Soul-Warming Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Dish

It was a chilly evening, the kind where you can see your breath in the air and the cozy blankets are calling your name. I stood in my kitchen, rummaging through the pantry, trying to conjure something warm and comforting. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of Lasagna Soup—a brilliant mashup of my all-time favorite dinner, but in hearty, slurpable form! The rich aroma of ground beef and Italian sausage simmering with garlic and herbs filled the air, instantly transporting me to a rustic Italian kitchen.

What I adore about this comforting dish is its effortless charm; it brings all the classic lasagna flavors—think creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and zesty marinara—right into a bowl. It’s versatile too—you can make it vegetarian or even vegan. Perfect for those cold nights when you want to cuddle up with something hearty and satisfying, this Lasagna Soup quickly became a family favorite in our home, and I just know it will be in yours too! So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why is Lasagna Soup a must-try?

Comforting and Cozy: This Lasagna Soup wraps you in warmth with its rich flavors, making it the perfect meal for chilly nights.
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, even novice cooks can whip this up in no time.
Customizable Options: Whether you prefer meat, want a vegetarian twist, or need a vegan option, this recipe caters to all!
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at dinner parties or family gatherings, and watch everyone reach for seconds!
Make Ahead & Freeze: This soup is easy to prepare in advance or freeze, ensuring you have comfort food ready whenever the craving strikes. Adding a delightful touch to your meals, this Butternut Squash Soup is another great option to try!

What You'll Need for Lasagna Soup

For the Soup Base
• Lean Ground Beef – Provides protein, flavor, and richness for an irresistible broth.
• Ground Italian Sausage – Adds savory, spiced flavor for a delightful kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Seasoning that enhances flavors; adjust to your taste.
• Yellow Onion – Brings an aromatic base and delicious depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil – Perfect for sautéing aromatics and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Garlic – Finely minced for aromatic flavor that really shines in this dish.
• Tomato Paste – Concentrated tomato flavor that helps thicken the soup.
• Homemade Marinara Sauce (or store-bought) – Provides the essential base flavor and liquid needed.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a touch of heat to the soup.
• Dried Oregano & Dried Basil – Infuses classic Italian herbal notes into the dish.

For the Broth
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth) – Forms the soup base, adding moisture and flavor.

For the Pasta
• Lasagna Noodles – The signature pasta component; break into 4ths for easier handling in soup.

For the Cheese Mixture
• Ricotta Cheese (or Cottage Cheese) – Adds creamy richness and tang that complements the soup beautifully.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts wonderfully, lending that classic lasagna flavor.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – Offers sharp, salty flavor to finally elevate your soup.

Finishing Touches
• Fresh Spinach Leaves (optional) – Adds nutrients and vibrant color; can be omitted if desired.
• Fresh Basil – Provides fresh herby notes right before serving.

Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna Soup

Step 1
Start by browning the meats. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the lean ground beef and ground Italian sausage. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the meats are browned and no longer pink. Use a slotted spoon to drain and discard any excess grease, ensuring a rich, flavorful base for your Lasagna Soup.

Step 2
Next, sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and the diced yellow onion. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. The warm aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the cozy mood for your Lasagna Soup.

Step 3
Now it's time to build the flavors. Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and low sodium chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Return the browned meats to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for about 10 minutes.

Step 4
Cook the noodles next. Bring the soup to a rolling boil and add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the noodles soften, they will absorb the flavors of the soup. If you’re using fresh spinach, add it in the last couple of minutes to keep its vibrant color and nutrients.

Step 5
While the noodles cook, prepare the cheese mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined. This creamy concoction will be the final touch to your Lasagna Soup, enhancing its comforting profile.

Step 6
Finally, it's time to serve. Ladle the hot and bubbly Lasagna Soup into bowls. Generously dollop the cheese mixture on top, allowing it to soften and melt into the soup. For a lovely finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This delightful bowl of comfort is ready for your family to enjoy, bringing warmth and joy to your chilly evening!

Expert Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

• Proper Meat Browning: Ensure the ground beef and Italian sausage are browned thoroughly. This enhances the flavor of the soup, creating a richer base.

• Pasta Cooking Time: Add the lasagna noodles according to the soup's simmering time; overcooking can make them mushy. Keep the focus on your tasty Lasagna Soup!

• Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil as a garnish; it brightens the soup and adds a fragrant touch. Dried herbs can lose potency, affecting flavor.

• Creamy Cheese Blend: Mix cheese just before serving. This retains its creamy texture and ensures maximum flavor in every bowl.

• Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or swapping noodles. This Lasagna Soup recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Make Ahead Options

These Lasagna Soup preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can make the soup base up to 3 days in advance before serving—simply follow steps 1 through 3 and refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container. To prevent the noodles from getting soggy, wait to add them until you’re ready to serve; just boil the soup, add the broken lasagna noodles, and simmer until tender (about 8-10 minutes). For an even longer storage solution, you can freeze the soup base (without noodles) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and simply reheat on the stovetop, adding noodles right before serving for that fresh taste!

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How to Store and Freeze Lasagna Soup

Fridge: Store leftover Lasagna Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and delicious, ready for the next meal.

Freezer: Freeze the soup (without cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a warm, comforting meal.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Feel free to add a splash of broth for a soupy consistency, if desired.

Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and ingredients up to step 4 but stop before adding the noodles. Refrigerate and cook the noodles fresh when you're ready to serve your flavorful Lasagna Soup!

Lasagna Soup Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this comforting dish; there are countless ways to personalize your Lasagna Soup!

• Vegetarian: Omit the meat and toss in zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash for a fresh twist. This version bursts with seasonal veggies, making each bowl light yet hearty.

• Vegan: Substitute the meat with your favorite plant-based options, and replace the cheese with cashew ricotta. You'll still enjoy that creamy texture without the dairy!

• Slow Cooker: Brown the meat beforehand, then combine everything in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes to keep them al dente.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to amp up the heat. This simple tweak brings a whole new level of warmth perfect for spice lovers!

• Creamy Indulgence: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving for a richer, creamier broth. It transforms the dish into a luxurious experience.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Simply adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for perfectly tender noodles.

• Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to basil and oregano. This will add depth and sophistication to your Lasagna Soup.

• Cheesy Variation: Add more cheese toppings like provolone or gouda for an even richer flavor. It’ll create an irresistible cheesy crust when melted!

Let your imagination run wild and discover your favorite version of this heartwarming dish!

What to Serve with Lasagna Soup?

Cozy up your table with delightful sides that enhance the warmth of your Lasagna Soup!

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic pairs beautifully with soup; perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty soup perfectly.

• Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Tossed in olive oil and parmesan, this roasted dish adds an earthy crunch, complementing the flavors of your soup.

• Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a vibrant, fresh touch that enhances the rich soup.

• Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine elevates the meal, echoing the flavors of Italian cuisine and warming you from the inside out.

• Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this light and airy treat rounds out your meal, offering a sweet finishing touch after the savory soup.

Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs

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