Lasagna Soup

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Lasagna has always been one of my favorite comfort foods, but let’s be honest—sometimes, I just don’t have the time or patience to layer everything and wait for it to bake. That’s why I love Lasagna Soup! It has all the rich, cheesy, and savory goodness of classic lasagna but in a warm, hearty bowl of soup that comes together in a fraction of the time.

This one-pot wonder is loaded with tender pasta, seasoned ground meat, a flavorful tomato broth, and, of course, plenty of cheese. A dollop of ricotta on top melts into the soup, giving it that creamy, indulgent texture we all crave. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, meal prep, or serving a crowd without all the hassle of traditional lasagna.

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Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

• All the flavors of lasagna, but easier – No need to layer and bake for an hour. This soup is ready in about 30 minutes!
• One-pot meal – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup, making this a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Customizable – You can switch up the meat, pasta, or cheese to fit your taste or dietary needs.
• Great for leftovers – The flavors get even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Cozy and hearty – A warm, cheesy bowl of lasagna soup is pure comfort in every bite.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Since this soup is inspired by classic lasagna, I love using broken lasagna noodles to keep the traditional texture. The ruffled edges give the dish an authentic feel, soaking up the rich tomato broth beautifully. If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, don’t worry! Other pasta shapes like mafaldine, bowtie, or even rotini work well. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately if you plan on storing leftovers to prevent it from getting too soft.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about lasagna soup is how adaptable it is. Here are some easy swaps to fit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Meat Options – Use ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Broth Base – Beef broth adds depth, but you can use chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Pasta Alternatives – If you’re avoiding gluten, try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
• Dairy-Free – Skip the ricotta and use a dairy-free alternative, or just top with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Extra Veggies – Bulk up the soup with mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
• Spice Level – If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to spice things up!

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Ingredients for This Lasagna Soup

Each ingredient in this lasagna soup plays a key role in creating a rich, hearty, and comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Meat – Traditional lasagna uses beef or sausage, and both add a deep, savory flavor to the broth. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Onion & Garlic – These aromatics build the foundation of the soup’s flavor, making it taste just like a slow-simmered sauce.
• Tomato Paste – Intensifies the richness of the broth and gives that signature lasagna taste.
• Crushed Tomatoes – Forms the tomato base of the soup, providing a hearty and slightly tangy depth.
• Beef or Chicken Broth – Helps create the perfect balance between a thick and soupy consistency.
• Italian Seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary to replicate classic lasagna flavors.
• Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces, these noodles give the soup its authentic lasagna texture.
• Ricotta Cheese – A creamy, slightly sweet topping that melts into the soup for that signature lasagna feel.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan – The cheesy topping that makes every bite extra indulgent.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley – Adds a fresh, herby finish that brightens up the flavors.

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Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then brown the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.

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Step 2: Build the Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

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Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Let them cook in the broth, stirring occasionally, until they are tender—this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and add it to individual servings.

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Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

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How Long to Cook the Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Cooking the meat and aromatics – 5-7 minutes
• Simmering the broth and tomatoes – 5 minutes
• Cooking the pasta in the soup – 10-12 minutes
• Final touches and serving – 3-5 minutes

If you’re meal-prepping or making this ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when serving to avoid it becoming too soft.

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Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup

• Brown the meat well – Letting the beef or sausage develop a nice sear adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Use high-quality tomatoes – A good brand of crushed tomatoes can make all the difference in taste.
• Simmer for extra flavor – If you have time, let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes before adding the pasta for a deeper, more developed taste.
• Cook pasta separately for leftovers – To prevent mushy noodles, store them separately and add them to the soup when reheating.
• Don’t skip the cheese topping – The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combo makes this soup taste just like a real lasagna!
• Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra ricotta for a richer, silkier texture.
• Add a kick of heat – Red pepper flakes or a little cayenne can bring a touch of spice if you like a little heat.

These simple tricks will help you get the most delicious bowl of lasagna soup every time!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though lasagna soup is easy to make, a few small mistakes can impact the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the pasta – If you let the pasta sit in the soup too long, it will become mushy. Cook it separately if you plan on having leftovers.
• Not draining the meat – Excess grease can make the soup overly oily, so be sure to drain the fat after browning the meat.
• Skipping the tomato paste – This ingredient adds depth and richness to the broth, making it taste more like traditional lasagna.
• Using too much broth – If you want a thicker, heartier soup, don’t add too much liquid. You can always adjust the broth to your preference.
• Not seasoning properly – Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Forgetting the cheese topping – The ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan combination truly makes this soup taste like lasagna. Don’t skip it!
• Letting it sit too long before serving – The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so serve the soup right away or add more broth when reheating.
• Not stirring while cooking – Pasta can stick together or to the bottom of the pot, so stir occasionally to keep it evenly distributed.

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What to Serve With Lasagna Soup?

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, here are some delicious pairings:

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich tomato broth.

2. Side Salad

A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds a nice, light contrast to the hearty soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms complement the flavors of lasagna soup beautifully.

4. Bruschetta

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic on toasted bread add a refreshing bite to your meal.

5. Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks

Warm, gooey breadsticks filled with melted cheese are a perfect cheesy companion to this dish.

6. Antipasto Platter

A small platter of olives, cured meats, and cheese makes for a great appetizer before serving the soup.

7. Italian Sausage or Meatballs

If you want extra protein, serve a side of Italian sausage or homemade meatballs.

8. Red Wine or Sparkling Water

A glass of red wine like Chianti or a bubbly Italian soda pairs well with the rich tomato base of the soup.

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Storage Instructions

Lasagna soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If the pasta is in the soup, it will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
• Freezer: If you plan to freeze it, store the soup without the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

For best results, cook and store the pasta separately to avoid mushy noodles when reheating!

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Estimated Nutrition

The nutrition facts will vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, but here’s an estimate per serving (about 1 ½ cups):

• Calories: ~400-500
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~7g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Sodium: ~900mg

For a lighter version, use ground turkey, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, and reduce the cheese. Want it extra indulgent? Stir in a splash of cream or top with extra cheese!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes! If making ahead, cook the soup without the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta.

2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Absolutely! Just be sure to freeze it without the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat and add fresh pasta when serving.

3. What’s the best pasta to use?

Broken lasagna noodles are the best for an authentic taste, but you can also use mafaldine, rotini, or bowtie pasta.

4. How do I make lasagna soup creamy?

For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a little heavy cream or extra ricotta cheese just before serving.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, adding the pasta during the last 30 minutes.

6. How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Skip the meat and use plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

The best way is to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when serving. This way, it won’t soak up all the broth while stored.

8. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta, offering a similar creamy texture with more protein.

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Conclusion

Lasagna soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the extra effort. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of rich Italian flavors, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.

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