If you love the rich, cheesy flavor of traditional lasagna but don’t have the time (or energy) for the full layering and baking process, lasagna soup is your dream come true. This cozy, one-pot meal gives you all the hearty tomato flavor, melted cheese, and tender pasta of lasagna—served up in a bowl, in less than 40 minutes.
Even better? It’s a perfect freezer-friendly option for batch cooking. Learn exactly how to freeze soup safely so you can stash leftovers and enjoy comforting meals all week long.
Thanks to the forgiving nature of soup, you can easily cook pasta perfectly for soup without overthinking timing. This recipe is flexible, fast, and flavorful.
If you enjoy hearty, satisfying soups, you’ll also want to check out our Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup—a loaded bowl of beef, potatoes, and cheese perfect for cold nights.
Another great option for soup lovers is our Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup, which combines the ease of rotisserie chicken with rich, earthy mushrooms in a creamy broth.
🧅 Ingredients Overview + Smart Substitutions
What makes lasagna soup so irresistible is how it captures the soul of traditional lasagna—hearty meat sauce, rich tomato flavor, tender noodles, and creamy cheese—all in a single comforting bowl. Here’s a deep dive into the ingredients you’ll need, along with smart, practical substitutions to fit any diet or pantry situation.
🥩 Ground Beef (or Sausage)
Ground beef is the foundation of flavor for lasagna soup.
- Use: 80/20 ground beef for richness and depth
- Substitute with:
- Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for extra seasoning
- Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
- Plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian twist
💡 Tip: If you like bold, garlicky flavor, try using leftover sausage from our Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.
🧅 Onion & Garlic
These aromatics bring an essential savory base to the soup.
- Use: Yellow onion + fresh minced garlic
- Substitute with:
- Shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor
- Garlic powder in a pinch (use ½ tsp per clove)
🍅 Crushed Tomatoes + Tomato Paste
Tomatoes deliver the signature lasagna flavor in soup form.
- Use: High-quality canned crushed tomatoes + 1–2 tbsp tomato paste for richness
- Substitute with:
- Diced tomatoes (for more texture)
- Tomato sauce (reduce broth slightly)
- Homemade tomato purée
🌿 Want more depth? Add a splash of red wine after sautéing the garlic.
🌿 Italian Herbs
A classic mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley recreates traditional lasagna seasoning.
- Use: Dried Italian seasoning blend
- Substitute with:
- Fresh herbs (just double the amount)
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat
🍝 Lasagna Noodles
These are what set this soup apart—broken lasagna noodles mimic the pasta layers.
- Use: Traditional lasagna noodles, broken into 2” pieces
- Substitute with:
- Mafalda or farfalle (bowtie pasta)
- Gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
- Zucchini ribbons for a low-carb version
💡 Pro Tip: Cook noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers, so they don’t absorb all the broth.
🧀 Cheese Trio: Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan
These cheeses create the signature lasagna melt and creaminess.
- Use:
- Ricotta (for creaminess)
- Shredded mozzarella (for gooey texture)
- Parmesan (for salty sharpness)
- Substitute with:
- Cottage cheese (instead of ricotta)
- Provolone or fontina for a melty twist
- Vegan cheese blends if dairy-free
🧄 Add flavor bombs: Try blending garlic or Italian herbs into the ricotta before topping.
🥣 Broth
Broth gives the soup its comforting soupy consistency.
- Use: Chicken broth or low-sodium vegetable broth
- Substitute with:
- Beef broth (for a deeper, richer taste)
- Bone broth (for extra nutrients and protein)
🌱 Optional Add-ins
- Spinach, kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- Red pepper flakes for spice
- A splash of cream to thicken it slightly
🔁 For a protein-packed alternative, try substituting the beef with leftovers from our Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta—the sausage in that dish is full of bold flavor that carries beautifully into soups.
👨🍳 How to Make Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)
Making lasagna soup is so much easier than assembling traditional baked lasagna—but you still get that rich, hearty, cheesy payoff. This simple one-pot method is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving comfort food without the extra cleanup.
Let’s walk through the step-by-step process to make the best bowl of lasagna soup every single time.
🔥 Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start with a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Toss in 1 pound of ground beef (or sausage/turkey)
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme
- Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes)
- Drain excess grease if needed, then set the meat aside in a bowl
💡 Want a boost of flavor? Use spicy Italian sausage or add a splash of red wine to deglaze the pan.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot (with some residual fat for flavor):
- Add 1 diced onion and cook until soft (4–5 minutes)
- Add 3–4 cloves of minced garlic
- Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute
This base is what builds deep lasagna flavor into the soup.
🍅 Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth & Seasoning
Now it’s time to build the broth:
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
- Pour in 4–5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Return the cooked meat to the pot
- Sprinkle in 1–2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
🔁 Optional add-ins at this stage:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Chopped spinach
- Red pepper flakes for heat
🍝 Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once the broth is simmering, add your pasta:
- Break 8–10 lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces
- Stir into the soup and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Cook until pasta is al dente—firm but cooked through
💡 For better leftovers, cook pasta separately and add just before serving.
Want to make sure the texture stays spot on? Here’s a great guide on how to cook pasta perfectly for soup.
🧀 Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Once the pasta is tender:
- Turn off the heat
- Stir in ½ cup of grated parmesan
- Ladle soup into bowls
- Top each serving with:
- A spoonful of ricotta
- A generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella
- Extra parmesan if desired
Let the cheese melt into the hot soup for that classic lasagna feel in every bite.
🥄 Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with:
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper
- Croutons or a slice of garlic bread
Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the flavors are vibrant.
💡 Looking for a fun side? Try pairing this soup with Cheesy Garlic Butter Bombs—they’re bite-sized and bursting with buttery, cheesy flavor.
🍽 Optional Cooking Variations:
- Slow Cooker: Brown meat, then add everything to slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours
- Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for browning, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes
- Baked Pasta Option: Bake noodles separately, then stir into the soup base before serving
🧀 How to Layer the Cheese Like Real Lasagna
To mimic the lasagna experience:
- Add a heaping spoon of ricotta on top of each bowl
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan
- Let it melt slightly from the heat of the soup—or broil briefly for a gooey top layer
🥖 Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but even better with:
- Warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar salad with crunchy croutons
- Red wine or sparkling water with lemon
- Optional internal pairing: Try it with Homemade Garlic & Herb Croutons
💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Texture & Flavor
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for bold flavor
- Simmer uncovered to allow soup to reduce and intensify
- Stir in fresh basil at the end for a burst of aroma
- Break noodles into even pieces for easier eating
- Want deeper flavor? Deglaze the pot with red wine before adding tomatoes
- Craving a baked feel? Serve with Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups as a “breadstick-style” pairing
For even richer flavor, read up on the health benefits of tomatoes—they’re not just tasty, they’re packed with antioxidants!
🔄 Lasagna Soup Variations You’ll Love
🍃 Vegetarian
- Swap out meat for mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils
🌶 Spicy
- Use hot Italian sausage, red pepper flakes, or Calabrian chili paste
🥦 Low-Carb
- Replace pasta with zucchini ribbons or cauliflower gnocchi
🧀 Cheese-Lovers
- Add a second layer of cheese like provolone, burrata, or fontina
Love customizable recipes? Then our Taco Potatoes are worth a look—they offer similar flavor variety in a completely different format.
🧊 Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Best to freeze soup base without noodles or cheese. Add fresh when reheating
- Reheat: Simmer gently on the stove and stir in extra broth or water to loosen texture
- Want the best results? Review this guide on how to freeze soup safely
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is lasagna soup made of?
Typically includes ground beef, onions, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, broth, and cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Try shells, rotini, or penne—just adjust cooking times to cook pasta perfectly for soup.
Is lasagna soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. For best texture, freeze the broth base separately and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes—replace the meat with plant-based protein or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
How do I thicken lasagna soup?
Let it simmer uncovered, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Best cheese combo?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. You could even borrow inspiration from our French Onion Meatloaf which uses gooey mozzarella for max melt!
✅ Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup is the ultimate cozy, weeknight meal: warm, hearty, and packed with cheesy goodness. It takes all the comfort of classic lasagna and delivers it in a fraction of the time—with fewer dishes and just as much satisfaction.
It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something classic, rich, and cheesy, but want to keep things simple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this soup deserves a regular spot in your kitchen rotation.