Easy Lasagna Soup - Dinner in 321 (2024)

This Easy Lasagna Soup is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian favorite! It has 7 simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare! Topped with a flavored ricotta cheese blend, shredded cheese or served with toasted cheese sandwiches, it's a great weeknight dinner win!

Lasagna, in any form, is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of a meaty, rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and melty cheese is just what a cold winter night calls for. Lasagna Soup takes comfort to a whole new level by transforming the classic Italian lasagna into a warm and soothing bowl of yummy goodness.

With minimal preparation and a lot less hassle than its traditional counterpart, Lasagna Soup is an excellent go-to meal on busy weeknights and for entertaining guests.

My Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup and Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup are two more of my favorite Italian-flavor inspired soups. They're both quick to make on the stovetop or can be made in the Crockpot during the busy work week!

Why You'll Love this Recipe

• Comfort in a Bowl: There's nothing better than a bowl of soup when it's cold outside, when you're feeling under the weather, or simply want a meal that's easy to make so that you can relax and enjoy it. This easy recipe is like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
• Simplifies the Lasagna-Making Process: Lasagna soup offers a simplified version of traditional lasagna with the same rich and hearty flavors without the fuss.
• Versatility and Adaptability: Lasagna soup is incredibly versatile. You can change up the meat and seasonings, add heat, or include additional vegetables if desired.
• Filling and Hearty Soup: This easy Lasagna Soup recipe is undeniably filling. The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese ensures that it satisfies your hunger and leaves you feeling content.

Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Soup

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

• Ground Beef and/or Ground Italian Sausage: Adds richness, protein, and savory flavor to the soup. Hot or mild Italian sausage, especially, can contribute additional spices and herbs that enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Garlic: An aromatic that adds depth and an extra level of flavor.
• Marinara Sauce or Italian Gravy: Forms the main tomato base of the soup, providing acidity and sweetness, reminiscent of lasagna sauce.
• Beef Broth: Adds liquid to the soup, creating the desired soup consistency. It also contributes a savory background flavor.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a smoky flavor and additional acidity to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides the distinctive Italian flavor profile.
• Lasagna Noodles: Gives the soup its characteristic lasagna feel. They absorb the flavors of the broth and add a comforting, hearty texture.

Tools You'll Need

• Large SkilletorStockpot
• Garlic Press
• Meat Chopper
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Can Opener
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cheese Grater (optional)
• Ladle

How to the Best Lasagna Soup

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, crumble and cook ground beef/sausage over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink.Using a strainer or paper towel, remove and discard excess grease.

2. Stir in garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add marinara sauce or Italian gravy, beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to medium.

4. Add the broken pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.

5. Check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
6. Ladle and serve with your favorite garnish(es).

What to Serve with Easy Lasagna Soup

• Ricotta: Whether it's plain or seasoned, a dollop of ricotta cheese provides creaminess and a luxurious texture. It mimics the ricotta layer found in traditional lasagna. For my flavored dollop, combine ricotta cheese, basil, salt and fresh minced garlic in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Sandwich: Toasted cheese sandwiches are an excellent complement to this soup. Use your favorite sandwich bread and Italian cheeses and toast in a skillet on both sides until the cheese has melted and the bread has a golden crust.
• Italian Cheeses: You can also top the soup with a blend of cheeses, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and provolone, for a gooey and flavorful finish.
• Garlic Bread: Store-bought or homemade bread spread with my Epic Garlic Butter Spread are perfect soup accents. Garlic croutons are also an option.
• Basil: Top the soup with fresh basil to add a burst of fresh flavor and color!

Pro Tips for Recipe Success and Substitutions

• Brown the Meat: Ensure that you brown the beef and Italian sausage well before adding them to the soup. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
• Drain Excess Fat: After browning the meat, drain excess fat. This helps control the richness of the soup and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
• Fresh Italian Herbs: The dried Italian seasoning can be substituted with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. Add some during the browning of meat and others during simmering to help build complex flavors.
• Meat Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute in place of ground beef/Italian sausage.
• Tomato Variations: Instead of fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or a combination to suit your taste. Homemade marinara sauce can be used as well. Adjust seasonings as needed.
• Broth Options: If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. If the soup seems too thick, you can add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Pasta Choices: Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, you can use small shells, rotini, or any pasta of your choice.
• Vegetable Additions: Sautéed mushrooms, diced zucchini, green pepper, or fresh spinach can add extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice Level: If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning process.

Variations

• White Lasagna Soup:
  • Create a white lasagna soup by using a creamy base. Add Alfredo sauce or heavy cream for richness and white cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
• Lasagna Soup with Pesto:
  • Swirl a dollop of pesto into each serving for a burst of herbal and nutty flavors. Pesto complements the Italian seasonings in the soup.
• Seafood Lasagna Soup:
  • Incorporate seafood like shrimp or crab for a unique twist. Consider using a seafood broth and add a splash of white wine.
• Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Soup:
  • Create a vegetarian version with a combination of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.

Make this Lasagna Soup in the Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is another easy way to make this dish! Brown the meat until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat. Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker and combine with the rest of the ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes to an hour before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir them in, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cook on high until the noodles are tender. If the soup seems too thick, you can add additional beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is another go-to, convenient way to prepare this perfect comfort food!

Storage and Freezing

Leftover Lasagna Soup is even better than the day it was made.

Refrigeration: Allow the lasagna soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating in an airtight container. Store all in one container or in individual portions. Store lasagna soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Completely: Ensure that the leftover soup is completely cooled before freezing. If you plan to freeze individual portions, use freezer-safe containers or sealable plastic bags. Leave some space at the top of the containers or bags to account for expansion as the soup freezes. Freeze up to 3 months.

Thaw Overnight: To thaw lasagna soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.

Reheating: Reheat the thawed soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave to thaw and reheat individual portions. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

Check Consistency: After reheating, check the consistency of the soup. If it has thickened, you can add a little broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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