If you crave the rich flavors of classic Italian comfort food but want a quicker, soupier option, you will absolutely adore this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe. It captures all the soul-soothing elements of traditional lasagna—the savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, tender noodles, and luscious cheeses—in a steaming bowl of hearty, satisfying soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual dinner with friends, this dish brings warmth, texture, and bold flavor with every spoonful, making it an instant favorite to turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures your Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe will have a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a special role: from the tender ground beef adding richness, to the lasagna noodles providing delightful bite, and the cheeses melting into creamy goodness.
- Olive oil: For a smooth and fragrant base that brings all the ingredients together.
- Ground beef: Adds savory depth and a hearty texture.
- Medium onion, chopped: Gives natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Injects that unmistakable Italian aroma and a touch of zest.
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy foundation of the soup.
- Beef broth: Boosts the soup’s savoriness and keeps it perfectly saucy.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses classic Italian flavor notes.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Provides traditional pasta texture in every spoonful.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and a mild tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a luscious, gooey finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty kick that brightens the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the taste elements.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon until it turns a nice golden brown. This step is key to developing the soup’s rich, meaty base.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them sauté for about 3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, layering the foundations of flavor.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasoning
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook gently for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld and deepen beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles in the Soup
Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them directly to the simmering pot. Let everything cook together for another 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles reach tender, just-right doneness.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Finally, mix in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and swirl into the soup, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Parmesan
Ladle the soup hot into bowls and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top if you love an extra cheesy finish that will keep you coming back for more.
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe to new heights. Consider fresh basil leaves for herbal brightness or a dollop of ricotta to enhance creaminess. A crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil also adds lovely finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or crusty garlic bread for dipping. The textures and flavors complement the rich, cheesy goodness of the soup perfectly, giving your meal balance and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve this soup in individual mini cocottes or clear glass bowls to showcase its vibrant red broth and layers of cheese melting on tender noodles. You can even turn it into a fun, interactive meal by offering an array of garnishes at the table for everyone to customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup by transferring it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cheeses revive their creamy texture. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter alternative and will still provide nice flavor and texture in your Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe.
Do I have to break the noodles before cooking?
Yes, breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces helps them cook evenly in the soup and makes it easier to eat by spoonfuls.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar creamy element, though ricotta has a uniquely mild and smooth texture that really shines here.
Is this soup spicy?
No, this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe is more about savory and cheesy comfort than heat, but you can always add red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply swap the ground beef for mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The Italian seasoning and cheeses still bring plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that brings all the joy of traditional lasagna in a cozy, soup form, you have to try this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, incredibly flavorful, and utterly comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes that welcomes smiles around the table every time.
Print
Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Hearty Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, easy-to-make soup. Featuring ground beef, crushed tomatoes, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this dish delivers a rich and satisfying meal in just 35 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the soup is rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
- If the soup thickens too much upon standing, stir in a little extra beef broth or water when reheating.
