Lasagne Soup brings the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagne into a warm, hearty bowl. It’s perfect for nights when you crave the cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagne but want it ready in under an hour. This soup combines tender ground beef, aromatic herbs, creamy cheeses, and broken lasagna noodles in a tomato-rich broth that’s deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that’s both family-friendly and versatile enough for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Preparing the Base
- Brown the Beef: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
Building the Soup Flavor
- Combine Liquids and Herbs: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the soup.
- Simmer for Depth: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich and savory base.
Adding the Pasta
- Cook the Noodles: Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, or until noodles are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Making It Creamy
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Lower the heat to prevent scorching, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Cook gently until the cheeses are fully melted, and the soup becomes creamy and luscious.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. For a more complex Italian flavor, a pinch of thyme or Italian seasoning works beautifully.
Optional Add-Ins
- Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. Add spinach at the very end to wilt it slightly without overcooking.
- Extra Protein: Italian sausage or cooked chicken can replace or complement the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Creamy Boost: For an ultra-creamy texture, add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese when adding the Parmesan and mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- This soup is ideal for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.
Tips for Perfect Lasagne Soup
- Noodle Texture: For firmer noodles, cook them separately and add just before serving. This prevents overcooked, mushy noodles.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in provolone, fontina, or Gouda along with mozzarella for a richer, gooier finish.
- Control Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preference. Start with 1/4 tsp for mild heat.
- Healthier Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lower fat content.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Lasagne Soup can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove. If it thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
Can I freeze Lasagne Soup?
Yes, but for best results, cook the noodles separately and freeze the soup base. Add the noodles after thawing and reheating to prevent soggy pasta.
How can I make it lower in calories?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. Swap ground beef with lean turkey or chicken.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and follow the same instructions. Monitor cooking time as gluten-free noodles may cook faster.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers add nutrition and flavor. Add sturdy vegetables earlier in the simmering process, and delicate ones like spinach at the end.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra 1/2 cup of mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan on top when serving. You can also stir in ricotta for a creamier texture.
What side dishes pair well with Lasagne Soup?
Garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, Caesar salad, or a simple green salad are all great companions. For a cozy meal, pair it with roasted vegetables or a glass of red wine.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Italian Herb Boost: Include fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a more aromatic flavor.
- Cheesy Crust: Top with extra mozzarella and broil briefly for a bubbly, golden layer reminiscent of traditional baked lasagne.
Lasagne Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that combines the flavors of classic lasagne with the ease and warmth of a soup. Its creamy, cheesy texture and rich tomato-beef base make it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in. With endless variations, this soup is as versatile as it is delicious—perfect for adapting to your taste preferences or dietary needs.