Imagine all the rich, hearty, and cheesy flavors of a classic lasagna, but without the layering, extended baking time, or extra dishes. That’s the magic of this one-pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food, transforming a beloved casserole into an easy, slurpable soup that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. This recipe delivers that deep, savory Italian flavor you crave in under an hour, making it a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This isn’t just another soup; it’s a complete, satisfying meal in a bowl. It captures the essence of traditional lasagna—the savory meat sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the creamy, cheesy topping—but with a fraction of the effort.
Everything comes together in a single pot, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a wholesome, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly cozy and warming, making it ideal for chilly nights.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Lasagna Soup
The secret to an incredible lasagna soup lies in using quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that mimic the classic dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Meats: Italian Sausage & Ground Beef
A combination of mild Italian sausage and lean ground beef creates a rich, complex flavor base. The sausage provides essential Italian spices and a wonderful depth, while the ground beef adds a hearty, traditional texture.
The Aromatics: Onion & Garlic
No Italian recipe is complete without a foundation of sautéed onion and garlic. These aromatics provide the sweet and pungent notes that are fundamental to the soup’s overall flavor profile.
The Liquid Base: Broth & Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes give the soup its classic red sauce character, while a quality chicken or beef broth creates the perfect soupy consistency. Together, they form a savory, tomato-rich broth that’s simply irresistible.
The Seasonings: Italian Herbs
Dried oregano and basil are the workhorses of Italian seasoning. They infuse the soup with that unmistakable aroma and taste of a long-simmered pasta sauce. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth without making it overly spicy.
The Pasta: Choosing the Right Noodle
Mafalda or Campanelle pasta are excellent choices because their ruffled edges do a great job of holding onto the hearty sauce. In a pinch, you can even break regular lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces.
The Cheesy Topping: A Trio of Cheeses
The final touch is what truly makes this “lasagna” soup. A dollop of creamy ricotta mixed with salty Parmesan, topped with gooey, melted mozzarella, creates the perfect cheesy finish in every spoonful.
How to Make The Best Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping soup that tastes like it simmered for hours. The key is to build layers of flavor right from the start.
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
First, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking the meat apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s completely browned, then drain off any excess grease. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavor. Next, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and dried seasonings, cooking for just another minute until you can smell their wonderful aroma.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour the crushed tomatoes and broth into the pot. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
Let the soup base simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Then, stir in your uncooked pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesy Ricotta Topping
While the soup is simmering, prepare the iconic cheese topping. In a small bowl, simply mix the whole milk ricotta cheese with the grated Parmesan. Set this aside for serving.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is cooked, your soup is ready. Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta-parmesan mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a garnish of fresh chopped basil or parsley. The heat from the soup will perfectly melt the mozzarella.
Pro Tips for a Foolproof Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the hot broth. Cook it just until al dente to avoid a mushy texture, especially if you plan on having leftovers.
- Use Full-Fat Cheeses: For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, opt for whole milk ricotta and full-fat mozzarella. They melt better and provide a much more satisfying result.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the soup base before adding the pasta. Adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.
Delicious Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few popular variations to try:
Creamy Lasagna Soup
For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a velvety texture that is pure comfort.
Spicy Lasagna Soup
If you like a little heat, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth.
Slow Cooker or Crockpot Method
This recipe is easily adapted for the slow cooker. Simply brown the meats and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop first. Transfer everything (except the pasta and cheese) to your crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
To make this vegetarian, omit the meat and use a hearty vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground “meat” for a similar hearty texture.
What to Serve with Your Soup
This lasagna soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few classic sides. A loaf of crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich tomato broth. A simple side salad, like this refreshing Italian Grinder Salad, adds a fresh, crisp contrast. For a different sandwich pairing, try these amazing Italian Sliders. And if you’re looking for another comforting dish, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a must-try.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly to enjoy later.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be aware that the pasta will absorb more liquid and soften over time.
Freezing
For the best results, freeze the soup base *before* adding the pasta and cheese. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, and cook a fresh batch of pasta to add in before serving with the cheese topping.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add an extra splash of broth to thin it out, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics on the stove first, then transfer everything except the pasta and cheese topping to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup base *without* the pasta and dairy topping. The pasta can become mushy, and the cheese texture can change upon thawing. Freeze the soup, then cook fresh pasta and add the cheese when you reheat and serve.
The best way is to cook the pasta just until al dente. For best results on reheating, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving.
A combination of whole milk ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella provides the classic lasagna flavor. The ricotta adds creaminess, the Parmesan adds a nutty saltiness, and the mozzarella gives that signature cheese pull.
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like Mafalda, Campanelle, or even broken lasagna noodles work best. They hold up well in the soup and capture the chunky sauce.
The Perfect Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna Soup Recipe (The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Brown Meats: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build Soup Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. If making a creamy version, stir in the heavy cream during the last minute of cooking.
- Prepare Topping & Serve: While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a garnish of fresh basil or parsley. The mozzarella will melt into the hot soup.
Notes
For the best flavor, use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Tried This Recipe? Share Your Creation!
There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of this hearty Lasagna Soup. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment below with your thoughts or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Your feedback helps other home cooks and inspires new creations!
