Name: Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 pound mild Italian sausage, loose or casings removed; 1/2 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 8-10 cups chicken broth, divided; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 14.5 ounces fire-roasted or diced tomatoes; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 large carrot, peeled and diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 bay leaf; 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 8 ounces pasta); 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced for garnish

If you’ve been dreaming of all the comforting, cheesy goodness of Italian lasagna but want something quicker and cozier to enjoy, you’re in for a treat with this Best Lasagna Soup Recipe. It perfectly captures the rich, meaty, and cheesy layers of a classic lasagna but transformed into a warm, hearty soup that’s so easy to make in just one pot. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just curl up on a cold night with something satisfying, this recipe blends fresh veggies, savory sausage, tender noodles, and a blend of cheeses into a bowl of pure comfort. Let me take you through why this soup will be your new favorite go-to meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface for cooking. In the center, a white round plate holds two types of raw ground meat, one lighter and one darker red, side by side. Surrounding it are small white bowls and clear glass containers with various ingredients: bright orange diced carrots in a bowl above the meat, a bowl of red tomato sauce, a bowl with reddish tomato paste, finely chopped white onions, shredded mozzarella cheese in a rectangular glass dish, diced zucchini in a square glass container, and broken lasagna sheets scattered next to the cheese. There are also small bowls of herbs and spices, fresh green basil leaves, minced garlic, and a measuring cup filled with golden broth. Everything is cleanly arranged and ready for cooking, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Best Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in using simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add their own unique touch. From the robust Italian sausage to the fresh herbs, and creamy cheeses, every component brings vibrant flavor, texture, or color to the table. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you dive in.

1/2 pound mild Italian sausage: Choose loose sausage or remove casings for perfect browning and seasoning.
1/2 pound lean ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness to balance the dish.
1 medium yellow onion, chopped: The base for aromatic depth and sweetness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory flavor with fragrant punch.
8-10 cups chicken broth, divided: Forms the soul of the soup, rich but light.
28 ounces crushed tomatoes: Provides bright, tangy tomato character.
14.5 ounces fire-roasted or diced tomatoes: Adds smoky depth and tasty texture.
4 Tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully.
1 large carrot, peeled and diced: Adds subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
1 zucchini, diced: Gives a fresh, tender crunch that complements the meat.
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh herbal pop.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Classic Italian herb for warm, sweet notes.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter balance to the tomatoes.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes perfectly.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and spice.
1/2 teaspoon rosemary: Woody undertone that rounds out the herbs.
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed: Subtle sweet licorice flavor that enhances sausage notes.
1/2 teaspoon thyme: Provides a hint of earthiness and freshness.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Small kick of heat to wake up your taste buds.
1 bay leaf: Infuses gentle aromatic depth during cooking.
8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 8 ounces pasta): Offers classic pasta texture in every spoonful.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts perfectly for that gooey cheesy comfort.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty punch to elevate the flavors.
8 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops on top add luscious richness.
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced for garnish: Bright herbaceous finish with color and aroma.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the mild Italian sausage, ground beef, and chopped yellow onions. Break the meat into small chunks with your spoon or spatula as it cooks. You want everything nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Just before removing from heat, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.

Step 2: Build Your Broth Base

Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, then add both the crushed and fire-roasted tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Toss in the diced carrot and zucchini, then sprinkle in all your herbs and spices like parsley, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, pepper, rosemary, fennel seeds, thyme, red pepper flakes, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir and bring everything to a boil. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and veggies to start softening.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the simmering soup. Stir occasionally as the noodles cook for about 8 to 12 minutes, until they are tender but still have a slight bite—al dente is key here. The noodles will soak up some of the broth, so keep an eye on the thickness of the soup for the next step.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Cheese It Up

Remove and discard the bay leaf, then stir in the remaining 2 to 4 cups of chicken broth depending on your preferred soup consistency. Now, pull the pot off the heat and sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses right on top. Stir gently for a couple of minutes, letting the cheeses melt into the silky, flavorful broth that tastes just like classic lasagna.

Step 5: Finish with Ricotta and Fresh Basil

Ladle your cozy soup into warm bowls, then add small dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Sprinkle the sliced fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan for a gorgeous and tasty finishing touch. Every spoonful bursts with cheesy, herby, meaty goodness that never gets old!

How to Serve Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

A grey pot with white inside filled with a thick, rich soup that has a deep reddish-brown broth with visible herbs and spices floating on top. In the soup, there are chunky pieces of red tomatoes, green herbs, and wide, light yellow pasta strips layered throughout. A wooden spoon with a rounded handle is partially placed inside the soup on the right side of the pot. The pot is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has blue stripes on the bottom right and a small glass bowl filled with a creamy white substance near the top left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really make the soup pop, fresh garnishes are a must. Dollops of creamy ricotta add luscious texture and richness. Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves bring brightness and a lovely herbal aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese never hurts, adding a salty, nutty finish that makes each bite truly irresistible. For a little extra zing, a small pinch of red pepper flakes on top gives a subtle heat that complements the flavors well.

Side Dishes

This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crunchy salad or garlic bread makes for a truly unforgettable Italian-inspired feast. A crisp Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness that balances the richness. Cheesy garlic bread or warm breadsticks are perfect for dunking and soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this for a crowd or special occasion, try layering the soup in clear mugs or small jars to show off the colorful layers of noodles, veggies, and cheese. You can also serve the soup with individual bowls of cooked noodles on the side, letting everyone build their own bowl fresh. For a lighter presentation, serve the soup over spiralized zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions are a concern.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days. For the best texture the next day, consider storing the cooked noodles separately and combine just before reheating. That way, your noodles won’t get soggy, and the soup will taste fresh and vibrant every time.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. Just make the soup as directed, then let it cool before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove, and add freshly cooked noodles to keep everything tasting just right.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to evenly warm and melt the cheeses again. If you’ve stored the noodles separately, add them in last to cook until just tender. This method preserves the lasagna soup’s perfect texture and flavors, making every bowl taste like it was just made.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the sausage and ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and extra veggies for a hearty vegetarian version that still captures all the cozy flavors.

What if I don’t have Italian sausage?

No problem! You can use ground pork, turkey, or even omit it entirely and just use beef or a meat blend with the same seasoning. Adding fennel seeds helps mimic that classic sausage flavor.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, feel free to experiment! While broken lasagna noodles are traditional here, small pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini work well too, just adjust cook time accordingly.

How can I make this soup lighter?

Use ground turkey instead of sausage and beef, reduce the amount of cheese, or lighten up by using part-skim mozzarella and low-fat ricotta. The soup remains delicious and comforting.

Is it possible to make this in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Brown your meat and onions first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low up to 8 hours, adding the noodles in the last 20-30 minutes to cook through perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Best Lasagna Soup Recipe captures the cozy, cheesy, and meaty flavors we all love about traditional lasagna but in a comforting bowl of soup that’s quick and easy to make. It’s perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll quickly become one of your most cherished recipes. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of pure Italian comfort!