Name: Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ lb lean ground beef; ½ lb Italian ground sausage; 1 tsp olive oil; ½ cup yellow onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (24 oz) jar red pasta sauce or marinara; 7 cups beef or chicken broth; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ¼ tsp salt (more to taste); ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp crushed dried oregano; ½ tsp dried thyme; 9-10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 3 cups fresh baby spinach; ½ cup shredded Parmesan; 1 cup fresh ricotta; 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the hearty, cozy flavors of classic lasagna without the long wait and fuss, then say hello to the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe. This dish captures every comforting bite of lasagna in a rich, flavorful soup that’s fast to make and perfect for any night you crave something warm and satisfying. With layers of savory ground beef and Italian sausage, vibrant herbs, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a luscious blend of cheeses, this soup is a total game-changer and an instant family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface for making lasagna. At the top left, there is a white bowl with a block of mozzarella cheese, next to it a clear glass bowl with ricotta cheese and a fork inside. Near that is a small white bowl with yellow olive oil. To the right side, there are chopped onion and garlic and a white bowl filled with mixed seasoning of salt, pepper, and red flakes. Three yellow lasagna noodles are placed diagonally in the center. Below the noodles, a black dish holds a small block of parmesan cheese. On the bottom right, a glass bowl contains raw ground beef and ground sausage together. Nearby is a clear measuring cup with broth. On the left side, a white bowl with fresh green spinach leaves, a small white bowl of bright red tomato paste, and a white bowl with red tomato sauce are visible. A light-colored cloth is partially visible on the far left. All items are neatly placed, showing various textures and colors from creamy white to red, green, yellow, and beige. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key for this recipe, and surprisingly, it’s the simple components that bring all the magic together. Each item is chosen to build robust flavor, pleasing texture, and that classic lasagna essence you adore.

½ lb lean ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s not too greasy, making the soup hearty but balanced.
½ lb Italian ground sausage: Adds a fragrant spice and depth that truly elevates the flavor profile.
1 tsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and melding flavors.
½ cup yellow onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch after cooking down.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic warmth that’s quintessential to Italian dishes.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving the soup a beautiful depth and richness.
1 24 oz jar red pasta sauce or marinara: The heart of the soup’s saucy goodness, combining well with broth and spices.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds.
¼ tsp salt (*more to taste): Enhances all other flavors, so taste and adjust as you go.
¼ tsp black ground pepper: Provides a subtle kick and rounds out the spice.
¼ tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for a richer profile.
½ tsp crushed, dried oregano: Delivers that unmistakable Italian herb flavor.
½ tsp dried thyme: Adds depth and earthiness that meld perfectly with the meat.
7 cup beef or chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that brings everything together — choose beef broth for extra richness.
9-10 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The star pasta that simulates lasagna layers in the soup form.
3 cup fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy pop of color and smooth texture.
½ cup shredded parmesan: Boosts the umami and adds a nutty finish.
1 cup fresh ricotta: Creams up each serving, providing that classic lasagna cheesiness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts wonderfully when mixed with ricotta to create a luscious topping.

How to Make Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by breaking your lasagna noodles into fourths and setting them aside—this makes the soup easier to enjoy without long strands of pasta tangling your spoon. Next, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial to develop flavor through caramelization while rendering out some fat. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside. Don’t forget to soak up or drain off excess grease—that keeps the soup from being greasy and lets the other flavors shine.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add your onions. Use a teaspoon of olive oil if needed or simply cook them in the remaining meat juices for extra flavor. Sauté the onions until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, the gentle sweetness a perfect base. Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly so it doesn’t burn. The real secret here is adding the tomato paste next and letting it cook directly in the pot for a minute before mixing—this caramelization step transforms it from ordinary paste to a rich, almost smoky flavor booster.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Now, stir in all the seasonings, red pasta sauce or marinara, broth, and the browned meat. Bring everything to a low simmer and then add the broken lasagna noodles. Cover the pot and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. This simmering marries all the flavors beautifully. Near the end, add the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the soup for a touch of fresh green goodness.

Step 4: Cheese it Up

Finally, stir the shredded Parmesan into the soup to deepen the cheesy, savory notes. In a small bowl, mix ricotta with shredded mozzarella for a creamy topping. When serving, ladle the soup into bowls and generously dollop this luscious cheese blend on top. Watch as it melts slightly, making each spoonful the comforting lasagna flavor punch you’ve been craving.

How to Serve Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with a soup showing three clear layers: the bottom layer is a bright orange-red broth, slightly oily, with a smooth texture; the middle layer has wide, flat yellow pasta pieces partly submerged in the broth; on top of these pasta pieces lies a generous pile of cooked ground meat, lightly browned with small crumbles, and scattered around are dark green spinach leaves with a soft texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Best Lasagna Soup Recipe truly shine, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness, while a crack of fresh black pepper wakes up the senses. For those who love texture, toasted garlic bread on the side for dipping is an absolute winner.

Side Dishes

This soup stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad complements the hearty flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can also offer roasted vegetables or a fresh antipasto platter with olives and marinated artichokes to round out the meal in true Italian fashion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy crowd, serve the soup family-style in a large ceramic bowl with individual ramekins of the ricotta-mozzarella mixture on the side so everyone can customize their bowls. Another fun idea is to top each serving with a golden crostini layered with melted cheese and a sliver of fresh tomato for an edible garnish that doubles as a snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You’re going to want to save every last bit of this soup because it tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles soak up more broth overnight, thickening the soup into an even more comforting meal.

Freezing

Lasagna soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid breaking down the noodles too much.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, simply add a few splashes of broth or water to loosen it up. For individual servings, microwaving works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles for this soup?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use gluten-free lasagna noodles and adjust the cooking time accordingly, since gluten-free pasta can have different cooking durations and textures.

Is it necessary to use both beef and Italian sausage?

Using both meats gives the soup a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. However, you can substitute with all beef, all sausage, or even ground turkey if you prefer a leaner version.

Can I prepare the soup without breaking the noodles?

Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly and makes the soup easier to eat. Whole noodles will take longer to cook and might make serving a bit tricky, but you can try adding smaller pasta shapes instead if you prefer.

How spicy is this soup?

The red pepper flakes add just a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering it. You can easily adjust the amount up or down to suit your spice tolerance.

What’s the best way to serve this soup to kids?

Many kids love this soup because it tastes just like lasagna in a bowl! To make it more kid-friendly, you can skip the red pepper flakes and serve the ricotta-mozzarella topping on the side so they can add as much or as little as they want.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like curling up with a bowl of the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe when you want a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this soup delivers all the joy of classic lasagna without the hassle. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new favorites to share with family and friends.

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