Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love

lasagna soup recipe nights were born after one too many evenings of craving classic lasagna but not wanting to deal with all the layering. If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right kitchen. This bowl gives you the same cozy flavors in a fraction of the time, with less mess and zero fuss. The best part is it tastes even better the next day, so leftovers feel like a win. Pull up a spoon and let me walk you through exactly how I make it on busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

For anyone new here, I keep things simple and practical. This is my go-to method to get big lasagna flavor in a single pot. It is the backbone of my Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love, and it never fails me.

Before we dive in, here is a helpful resource if you want more cozy inspo: my quick take on why this is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. And yes, it really is comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage or lean ground beef, or a mix
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 8 broken lasagna noodles, about 6 to 8 ounces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach, optional
• 1 splash heavy cream or half and half, optional
• For the cheesy topping: 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

• Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for the final 30 seconds.
• Season with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
• Add broken lasagna noodles. Simmer gently, stirring every couple of minutes so the noodles do not stick, until the pasta is al dente, about 12 to 14 minutes.
• Stir in spinach to wilt and a splash of cream if you like a slightly richer texture. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil in a small bowl. Serve soup hot with a dollop of the cheesy mixture on top. Finish with extra basil if you want to be fancy.

Pro Tips from My Stove

Break the noodles small so they fit easily on a spoon. If you prefer less starch in the pot, boil noodles separately and add them to each bowl. For the creamiest finish, build your cheesy topping ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Leftovers keep best when you store the soup and cheese separately. Reheat gently until steaming hot. If the soup thickens overnight, stir in a splash of broth while warming.

Want a dairy-free approach that still delivers big flavor? Check out the ideas in this guide to gluten-free and dairy-free lasagna soup.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

This one checks all the boxes. It tastes like classic lasagna but cooks in a single pot. The broth is saucy and rich, the noodles are tender, and that creamy ricotta topping melts into little pockets of bliss. It is the Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love because it brings weeknight practicality and weekend comfort together in one bowl.

You can tailor the heat level with red pepper flakes, swap in ground turkey for a lighter spin, or pile in spinach for extra greens. Even better, the soup holds well, so it is perfect for meal prep or hosting casual friends. When I am craving something extra cozy, I pair it with a simple salad and call dinner done. If your family loves warm and silky bowls like this, you might also love my easy creamy butternut squash soup on the side as a starter.

We made this for a cold Sunday dinner and everyone went back for seconds. My picky kid asked for leftovers in a thermos for lunch, which never happens. This is a keeper.

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Here is how I prep this for future me. If you want restaurant leftovers at home, plan it this way and you will be glad you did. This is also my approach when I double the batch for friends or new parents who need a hot meal without thinking about it.

For the fridge: Cook the soup without the noodles. Let it cool, then refrigerate the base up to 4 days. Boil pasta fresh and add to each bowl when serving. The texture stays perfect and the soup does not over-thicken.

For the freezer: Cool the soup base completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm on the stove, then cook the noodles separately and combine when serving. Avoid freezing with noodles in the pot because they can go mushy.

If you are a big soup freezer like me, you may also enjoy this cozy style of make-ahead soups such as my warm and cozy butternut squash soup. It behaves beautifully in the freezer too.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Serving is where the fun comes in. Set up a small topping bar and let everyone customize their bowl. This is also a sneaky way to get kids to try a new sprinkle of herbs or a little spinach without making it a big deal. I keep the vibe relaxed and homey.

• Cheesy dollop: Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil
• Fresh finishers: Chopped parsley, basil ribbons, cracked black pepper
• Crunch: Toasty garlic bread or a buttery roll for dunking
• Greens: Simple salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Extras: A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat

If you are planning a soup night with options, keep a second pot ready like this deliciously easy broccoli cheddar soup. It is creamy, kid friendly, and pairs well with the tomato richness here. The variety makes dinner feel special without extra work.

Other Variations of Lasagna Soup

I love how flexible this soup is. Think of the base as your canvas and tweak to fit your cravings.

Vegetarian: Swap the meat for mushrooms and a can of lentils or white beans. Sauté sliced cremini for a deep savory bite. Use vegetable broth.

Lighter turkey: Ground turkey or chicken keeps the flavor but trims the fat. Add a pinch of fennel seeds to fake a sausage vibe.

Spicy: Stir in Calabrian chili paste or extra red pepper flakes. Finish with a little ricotta to tame the heat at the table.

White lasagna soup: Use chicken, chicken broth, and a splash of cream. Season with garlic and a little nutmeg, and add spinach at the end.

Gluten free: Use gluten free lasagna noodles or swap in cooked rice or zucchini ribbons. For more no-pasta inspiration, try my veggie-forward favorite that went wild on the internet, the invisible butternut squash spinach lasagna. It proves you can keep the comfort without the heaviness.

However you riff, the heart of this stays the same. That is why I keep calling it the Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love. It welcomes your pantry and your preferences and meets you at the table like an old friend.

Common Questions

Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes. Mafalda, bow ties, or broken spaghetti all work. Adjust cooking time so the pasta stays just tender.

How do I keep noodles from getting mushy?

Cook them just until al dente and serve right away. For leftovers, keep soup and pasta separate and combine when reheating.

Can I make it dairy free?

Absolutely. Skip the cheeses and finish bowls with a swirl of olive oil and fresh herbs. For more ideas, see my notes on gluten free and dairy free lasagna soup.

Instant Pot or slow cooker friendly?

Yes. Sauté meat and aromatics first, then pressure cook the base for 5 minutes with quick release and add pasta on sauté mode. For slow cooker, simmer the base for 4 to 6 hours on low, then cook pasta on the stove and add to bowls.

How do I thin or thicken the soup?

To thin, add broth until you like the consistency. To thicken, let it simmer uncovered a few minutes or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.

Ready to Ladle Up Comfort

If you have been craving cozy without the fuss, this is it. The Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love brings all the saucy, cheesy, herby goodness of classic lasagna to your weeknight table with one pot and simple steps. Use the make-ahead tricks, set out a topping bar, and watch everyone hover by the stove with their bowls. For another great take, you might enjoy this well-loved Lasagna Soup Recipe – Tastes Better From Scratch for extra ideas and serving notes. Whichever route you go, I hope this becomes your new favorite dinner to share, repeat, and crave again tomorrow.

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