Hey there, it’s Clara from Cooking Inspired! I remember one Tuesday last month when everything seemed to be going wrong. The kids had homework meltdowns, I was behind on work, and the thought of making dinner from scratch felt impossible. Then I remembered my favorite shortcut: lasagna soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and it brings the comforting flavors of lasagna to the table in under 45 minutes. Plus, this lasagna soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup isn’t just another recipe, it’s a game changer for busy families. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:
- Quicker than traditional lasagna: You get all the delicious flavors of lasagna without the layering and baking time.
- Easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash. For another comforting one-pot meal, try our chicken pot pie soup.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Packed with flavor: This soup is rich, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and smoked beef bacon until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain grease and remove the meat from the pot.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and broth. Return cooked meat to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then add lasagna noodles (broken into pieces). Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Add spinach if using.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese together.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a scoop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound smoked beef bacon
- salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce marinara sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped (or 2 tsp dried))
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoons dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 9 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves ((optional),)
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil (for serving)
Ingredient Notes for the Best Lasagna Soup
Let’s talk ingredients, because they truly do matter! I prefer lean ground beef for this recipe because it keeps the soup from getting too greasy. If you’re looking for another delicious and hearty meal using ground beef, try our ultimate hearty chili with lentils and ground beef. Smoked beef bacon adds a wonderful depth of flavor; unsmoked bacon will work just fine, though. If you’re making your own marinara sauce, San Marzano tomatoes are my go-to for the best flavor. Don’t forget to use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the final dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil will definitely elevate the dish, but dried herbs work just as well in a pinch.
Equipment You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need a good Dutch oven or large pot. A quality pot is essential for even cooking and heat retention. I find that it makes all the difference in how the flavors meld together.
How to Make Lasagna Soup: Step-by-Step
Here are the simple steps to create this amazing soup. Don’t worry; I’ll be right there with you, every step of the way!
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and smoked beef bacon until browned. Season with salt and pepper as you cook. Drain grease and remove meat from the pot.
- In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, spices, and broth. Return meat to pot.
- Bring to boil then add lasagna noodles (broken into 4ths) to potand reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodlesare tender. Add spinach, if using.
- In a small bowl, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta cheeses
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and dollop a scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes, especially in the kitchen! Here are a few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls when making lasagna soup: Overcooking the noodles can lead to a mushy soup, so check them frequently. Adding too much salt can ruin the flavor, so taste as you go. If the flavor seems bland, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. For another delicious and comforting option, our cozy autumn-spiced roasted pumpkin soup is a fantastic choice.
Lasagna Soup Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try:
Spicy Lasagna Soup
For a little kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, brown the ground beef and bacon as directed. Then, transfer all ingredients (except the cheese mixture and spinach) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
For an Instant Pot version, brown the ground beef and bacon using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the cheese mixture and spinach). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach after releasing the pressure.
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Simply use vegetable broth and omit the meat, or use a plant-based ground instead.
Vegan Lasagna Soup
Use vegetable broth, omit the meat, use plant-based ground, and opt for vegan cheese alternatives.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This soup can be made 1-2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Store and Reheat Lasagna Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
How Long is Lasagna Soup Good For?
Lasagna soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to Thicken Lasagna Soup?
If your soup is too thin, try adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) or a can of tomato paste.
How Long is Lasagna Soup Good For?
Lasagna soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
What is the Best Way to Reheat Lasagna Soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it seems too thick, add a little broth to loosen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lasagna soup healthy?
Lasagna soup can be packed with nutrients if you use lean meat, low-sodium broth, and plenty of veggies.
What goes well with lasagna soup?
Garlic bread, a simple salad, or a crusty baguette are great sides.
How do you thicken lasagna soup?
Use a cornstarch slurry or add a can of tomato paste.
- Is lasagna soup healthy? Lasagna soup can be packed with nutrients if you use lean meat, low-sodium broth, and plenty of veggies.
- What goes well with lasagna soup? Garlic bread, a simple salad, or a crusty baguette are great sides.
- How do you thicken lasagna soup? Use a cornstarch slurry or add a can of tomato paste.
- How long is lasagna soup good for? It’s safe to eat for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
- What is the best way to reheat lasagna soup? Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth if needed.
Enjoy Your Homemade Lasagna Soup!
There you have it! You’ve just created a delicious and comforting meal that your family will love. I’m so proud of you for taking the time to nourish yourself and your loved ones. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me how your lasagna soup turned out. Did you make any variations? Any questions? And if you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it — your feedback helps me create even better recipes for you!
