If you’re craving a comforting bowl that captures all the richness and warmth of a classic Italian dinner, this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s everything you love about lasagna—layers of tender noodles, savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses—all packed into one satisfying soup. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply want a cozy meal on a chilly night, this recipe delivers robust flavors and delightful textures in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create an irresistible balance of flavors. Each component plays its part, from the savory ground beef to the blend of cheeses that add creamy richness—this list is straightforward but essential for bringing out the best in the dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity base and helps brown the beef evenly.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the foundation for the soup’s meaty richness.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Offers irresistible aroma and a punch of flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The tangy backbone of the broth, delivering body and color.
- Beef broth (4 cups): Enhances the soup’s savoriness and keeps it luscious.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Italian herb notes.
- Lasagna noodles (8, broken): The star carb that makes the soup feel just like a deconstructed lasagna.
- Ricotta cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy, mild richness that melts beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Gives that gooey, melty texture loved in any lasagna dish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly rounds out the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that balance and elevate every ingredient.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully browned and flavorful—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is crucial because browning develops deep, rich flavors that make the soup irresistible.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for around 3 minutes until the onion becomes tender and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This creates a taste base that complements the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring your pot to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes so those flavors mingle and the broth thickens slightly, creating that perfect lasagna sauce feel in soup form.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. This step transforms your soup into something truly special by incorporating that lovely pasta bite.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
The final flourish is mixing in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until they melt into the broth, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that’s downright comforting. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference—this personal touch balances the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once everything is melded together beautifully, ladle the soup into bowls. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top—it adds a delightful salty punch and a bit of visual appeal. Serve immediately and savor every comforting spoonful.
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe can elevate the eating experience. Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can brighten the flavors and add a pop of color, while a drizzle of good quality olive oil adds richness and a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This soup is quite the satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad can round out the meal beautifully. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious broth, creating a truly indulgent dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe in individual mini Dutch ovens or bread bowls for a fun, inviting presentation? It makes the meal feel extra special, perfect for entertaining or brightening up a cozy night in. Plus, topping each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of ricotta adds a lovely homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and safety.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep. Transfer cooled soup portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. It’s best used within 2 to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese from sticking to the pot. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it seems too thick. Microwaving in shorter intervals also works well, just be sure to stir in between heats.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it satisfying, while still keeping the same delicious flavors.
What type of cheese works best for this soup?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are perfect because they melt smoothly and offer a balanced mix of creaminess and sharpness. Feel free to experiment with similar cheeses like Asiago or fontina if you want to mix things up.
Can I use different pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes, though lasagna noodles provide that classic texture, short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can also work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this soup spicy?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. It’s totally customizable depending on your spice preferences.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
From start to finish, the Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe takes about 35 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a flavorful weeknight dinner that won’t keep you in the kitchen all evening.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, convenience, and the classic flavors of Italian cuisine, this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe is a total winner. It’s a warm hug in a bowl that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to return to it again and again—perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in.
Print
Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Hearty Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles simmer together to create a rich broth, finished with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for the perfect hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer Base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the pot. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly or simmer longer.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
