or a dollop of creamy ricotta.
Allow any leftover lasagna soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly for up to 4 days. While the pasta may soften slightly upon storage and reheating (as it continues to absorb liquid), the flavors will often deepen and meld even further, making for an equally delicious meal the next day. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, you can thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
Essential Ingredients for Your Lasagna Soup
Crafting the perfect Lasagna Soup starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with tips for customization and understanding their role in the dish:
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of our soup. We recommend using a lean ground beef (like 80/20 or 90/10) to ensure a rich flavor without excessive grease. As discussed, ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) or ground turkey are excellent alternatives if you want to switch things up.
- Aromatics (Onion, Green Pepper, Garlic): These three ingredients are the backbone of flavor in many Italian-inspired dishes. Diced yellow or white onion adds a sweet, pungent base, while green bell pepper contributes a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly bitter note. Freshly minced garlic, added at the end of the browning process, provides an essential aromatic depth. If you’re not a fan of green peppers, a red or orange bell pepper can offer a sweeter alternative, or you can omit it entirely.
- Seasonings (Ground Thyme, Italian Seasoning, Salt): This blend of dried herbs and spices brings the signature Italian flavor profile to your soup. Ground thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty note, while Italian seasoning (typically a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) ties all the flavors together seamlessly. Adjust salt to taste, especially if using pre-salted broths or canned goods.
- Brown Sugar (The Flavor Balancer): While it might seem unconventional to add sugar to a savory soup, a small amount of brown sugar is a clever culinary trick often used in tomato-based sauces. It doesn’t make the soup sweet; rather, it balances and cuts through the natural acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing their inherent sweetness and creating a more rounded, less sharp flavor profile. You won’t detect the sugar itself, but you’ll notice the improved depth and harmony of flavors. You can omit it if preferred, but we highly recommend giving this secret ingredient a try!
- Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of our rich soup. Opt for low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth to give you greater control over the overall saltiness of the finished dish. For an even beefier flavor that perfectly complements the ground beef, you could certainly use beef broth instead. Vegetable broth is also a suitable choice, particularly for vegetarian versions of this soup.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes: These add a wonderful chunky texture and bursts of concentrated tomato flavor throughout the soup. For an extra layer of herbaceousness and convenience, look for petite diced tomatoes that come with basil and oregano already added – it’s a simple yet effective way to amp up the Italian essence with minimal effort.
- Tomato Sauce: This provides the smooth, rich tomato foundation that gives the soup its classic lasagna character. Similar to the broth, if managing sodium intake is a priority, choose a low or no-sodium option for the tomato sauce.
- Mafalda or Lasagna Pasta: As thoroughly discussed in our FAQs, Mafalda pasta is an aesthetically pleasing choice, but broken regular lasagna noodles work just as well and are often more accessible. The main goal is to use bite-sized pasta that cooks tenderly within the broth, soaking up all the wonderful, savory flavors of the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and distinctly umami depth when stirred into the hot soup, contributing to its authentic Italian profile. While the pre-grated variety in the green container works in a pinch, fresh Parmesan melts more beautifully and offers a superior, more nuanced flavor. Don’t be shy with this essential cheese!
- Mozzarella Cheese and/or Ricotta Cheese (Toppings): These cheeses are the crowning glory for each bowl of Lasagna Soup, providing that essential creamy, cheesy finish. Shredded mozzarella melts into luscious, stretchy strings, while a dollop of creamy ricotta adds a contrasting coolness and rich texture to the hot soup. Offer both, or let everyone choose their favorite for topping their individual bowls, creating a personalized lasagna experience.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lasagna Soup
Creating this flavorful Lasagna Soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy, detailed steps for a perfect bowl every time:
Brown the Meat and Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 diced green bell pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables soften, typically about 5-7 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning and ensures its fragrant aroma infuses the mixture. Once the meat is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. Return the seasoned ground beef mixture to the pot.
Brown ground beef with onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Build the Flavor Base: To the browned meat and vegetables in the pot, add 1 teaspoon ground thyme, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 Tablespoon brown sugar. Stir well to coat all the ingredients and allow the spices to bloom for about one minute, releasing their full aromatic potential. Pour in the 32 ounce carton of chicken broth, 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of petite diced tomatoes (undrained), and 15 ounce can of tomato sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive soup base.
Simmer and Develop Flavors: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the entire soup mixture to a rolling boil. Once it has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it gently simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for allowing all the individual flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and robust broth that is characteristic of classic lasagna.
Simmer the soup to deepen flavors. Add the Pasta: After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, increase the heat slightly back to medium. Add 2 cups of broken Mafalda pasta (or your chosen substitute, such as broken lasagna noodles) to the pot. Stir well to ensure that all the pasta pieces are fully submerged in the simmering liquid and cook evenly. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other. Remember, you can break the pasta into pieces as small or as large as you prefer.
Add pasta and cook until tender. Finish with Parmesan: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it completely melts and is fully incorporated into the soup. This step adds a creamy, salty, and savory finish that truly brings home the lasagna flavor.
Stir in Parmesan cheese for richness. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle generous portions of the hot Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with your choice of shredded mozzarella cheese (which will melt beautifully from the residual heat), a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese for a rich contrast, or even both! A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley can add a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread or a fresh side salad for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Serve hot, topped with mozzarella or ricotta cheese.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Elevate your Lasagna Soup with these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta will continue to absorb liquid even after the heat is turned off. Cook it just until al dente in the soup, as it will soften further as it sits. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta slightly less to prevent it from becoming mushy later, or follow our make-ahead/freezing instructions and add pasta upon reheating.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup after it simmers and again after adding the Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt, black pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Remember, flavors intensify as they meld, so start conservative and add more if necessary.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or oregano just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a lovely aromatic touch that enhances the overall Italian experience.
- Serving Suggestions: This soup is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or a hearty loaf of crusty Italian bread perfect for dipping into the rich broth. A glass of medium-bodied red wine also complements the flavors beautifully.
- Dealing with Thickness: If your soup becomes too thick (which can happen, especially with leftovers as pasta absorbs more liquid), simply thin it out with a splash of extra chicken or vegetable broth when reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Craving More Italian-Inspired Recipes?
If you loved this comforting Lasagna Soup, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious Italian-inspired dishes and cozy soup recipes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these related favorites:
- Easy Skillet Lasagna
- Lasagna for Two
- Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Homemade Baked Lasagna
- Sheet Pan Lasagna
- Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
- Mexican Lasagna
- Hamburger Helper Lasagna
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Hamburger Vegetable Soup
- Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- 25 Fall Soup Recipes
Original Publication Date: September 2012
Latest Update & Republish: September 2025
The Best Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending all your favorite lasagna flavors into one incredibly easy and satisfying soup. Perfect for a cozy meal any night of the week!
(43 Reviews)
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Ingredients
Instructions
In a large pot, brown and crumble 1 pound ground beef along with 1 small onion, diced and 1 green bell pepper, diced.
Add in 3 cloves garlic, minced during the last couple of minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn and stir.
Drain excess grease from the ground beef mixture. Put ground beef back into the pot.
Stir in 1 teaspoon ground thyme, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 32 ounce carton chicken broth, 2 (14.5 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, and 15 ounce can tomato sauce. Stir well and bring mixture up to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and gently simmer for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, add in 2 cups broken Mafalda pasta. Stir. Simmer until pasta is tender (about 10 or so minutes). Stir occasionally. Note: break these up as small or as large as you prefer.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Ladle soup into bowls. Then top each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Video Tutorial
Chef’s Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- We like to serve this with a side salad and some garlic bread.
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 89g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 468mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that this nutritional information is an estimate. “The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Calorie counts and other nutritional values can vary significantly based on specific brands, exact measurements, and chosen substitutions. If precise nutritional data is important to you, we recommend calculating it using your preferred online nutritional calculator with the exact ingredients you use.
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