Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Name: Easy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 6 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt (to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper; 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or mafalda pasta); 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

This lasagna soup delivers all the flavors of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time. There’s no need to pre-cook noodles, layer ingredients, or bake for an hour. It’s quick, satisfying, family-friendly, and totally customizable. Plus, the cheesy dollop added before serving gives you that classic lasagna richness in every spoonful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
Olive oil
Yellow onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Chicken or beef broth
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces) or mafalda pasta
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add broken lasagna noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender (about 10–12 minutes).
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Once the soup is ready, ladle into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Let it melt slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Make it creamy: Stir a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half into the soup for a richer broth.
Go vegetarian: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for texture.
Use different pasta: Mafalda, rotini, or small shell pasta work well in place of broken lasagna noodles.
Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm your broth is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if the soup has thickened.
Freeze without the pasta for best results. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Just cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.

What’s the best meat for lasagna soup?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both offer the best flavor.

Do I have to use ricotta?

Ricotta is traditional for lasagna flavor, but you can substitute cottage cheese or leave it out for a lighter version.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Yes, but freeze without the pasta. Reheat and add freshly cooked pasta before serving for best texture.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

If making ahead, store the pasta separately and combine just before serving.

What pasta is best for lasagna soup?

Broken lasagna noodles mimic traditional lasagna, but any short pasta like rotini, bowtie, or mafalda works well.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Very much so! The familiar lasagna flavors and cheesy topping make it a favorite for kids.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added for more nutrition.

How do I make this soup richer?

Add a splash of cream or more cheese, or finish with a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, cook meat and onions first, then transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients (except pasta and cheese). Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Easy Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of classic Italian flavor with none of the layering or baking hassle. It’s a perfect family dinner that’s quick to make, flexible to customize, and absolutely satisfying. Once you try it, this cozy soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.