Lasagnа soup is kind of like eating lasagna in a bowl , it changes the usual noodles, sauce, cheese thing into a warm soup . You get pasta , meat , veggies and cheese floating in a tasty broth that feels like a hug on a cold day .
This meal makes lots of us think of home cooking and old family dinners . It's quick enough for a busy night or lazy weekend supper , and it still feels filling and special .
Traditionally lasagna comes from Italy with layers of noodles , ricottа and tomato sauce , but this soup version has made it famous far beyond Italy . More cooks at home and in restaurants are making it now , since you can change it up and it cooks faster .
What is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is basically the usual lasagna parts put in a soup instead of layers . You still have pasta , seasoned meat or other protein , marinara sauce and cheese . But here they all mix in one broth to make it easy to serve and eat .
It tastes just like lasagna but feels lighter and slurpy , and you don't wait as long to eat it . You can also swap things in this soup so it fits what you like or need , for instance going meatless or adding more veggies .
You can cook it with ground beef or Italian sausage or go vegan with plant proteins . Throw in veggies like spinach , zucchini or peppers to make it colorful and healthy . That flex makes it a hit for home cooks everywhere .
Ingredients Overview
Here are the main ingredients you need for lasagna soup :
- Noodles: Use normal lasagna noodles or shorter pasta shapes to make it easier .
- Proteins: Ground beef , Italian sausage , or plant-based meat for a vegan twist .
- Cheeses: Ricottа for creaminess , mozzarella for meltiness , and parmesan for extra flavor .
- Broth: Chicken , beef , or vegetable broth as the soup base .
- Vegetables: Onions , garlic , spinach and any other fresh veggies you like .
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning , salt and pepper to taste .
This soup is super flexible . Leave out meat to make it vegetarian , or swap regular noodles for gluten-free ones or even use zucchini slices if you want . Good ingredients make a big difference here .
Ingredients Overview
Here are the main ingredients you need for lasagna soup :
- Noodles: Normal lasagna noodles or shorter pasta shapes for easy eating .
- Proteins: Ground beef , Italian sausage or plant-based proteins .
- Cheeses: Ricottа , mozzarella and parmesan for that cheesy taste .
- Broth: Chicken , beef or veggie broth as the base .
- Vegetables: Onion , garlic and spinach add taste and color .
- Seasonings: Italian herbs , salt and pepper give the classic flavor .
You can skip meat to go vegetarian or pick gluten-free noodles or use veggies like zucchini instead of pasta . Picking fresh and good quality stuff really helps the taste .
Detailed Recipe for Lasagna Soup
List of Ingredients
- Proteins: Ground beef or Italian sausage , or plant-based for a meatless option .
- Vegetables: Onion , garlic , bell peppers and fresh spinach .
- Liquids: Broth (chicken , beef or veggie) and crushed tomаtoes .
- Seasonings: Italian herbs , salt and pepper .
- Noodles: Lasagna noodles or shorter pasta shapes you like .
- Cheese: Ricottа , mozzarella and parmesan for extra cream .
Directions
Preparation
Chop all veggies like onions , garlic and peppers into small pieces . Have everything ready before you start cooking to save time .
Cooking the Protein
Heat oil in a big pot over medium heat and brown the meat or sausage until it cooks through . Drain extra fat if needed and put meat aside .
Sautéing Vegetables
In the same pot , cook onion and garlic till they smell good and look a bit clear . Then add peppers and cook a few minutes more .
Combining Ingredients
Put meat back in pot , stir in crushed tomаtoes , broth , Italian herbs , salt and pepper . Bring to a boil , then add broken lasagna noodles .
Simmering
Turn heat down and let it simmer 20 minutes , stirring sometimes . Noodles will cook and flavors mix .
Finishing Touches
Right before you serve , stir in spinach until it wilts . Ladle soup into bowls and top with ricottа , mozzarella and parmesan .
Cooking Tips
If you want stronger taste , simmer a bit longer . For thicker soup , use less broth or leave pot uncovered while cooking .
Nutritional Information
One bowl of lasagna soup has about 350 calories , 20 g protein , 15 g fat and 40 g carbs . You get protein from meat or protein subs , fiber from veggies and calcium from cheese . Serve with salad or whole grain bread to make it a fuller meal .
Serving Ideas
Serve lasagna soup with crusty bread or a simple salad . A glass of red wine goes well if you like wine . Use rustic bowls and add some fresh herbs on top to make it look nice .
Storage and Reheating
Let soup cool . Put in airtight containers and refrigerate 3–4 days . To reheat , warm on stove over low heat and add a bit of broth if it's too thick . You can also microwave but stir well .
Variations of Lasagna Soup
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Swap meat for veggies like mushrooms , zucchini and peppers . Add beans or lentils for protein . Use veggie broth instead of meat broth .
Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
Use gluten-free pasta or slices of zucchini or eggplant instead of noodles . Watch cooking time cause gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower .
Spicy Lasagna Soup
For heat , throw in jalapeños or spicy sausage . Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to broth for an extra kick .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between lasagna soup and traditional lasagna?
Lasagna soup uses the same flavors but serves it as soup so you skip the layers and it’s easier to dish out .
Can I make lasagna soup in advance?
Yes , you can make it ahead and chill it . But noodles soak up broth over time , so add more broth when you reheat .
What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
Use smaller pasta shapes , gluten-free pasta or veggie slices like zucchini or eggplant for a low-carb choice .
Is lasagna soup freezable?
Yes , freeze in airtight containers leaving space at top . Thaw in fridge overnight and warm on stove .
How long does lasagna soup last in the fridge?
It stays good 3–4 days in airtight containers . Always cool it before you seal .
Conclusion
Lasagna soup mixes the best parts of lasagna with the comfort of a soup . You can tweak it however you like and make it a family favorite .
Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 ladle
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Optional ingredient for heat.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste none salt and pepper Season to taste.
- none none fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Optional garnish.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the soup in bowls, adding a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
