Name: Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce or 24 ounces marinara sauce; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 7 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth; 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (approximately 4ths); 10 ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·4 from 6 reviews

I absolutely adore this Lasagna Soup Recipe because it captures all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna but in a warm, cozy bowl of soup. It’s like my favorite Italian dish took a fun, unexpected detour and landed right in my spoon, offering me all the hearty, cheesy goodness without the fuss of layers and baking. Whenever I’m craving something big and flavorful but also quick and fuss-free, this recipe is my go-to.

Why You'll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

For me, the magic of this Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its layers of flavors and textures that make every bite feel indulgent yet approachable. You get the richness of browned beef and sausage mingling with the bright, tangy tang of marinara sauce, all warmed through with the tender broken lasagna noodles swimming in a hearty broth. Then there’s the fresh spinach adding a pop of color and a little earthiness, and, of course, that dreamy, creamy spoonful of cheese on top that melts perfectly into the soup. It tastes like all the best parts of lasagna hugged into a bowl, making it instantly satisfying.

What really wins me over is how simple it is to throw together without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors I love. I don’t have to wait for an hour-long bake or deal with stacking layers; this recipe is straightforward and pretty hands-off once the sauce is simmering. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners when I want something that feels special but isn’t a time-sink. Plus, it’s great for entertaining because you can easily multiply the recipe for bigger groups and everyone gets to customize their own bowl with extra cheese or fresh basil. Honestly, it stands out in my recipe box as a crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as a big warm hug.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two parts of cooking in a white pot on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the pot contains cooked, dark brown ground meat with a wooden spoon resting inside. On the right side, thick red tomato paste forms the main layer at the bottom of the same white pot, with golden-yellow liquid being poured on top, mixing with the tomato paste as the wooden spoon is placed in the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple and familiar, yet when combined, they create a bowl of pure deliciousness. Each component plays a crucial role—from the savory ground beef and sausage giving robust meaty flavor to the fresh herbs that brighten the broth, and of course, the cheeses that give it that unmistakable creamy pull of lasagna.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Lean ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty depth and richness to the broth.
Ground Italian sausage: Gives a touch of spice and aromatic seasoning that elevates the soup.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and fragrant base once sautéed.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing to bring out warmth and flavor in the aromatics.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that classic Italian pungency and depth of flavor.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
Marinara sauce: Acts as the main sauce base, making it rich, tangy, and well-seasoned.
Red pepper flakes: A subtle kick of heat to keep things lively and balanced.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and herbaceous brightness at the end.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring warmth and complexity.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup nice and savory without overwhelming saltiness.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces, they soak up the broth and add satisfying chewiness.
Fresh spinach leaves (optional): Brings vibrant color and a healthy touch to this indulgent soup.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and smooth, it creates the perfect cheesy dollop.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives melty stringy goodness that pulls apart beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty edge that rounds out the cheesy notes.
Fresh basil: A fragrant fresh herb perfect for garnishing and finishing the flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by browning the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you cook. Once browned and cooked through, drain the excess grease and remove the meat from the pot, setting it aside for now.

Step 2: In the same large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, mixing it with the onions and garlic so it slightly caramelizes and deepens in flavor. Then pour in the marinara sauce, add the red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, and dried basil. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Return the browned meat to the pot and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom, until the noodles are tender—this will take about 10 to 12 minutes. If you’re adding the spinach, stir it in toward the end of cooking so it wilts beautifully.

Step 5: While the soup simmers, prepare the cheese topping by combining the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl. Stir until you have a creamy, well-mixed cheese blend ready to add to each serving.

Step 6: To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic and colorful finish that immediately lifts the dish.

Servings and Timing

This Lasagna Soup Recipe makes about 7 hearty servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers throughout the week. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly to chop and get started on the meat and aromatics. The cook time is about 40 minutes, mainly for browning, simmering the broth, and tenderizing the noodles. All-in-all, you’re looking at about 50 minutes from start to finish. No resting time is needed, but I love serving it piping hot for the best melt-in-your-mouth cheese experience.

How to Serve This Lasagna Soup Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos: on the left, a close-up of a large pot filled with dark red-brown soup containing broken lasagna pasta sheets and small pieces of ground meat, with a wooden spoon partly stirring the soup; on the right, a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled with two layers – the bottom half has shredded white and yellow cheese, and the top half is creamy white ricotta cheese, with a metal spoon resting in the bowl; the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crusty bread, like a rustic Italian baguette or focaccia, is ideal for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth. For a festive touch, I sometimes add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving.

When it comes to presentation, a ladle of the soup with a generous dollop of the cheese mix looks irresistible, especially topped with fresh basil leaves. It’s colorful, inviting, and makes each bowl feel special. I usually serve it warm and steaming because that's when the aromas really come alive, but it’s just as comforting later as leftovers.

For drinks, a glass of Chianti or a light Italian red pairs beautifully, complementing the tomato and meat flavors. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon brightens the palate. I find this soup perfect for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings where everyone can jump in and customize their bowls with extra cheese or fresh herbs.

Variations

I’ve played around with lots of twists on this Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary preferences. For instance, swapping the ground beef and sausage for Italian chicken sausage or turkey makes it a bit lighter but still full of great flavor. Going vegetarian? I skip the meat and add chopped mushrooms or lentils for umami richness and protein.

If I want to make it gluten-free, I simply use gluten-free pasta broken into pieces or even whole wheat noodles. You can also experiment with vegan cheeses and a vegetable broth base to turn this into a plant-powered delight, and it still tastes incredible with all the marinara, herbs, and spices.

One of my favorite flavor boosts is adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end to add a subtle tang and smoky depth. Alternatively, you can turn this soup into a slow cooker meal by browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics first, then adding everything to the slow cooker to simmer gently for a few hours for even deeper flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in airtight containers to keep the flavors fresh and prevent the noodles from getting too mushy. This Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I recommend portioning it into individual containers if you want to reheat just a bowl at a time.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to save some for later. I let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When freezing, avoid adding the cheese topping—you can always add fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking and to help the noodles regain some of their original texture. If it seems thick, I add a splash of broth or water. I avoid microwave reheating whenever possible, as it can dry out the noodles and change the cheese texture. Adding fresh dollops of ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh basil after reheating always breathes new life into the leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made marinara sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using a quality store-bought marinara sauce works wonderfully, saving time without sacrificing flavor. Just choose one with good seasoning and no extra added sugar for the best results.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach—can I skip it?

Yes, the spinach is optional and adds a nice fresh touch, but the soup is delicious even without it. If you want, you can substitute with kale or Italian chard for a similar leafy green component.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! I often make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld even more. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently when ready to serve along with adding fresh cheese topping before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You can increase the amount of mushrooms, add lentils, or use plant-based sausage alternatives to keep it hearty and flavorful.

How can I make this soup less spicy?

If you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The soup will still have tons of flavor from the herbs and tomato sauce without the heat.

Conclusion

I cannot recommend this Lasagna Soup Recipe enough to anyone who loves the cozy, cheesy comfort of Italian food but wants an easy, ready-in-under-an-hour meal. It’s the perfect way to bring the essence of lasagna to your table without the fuss, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug. Give it a try—I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes too!