There is something absolutely magical about warming up with a bowl of Lasagna Soup on a chilly day. This delightfully hearty dish takes everything you love about classic lasagna and transforms it into a cozy, comforting soup that’s quick to make and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender noodles swimming in a rich tomato broth, savory meat, and layers of cheese all melded together in one bowl—Lasagna Soup is the ultimate game changer for family dinners or a friendly gathering. You’re going to adore how this recipe brings that classic Italian taste straight to your spoon!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lasagna Soup recipe is thoughtfully selected to create a balance of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavors. From the robust sausage to the fragrant herbs and creamy cheeses, these essentials work in harmony to build the perfect bowl of comfort.

½ pound ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth and protein for a filling soup.
½ pound sweet Italian sausage: Brings a touch of spice and a rich, meaty flavor that complements the beef.
1 yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a mellow aroma as it softens in the pot.
3 cloves garlic: Infuses the broth with a mellow, pungent kick that’s essential for Italian flavor.
4 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds thickness to the broth.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a classic herbal note that brightens the soup’s profile.
1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a subtle, fragrant sweetness that pairs beautifully with tomato.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional but recommended): Provides a gentle heat that enlivens the soup without overpowering it.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the soup taste salty.
¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds just enough bite to round out the seasoning.
1 pinch red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
5 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base, keeping everything juicy and comforting.
14.5 oz. crushed tomatoes: Delivers body and texture to the tomato broth.
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds chunks of tomato for a fresh burst in every spoonful.
1 bay leaf: Imparts a gentle herbal undertone during simmering.
6 lasagna noodles: Provides the pasta element; breaking them into manageable pieces makes slurping easier!
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for serving): Sharp and nutty, it melts beautifully on top of the soup.
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded from a block (for serving): Adds creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
8 oz. Ricotta cheese (for serving): Brings a luscious, comforting creaminess to each bowl.
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish): Injects a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Vegetables

Start by cooking and crumbling the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. You want the meat to develop a nice golden color for that rich flavor. About halfway through, toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook until it softens—this mellow sweetness is key. Then add minced garlic and cook for just a minute. Once everything smells irresistible, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Now stir in the tomato paste along with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, hot sauce (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mix of herbs, spices, and tangy tomato paste truly sets the tone for the soup’s robust flavor. Give everything a good stir so these ingredients meld nicely with the meat and onions.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any savory browned bits stuck to the bottom and sides of the pot—they are flavor gold! Next, add both the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes with their juices, followed by a bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer and let the flavors mingle while you prepare the noodles. If you happen to have a Parmesan rind, toss it in now—it will steep into the broth, adding an extra layer of umami.

Step 4: Cook and Add the Lasagna Noodles

Boil salted water in a separate pot and break the lasagna noodles in half before cooking according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and chop them into smaller strips for easier eating. Add these pasta strips to the pot of soup just before serving. If you’re making the soup ahead or freezing, consider cooking fresh noodles when ready to serve to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Lasagna Soup truly shines when topped generously with the classic Italian cheeses. Spoon a dollop of ricotta on top of each bowl, sprinkle with freshly shredded mozzarella, and finish off with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Don’t forget a sprinkle of chopped parsley for that irresistible fresh aroma and vibrant green pop. These garnishes add creaminess, savoriness, and a fun textural contrast that’s pure joy in every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup practically begs for a warm, crispy side like Garlic Bread with Cheese. The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs wonderfully with the rich soup, letting you scoop up every last bit of cheese-infused broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also brighten and balance out the meal beautifully, bringing freshness alongside all that heartiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family meal, serve this soup in large bowls with all the garnishes at the table so everyone can customize to their liking. Want to impress guests? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollow out small loaves of crusty bread for individual servings — eating the bowl is half the fun! For a casual dinner, simply ladle into mugs for cozy handheld comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. To preserve the best texture, store the soup and noodles separately if possible, especially if you plan on reheating later. This way, the noodles won’t become overly soft or mushy. When ready to eat, combine and heat gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

Freezing Lasagna Soup is a fantastic option if you want to batch cook. Freeze the soup base without noodles for best results, using airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook fresh noodles to add at serving time — this keeps your soup tasting fresh and prevents a soggy pasta mess.

Reheating

Reheat your Lasagna Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh noodles or cheese to revive the dish’s luscious texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as the cheese toppings can separate—warming slowly ensures every spoonful tastes just as cozy as the first.

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding some cooked lentils or beans also boosts protein and keeps the soup rich and satisfying.

Do I have to use all three types of cheese?

Not at all! While Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta create the classic flavor trio, you can adjust based on your preferences or what’s on hand. For instance, swapping mozzarella for provolone or omitting ricotta still yields a delicious soup.

How spicy is this soup with the hot sauce and red pepper flakes?

The heat level is moderate and can easily be adjusted. If you prefer a milder soup, reduce or skip the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Conversely, add a little extra if you like a spicy kick—this recipe is very forgiving!

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

No-boil noodles tend to release starch quickly, which can make the soup thicker and cloudier. It’s best to cook regular lasagna noodles separately as directed and then add them to the soup for the best texture and clarity.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving is the key. If you plan to store leftovers or freeze the soup, keep noodles separate and add fresh ones when reheating. This keeps your Lasagna Soup perfectly textured every time.

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Soup is one of those rare recipes that makes you feel wrapped up in a warm, delicious hug every time you eat it. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want comforting Italian flavors without all the fuss of layering a traditional lasagna. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen—go ahead and treat yourself to a bowl today!