Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Lasagna Soup captures all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna—meaty tomato sauce, pasta, and gooey cheese—in a quick, one-pot soup format. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this satisfying dish delivers lasagna goodness without all the layering and baking.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or Italian sausage
yellow onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
crushed tomatoes
tomato paste
chicken or beef broth
Italian seasoning
crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
salt
black pepper
lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
ricotta cheese
mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
olive oil
fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Bring to a simmer, then add broken lasagna noodles.

Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.

While soup simmers, mix ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Once noodles are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a scoop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.

Add spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Substitute gluten-free pasta for a GF version.

Skip the ricotta and top with just shredded cheese for a simpler finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftover soup (without ricotta topping) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add cheese toppings fresh after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties works well.

Will the noodles get mushy?

Only if stored in the soup for too long—cook noodles separately if making ahead.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and use vegetable broth, plus add more veggies.

Is it spicy?

Only slightly if red pepper flakes are added—you can omit them for a milder taste.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat first, then cook everything except the noodles on low for 6–8 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Crushed canned tomatoes are best for consistency, but peeled and blended fresh tomatoes can work.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer uncovered longer or add less broth for a thicker consistency.

What cheese works best?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic—mix and match based on preference.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes, add them at the end and simmer briefly to heat through.

How do I serve it?

Serve hot in bowls with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna Soup is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings the heart of lasagna into a bowl with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfectly cheesy, rich, and full of comforting Italian goodness, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite.