Quick Lasagna Soup is like a warm, cozy hug in a bowl, combining all the flavors of classic lasagna with the ease and comfort of a hearty soup. It’s filled with tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, tender noodles, and plenty of melted cheese that feels just as satisfying as the baked dish we all love. The taste hits all the right notes, but this soup cooks up so much faster and easier than traditional lasagna.
I love making this soup when I’m craving lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something delicious and filling but without the fuss. The best part is that it’s super flexible — sometimes I add spinach or extra garlic for a little boost, and it still comes out tasting like a comforting hug in a bowl.
My favorite way to serve this soup is with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. It makes the meal feel complete and adds a nice crunch to balance the creamy soup. Whenever I bring this to family dinners, it disappears fast and always gets compliments, especially on chilly days when everyone wants something warm and filling without waiting forever.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or Italian sausage: I like using ground beef for a mild flavor, but Italian sausage adds a great herby kick. For a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Tomatoes & tomato paste: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste boost the soup’s rich tomato flavor. If you prefer less acidity, try adding a pinch of sugar or use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist.
Lasagna noodles: Breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces is key for easy eating. You can swap these for broken spaghetti or any small pasta shape if needed.
Cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan): Ricotta adds creaminess, mozzarella melts beautifully, and Parmesan brings sharpness. Cottage cheese can be a ricotta substitute, and any shredded melting cheese can replace mozzarella in a pinch.
How Do You Get the Noodles Perfect in the Soup?
Cooking pasta directly in the soup can sometimes cause it to get too soft or mushy. Here’s how to keep the noodles just right:
- Break lasagna noodles into small pieces before adding.
- Stir often to prevent sticking, especially right after adding the noodles.
- Keep the heat at a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil—to avoid overcooking.
- Taste the noodles a couple of minutes before the suggested time to catch them at perfect tenderness.
This way, your noodles stay firm enough to enjoy without turning into mush, keeping that lasagna feel in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning meat and simmering the soup all in one place.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring without scratching your pot.
- Chef’s knife – you’ll need this to chop onions and garlic quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your broth, spices, and tomato paste just right.
- Ladle – makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add extra spice and flavor.
- Mix in fresh spinach or kale near the end for a boost of green and added nutrients.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your soup.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter, creamy topping.
Quick Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 4 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Cheese Toppings:
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lasagna soup recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, making a total of roughly 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics and Meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if there is any. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Liquids and Seasoning:
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together.
3. Cook the Noodles and Finish the Soup:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook them in the simmering soup for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together or to the bottom. Test the noodles for doneness to make sure they’re tender but not mushy. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve with Cheese and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and some grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a fresh, colorful touch. Serve right away, ideally alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef or sausage in the refrigerator before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and better texture in the soup.
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the soup up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. Add the noodles fresh when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Noodles might absorb some liquid and soften, so you can add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating if needed.
Can I Substitute the Lasagna Noodles with Another Pasta?
Yes! Broken spaghetti, penne, or rotini work well as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t overcook and become mushy in the soup.
