The first time I smelled simmering garlic mixed with fennel sausage on a chilly October night, I swear it felt like a hug from the stove. That’s the magic tucked inside this THE BEST LASAGNA SOUP RECIPEcozy, rich, and bubbling over with the same soul-warming flavors you’d find layered in your grandma’s Sunday lasagna. It’s easy to see why everyone’s been craving lasagna in a bowl lately.
This one-pot wonder starts with lean ground sausage, hearty pasta, and melty pockets of ricotta stirred in at the very end. Kind of like your favorite baked lasagna, but without all the layering and waiting. It comes together fast with pantry staples, and the leftovers make a dreamy lunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or when the fall chill sets in and you want something a little more special than your usual soup routine.
Started cooking this version back in 2018 after a chilly hayride left us all craving something hearty but not heavy. My daughter dipped her bread in and said, “Mom, this is the coziest thing you’ve ever made.” The trick that makes it sing? Stirring the ricotta mixture in just before servingso you get those creamy, cheesy swirls in each bite. After ten-plus years of sharing comforting, healthy spins on classics, this one became a fast favorite for a reason.

The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe Guaranteed to Delight
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat until it shimmers lightly.
- Add the minced garlic and onion, stirring occasionally, and sauté until they become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced bell pepper, oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper, then cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through; drain any excess fat.
- Mix in the ricotta cheese, allowing it to melt into the meat mixture for added creaminess.
- Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and drop in the parmesan rind, stirring everything together.
- Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
- About 15 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they are tender.
- Remove the parmesan rind from the pot.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or mugs, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add an extra dollop of ricotta if you desire.
- Place the bowls under a hot broiler until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Serve immediately accompanied by warm garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
- For more depth of flavor, try replacing half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Any type of onion can be used, but red onion adds a nice touch, similar to a bolognese. If fresh herbs are not available, use half the quantity of dried herbs instead. The soup freezes well for up to 6 months, but do not freeze it with lasagna noodles as they absorb liquid and become mushy. Cool the soup completely before freezing in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the comfort of lasagna, but easier: No layering, no waiting. This soup gives you all the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna in a fraction of the time.
- Perfect for busy weeknights: One pot, minimal cleanup, and pantry staples get this on the table fast.
- Family-approved: From the fire-roasted tomatoes to the creamy ricotta swirls, every bite feels like a hug in soup form.
- Great leftovers: It tastes even better the next day. Just save the noodles separate if you’re freezing it!
Key Ingredients & Tips
This lasagna soup recipe truly shines thanks to its balanced and accessible ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Essential for that hearty, rich lasagna flavor. Feel free to use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for an extra flavor punch.
- Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These add a smoky depth that plain tomatoes just can’t match, elevating the soup’s flavor.
- Ricotta: Stirred in at the end, it creates a creamy and luscious texture. Don’t forget to save a little for dolloping on top!
- Parmesan Rind: This is the soup’s secret weapon, infusing a warm, nutty savoriness as it simmers, enriching the broth.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip breaking up the lasagna noodles! This step is key to achieving that familiar lasagna texture in every spoonful.
How to Make Lasagna Soup: Step-by-Step
- 1. Build the Flavor Base: Sauté minced garlic, red onion, and bell pepper in olive oil until they become fragrant and softened.
- 2. Add Aromatics: Stir in fresh oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper, allowing these herbs to ‘bloom’ for about a minute to release their flavors.
- 3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease for a lighter finish to the soup.
- 4. Simmer for Rich Flavor: Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes, then toss in the Parmesan rind. Let the mixture simmer for at least 30 minutes; the longer it simmers, the richer the flavor.
- 5. Add the Noodles: In the last 15 minutes, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until soft.
- 6. Finish with Cheese: After removing the Parmesan rind, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top with mozzarella and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tip: Always keep a close eye on the cheese under the broilerit can go from beautifully golden to burnt in mere seconds!
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
- Soggy Noodles: To prevent noodles from becoming soggy, especially if not serving the entire batch immediately, cook them separately and add them to individual servings.
- No Parmesan Rind? No problem! You can swap in a few extra tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese instead. While not identical, it will still add a delicious depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free option, substitute the ground beef with diced mushrooms or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serve this lasagna soup piping hot, garnished with extra shredded mozzarella and fresh ricotta. Don’t forget a side of garlic bread for dippingit’s arguably the best part of the meal!
- Refrigerating: Once cooled completely, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For best results, ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers *without* the noodles (as they can soak up too much liquid and become mushy). Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. For the best texture, add freshly cooked noodles just before serving.
| Storage Method | Tips | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Freeze without noodles | Up to 6 months |
Expert Says
This ultimate lasagna soup recipe achieves a perfect balance of hearty ingredients and rich flavors, deepening its taste through slow-simmered tomatoes and perfectly browned meat. Employing quick-cooking pasta shapes helps to retain their ideal texture, preventing mushiness, while thoughtfully layered herbs like basil and oregano enhance the aromatic profile, resulting in a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
After numerous bubbling pots and a few too-thick batches, I finally perfected the ideal balance of rich flavor and cozy comfort in this lasagna soup recipe. It’s the kind of dish that took time to get just right, but now it consistently fills the kitchen with that warm, familiar aroma everyone loves on a chilly evening.
FAQs ( The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This meal holds up well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Prepare it fully, then cool and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture. Some pasta may absorb liquid overnight, so adding broth when reheating helps freshen it up.
What pasta is best for this dish?
Wide noodles or broken lasagna sheets work great, but Italian tortellini also fits the flavor profile well if you want to try a twist. Avoid small pastas that disintegrate easily during simmering. This recipe’s texture shines with pasta that holds shape but absorbs flavors without turning mushy.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Ricotta adds creaminess and mild flavor, but cottage cheese or cream cheese are fine alternatives if you prefer. Just blend them well to avoid lumps. For a richer texture, stirring in some mascarpone or a mild cream cheese works nicely to keep the dish creamy without overwhelming other flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce when serving to introduce heat. Some cooks also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild to boost flavor and spice levels. Adjust gradually to keep the balance of flavors intact without overpowering the soup’s creamy base.
Is this soup freezable?
This soup freezes well before adding dairy components. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add ricotta or cream after reheating to keep the texture fresh. Pasta might soften after freezing, so slightly undercooking it before freezing helps retain its bite.

Conclusion
You’ll adore how this lasagna soup recipe comes together in just under an hour, filling your kitchen with its warm, garlicky aromas and delivering spoonfuls of comforting, cheesy goodness that truly stick to your ribs.
Consider swapping in turkey sausage for a lighter twist or adding extra fresh herbs to brighten the flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifullya little trick my aunt swore by for Sunday dinners is to keep the noodles separate to avoid any mushiness.
I’d love to see your cozy creations! Did your family have a similar comforting soup growing up? Snap a photo, share your story, and don’t forget to save this recipe for those nights when you truly need a homemade hug in a bowl.










