Hearty Lasagna Soup: A Weeknight Comfort Bowl (Print Version)

Lasagna Soup: Your favorite cheesy, rich lasagna flavors, made easy in a comforting soup. Perfect for quick weeknights & cozy meals.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Meat-Eater

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Meat

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)

→ Pasta & Dairy

06 - 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
07 - 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
08 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. I swear, I always underestimate how much space soup takes up! Brown your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits. Drain off any excess fat—I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess on the counter. Reduce the heat to medium, then toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften and get a little translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, honestly, it’s my favorite part! Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant; don't let it burn, or it'll get bitter, I learned that the hard way once.
02 - Now for the good stuff! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor right there! Add your dried oregano and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This really lets those flavors meld together, honestly. I usually use this time to clean up a bit, or maybe just scroll through my phone, because let's be real, multitasking is key. This simmering time is crucial for developing that rich, deep flavor that makes this Lasagna Soup so comforting.
03 - Once your sauce has had a good simmer, it’s time for the pasta! Turn the heat back up to medium-high and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Carefully add your broken lasagna noodles. Give them a stir to make sure they don't stick together. Cook them according to package directions, which is usually about 8-10 minutes, or until they're al dente. You want them tender but still with a little bite. I always taste a noodle to check; it’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! This step always feels like magic as the soup starts to thicken and truly become Lasagna Soup.
04 - While the noodles are cooking, let’s get that cheesy goodness ready. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Give it a good mix until everything is combined. This is going to be our creamy, dreamy dollop on top, mimicking that luscious middle layer of traditional lasagna. I usually add a pinch of salt and pepper here too, just to make sure it’s seasoned through. Don't be afraid to taste it; it's a no-judgment zone!
05 - Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat. Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. This is where it gets exciting! Take a generous spoonful of that cheesy ricotta mixture and place it right on top of each bowl of soup. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly pretty; rustic is totally in! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta. The heat from the soup will start to melt it, creating those glorious cheese pulls we all love.
06 - To finish it off, tear some fresh basil leaves over each bowl of Lasagna Soup. The vibrant green and fresh aroma really brighten up the dish. I sometimes add a drizzle of good quality olive oil too, just for an extra touch. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up. Honestly, this is the moment I feel like a kitchen wizard, even after all the minor mishaps. Enjoy this comforting bowl of deliciousness!

# Notes:

01 - Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper; it's a game-changer.
02 - Leftovers are amazing, but the noodles will absorb liquid, so add more broth when reheating.
03 - If you don't have fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried basil or even parsley will do in a pinch.
04 - A crusty bread for dipping is non-negotiable for me, it just completes the meal!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - small mixing bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

Back