Lasagna soup captures all the rich, indulgent flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy, one-pot dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings and family meals. This savory, cheesy, tomato-rich soup is layered with robust Italian spices, tender pasta, and creamy cheeses that melt into every spoonful. Below, we present the ultimate guide to crafting the most flavorful lasagna soup — packed with technique, ingredient breakdowns, and pro tips to elevate your cooking experience.
Ingredients for the Best Lasagna Soup
A balanced blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients makes this recipe unbeatable:
Meat Base:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ lb ground beef (80/20 blend for richer flavor)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Broth:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Pasta & Cheese:
- 8 oz mafaldine, broken lasagna noodles, or bowtie pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Flavorful Lasagna Soup
1. Brown and Build the Base
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot, cook sausage and ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Simmer the Broth
Add tomato paste and stir for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir in sugar, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Pasta Separately
To avoid mushy pasta, boil noodles in salted water in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Reserve until serving.
4. Assemble and Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls, add a spoonful of cooked noodles, and top with a generous dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a dash of Parmesan. Garnish with chopped basil and serve immediately.
Why This Lasagna Soup is Superior
Full Control Over Pasta Texture
Cooking pasta separately avoids sogginess and allows for perfect texture every time.
Balanced Flavor Development
Sautéing tomato paste and simmering the broth creates depth and enhances natural sweetness.
Customizable Spice Level
Control the heat with red pepper flakes or by using spicy Italian sausage.
Rich, Creamy Finish
Adding cheese at serving keeps the dairy fresh and allows diners to adjust richness to their liking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate soup and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze soup (without noodles or cheese) for up to 3 months.
- Reheat soup gently on the stove and assemble with fresh cheese and pasta for best texture.
Variations and Additions
- Vegetarian Version: Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms and zucchini, use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb: Replace pasta with zucchini ribbons or cauliflower florets.
- Creamy Option: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for a velvety texture.
- One-Pot Shortcut: Cook pasta directly in the soup during the last 10 minutes (add more broth to compensate).
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Caramelize the tomato paste: Cooking tomato paste until deep red amplifies umami.
- Use fresh basil at the end: Never boil fresh herbs; add them after cooking to preserve flavor.
- Don’t skip the ricotta: It mimics the creamy ricotta layer in traditional lasagna.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~460 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Perfect Pairings
- Crusty Garlic Bread: For dipping and soaking up broth.
- Simple Arugula Salad: Peppery greens balance the richness.
- Chianti or Cabernet: Red wine complements the tomato and meat.
Printable Recipe Card
Lasagna Soup Recipe
A rich tomato-based soup filled with Italian sausage, tender noodles, and a cheesy topping that mimics the layers of a baked lasagna.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 40 min
Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients: (See full list above)
Instructions: (Follow steps above)
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Conclusion
Lasagna soup delivers all the soul-warming satisfaction of classic lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is your go-to for bold flavor and crowd-pleasing comfort.