Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe | Quick & Hearty 40-Minute Meal

If you love lasagna but don’t have the time to layer noodles and bake for hours, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect solution! Packed with all the flavors of traditional lasagna—savory ground beef (or Italian sausage), rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese—this soup delivers the same comfort in a fraction of the time. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe

✅ Quick & Easy – No layering or long baking time—just one pot and 40 minutes!
✅ Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike adore this hearty, cheesy soup.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit dietary needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.).
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.

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Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious lasagna soup:

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both for extra flavor)
• 1 onion, chopped (yellow or white)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes add great depth)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (traditional lasagna noodles broken into pieces, or use mafalda, rotini, or gluten-free pasta)

Seasonings & Toppings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

(See recipe card below for exact measurements and substitutions.)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if needed (leave a little for extra flavor).

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the uncooked pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
2. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.

Step 5: Add Creamy Ricotta

1. Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until well combined.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil.
2. For extra richness, add a dollop of extra ricotta or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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 Why This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a Game-Changer for Busy Weeknights

If you’re craving the rich, cheesy flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time (or energy) to assemble and bake a traditional pan, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is the perfect solution. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy all the comforting elements of lasagna—savory meat, tender pasta, and gooey cheese—in a hearty, spoonable soup.

Perfect for Hectic Schedules

Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires layering noodles, sauce, and cheese before baking, this one-pot lasagna soup simplifies the process. You’ll brown the meat, sauté the aromatics, simmer the broth, and cook the pasta—all in a single pot. That means less prep, less cleanup, and more time to relax after a long day.

Family-Friendly & Customizable

Kids and picky eaters love this soup because it’s packed with familiar flavors. Plus, it’s highly adaptable:

• Protein swaps: Use Italian sausage for extra spice or ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
• Gluten-free? Swap regular pasta for gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is GF.

Meal-Prep & Freezer-Friendly

This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze (without cheese) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat and add fresh ricotta and mozzarella for that just-made taste.

Comfort Food Without the Guilt

With 30g carbs and 25g protein per serving, this soup is filling without being overly heavy. You can also boost nutrition by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

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 Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

Making this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is straightforward, but a few pro tips will ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

1. Choosing the Right Pasta

• Traditional lasagna noodles (broken into pieces) give an authentic feel.
• Substitutes: Mafalda, rotini, or penne work well. For gluten-free, try brown rice pasta.
• Avoid overcooking: Pasta should be al dente since it softens further in leftovers.

2. Building Flavor Layers

• Brown the meat well for deeper flavor. If using Italian sausage, its spices will enhance the broth.
• Sauté onions until soft (about 3-4 minutes) before adding garlic to prevent bitterness.
• Deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine (optional) for extra richness.

3. Balancing the Broth

• Tomato-to-broth ratio: Too much liquid? Simmer longer. Too thick? Add more broth.
• Season generously: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

4. Cheese Matters

• Ricotta: Use whole-milk for creaminess. Stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Mozzarella: Sprinkle on top so it melts slightly, mimicking baked lasagna’s cheesy crust.

5. Garnish Like a Pro

• Fresh basil adds brightness.
• A drizzle of olive oil enhances richness.
• Red pepper flakes give a spicy kick.

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 Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

While this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is delicious as-is, you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Arrabiata Style: Add extra red pepper flakes and a splash of heavy cream.
• Creamy Tomato Base: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer texture.
• Greek-Inspired: Swap ricotta for feta cheese and add olives and oregano.

What to Serve With Lasagna Soup

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the broth.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, tangy contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb side.

Leftover Hacks

• Lasagna Soup Pasta Bake: Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and broil until bubbly.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix soup with cooked rice, stuff into bell peppers, and bake.

Final Pro Tip

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, serve in bread bowls or garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

🔹 Enhance Flavor – Use Italian sausage for a bolder taste, or mix beef and sausage.
🔹 Vegetarian Option – Swap meat for mushrooms or lentils and use veggie broth.
🔹 Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth is GF.
🔹 Extra Veggies – Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
🔹 Cheesy Goodness – Let the mozzarella melt slightly before serving for that classic lasagna feel.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |

(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

✔ Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
✔ Freeze – Freeze without cheese for up to 3 months. Reheat and add fresh cheese when serving.
✔ Reheat – Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the soup if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes! Break them into smaller pieces and adjust cooking time as they may soften faster.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.

What can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone work well for a similar creamy texture.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—quick, flavorful, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re craving lasagna without the effort or need a hearty 40-minute meal, this soup delivers!