Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is a hearty one-pot meal with ground beef, Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato broth. Topped with a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting soup brings all the flavors of classic lasagna in an easy stovetop recipe. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weeknight cooking.

Ingredients

• ½ pound lean ground beef
• ½ pound ground Italian sausage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounces store-bought marinara)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
• 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease and transfer the meat to a bowl; set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Build the Soup Base

Add tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, and basil. Pour in the broth and return the cooked meat to the pot. Stir well to combine.

4. Cook the Noodles

Bring the soup to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Stir in spinach (if using) just before serving.

5. Prepare the Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses together.

6. Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls and top each with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

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Tips

• Break the lasagna noodles into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Cook the pasta just until tender; overcooking can make the soup too starchy.
• For a creamier broth, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Make the cheese mixture ahead of time and keep it chilled until ready to use.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta to reduce richness.
• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, but cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Q: Can I freeze Lasagna Soup?
A: Yes! Freeze without the noodles for best texture. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Add extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes at the table for more flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lasagna Soup has all the flavors of traditional lasagna—savory meat, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese—transformed into a cozy, one-pot meal. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving Italian comfort food without the effort of layering a casserole.