If you're craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, you’re going to love this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like all your favorite lasagna ingredients in a steaming, hearty bowl – perfect for chilly nights or whenever you want a hug in a bowl!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ever wish you could skip the multiple layers and long baking time of traditional lasagna? I totally get it. This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe gives you all those layers and flavors without the fuss, plus it’s highly customizable and perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up solo.
- Rich, comforting flavors: Italian sausage, tomato, and herbs mingle perfectly in a soul-warming broth.
- Speed and simplicity: Ready in under an hour, far faster than assembling and baking classic lasagna.
- Customizable toppings: That creamy ricotta blend on top adds lusciousness and lets you play with cheese combos.
- Perfectly portioned: Makes a big batch great for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or even freezing for later.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe plays an important role: from the savory sausage to the hearty broth, and the comforting cheeses that finish it all off. I always recommend using the best-quality Italian sausage and fresh garlic you can find — it really boosts the flavor.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds flavorful richness and a bit of spice that’s classic to lasagna.
- White onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth – don’t skimp here!
- Beef broth: Forms the savory base that melds everything together beautifully.
- Tomato sauce: Gives a smooth tomato body and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: Add texture and juicy bursts to keep the soup interesting.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that make it unmistakably Italian.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
- Bay leaves: Enhances the soup’s aroma and subtle layers of flavor.
- Lasagna pasta: Broken into pieces, it cooks quickly and gives that hearty, familiar texture.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it gives richness to the cheese topping.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, stringy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty bite that elevates the cheese blend.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey when I want a lighter version, and love adding fresh basil just before serving for a punch of freshness.
- Variation: Tried adding chopped spinach or kale for extra veggies – it’s a great way to sneak in greens without losing flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Omit sausage and use mushroom or lentil “meat” to keep it hearty and satisfying.
- Cheese swaps: Sometimes I mix ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter topping that still feels indulgent.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics
First things first: heat a large pot over medium-high and add the ground Italian sausage. As it browns, break it into small pieces with your spoon. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess grease – trust me, this step keeps the soup from getting greasy. Return the pot to the heat and toss in your diced onion, cooking until soft and translucent, around 5–7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing right about now!
Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base
Next, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir, crank up the heat to bring it to a simmer, then reduce it to medium-low. Let the flavors mingle for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step is key — it allows all those Italian flavors to become hearty and rich.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Cook Until Al Dente
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-size pieces – about 1 to 2 inches – and stir them right into the simmering soup. Let them cook for 12-15 minutes until tender but still with a slight bite. Keep an eye on the soup; if the pasta soaks up too much liquid, just add extra beef broth to keep it soupy and comforting. Once the noodles are perfect, carefully remove the bay leaves.
Step 4: Mix the Cheese Topping
While the noodles cook, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a bit of Italian seasoning in a bowl. This creamy mix gives the soup that classic lasagna cheesy goodness without the mess of layering noodles and sauce. Once your soup bowls are ready, dollop a generous spoonful on top – it melts beautifully in the hot broth!
Top Tip
Making this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe for the first time? Here are some things I learned that made a huge difference in my soup turning out perfect every time.
- Drain sausage grease properly: Leaving excess grease in the pot can make the soup oily instead of rich and savory; drain well after browning.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook until just al dente so your noodles don’t turn mushy after sitting or reheating.
- Cheese mixture mix: Stir your cheeses just until combined to keep a nice, creamy texture that melts beautifully on top.
- Adjust liquid as needed: Pasta absorbs broth quickly; keep extra beef broth on hand to thin the soup if it gets too thick.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my bowls with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can take it over the top. For a little zing, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread. I’ve found that dipping good bread into the broth makes the meal feel extra indulgent and comforting – perfect if you have guests over or just want to treat yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving individual portions in small soup crocks topped with a mix of different herbs and a little extra shredded mozzarella. You can also broil the cheese topping just lightly for a golden crust effect, giving it a fun spin on the classic lasagna look right in soup form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the cheese topping separate until you’re ready to serve, so it stays fresh and creamy. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup back up if it thickened.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well! I freeze portions without the cheese topping in freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, just stir in fresh cheese topping or sprinkle with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for that lasagna feel.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring often, and adding broth if it’s too thick. Microwave works too—just do it in bursts and stir in between to get even heating. Top with fresh cheese right before serving to keep that creamy texture shining.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give the classic texture, penne, rigatoni, or bow tie pasta also work well. Just adjust cooking times as some shapes might cook faster.
Cooking the pasta until al dente and adding extra broth as needed keeps it from becoming mushy. Also, avoid letting the soup sit too long with the pasta before serving. You can add pasta just before serving to keep it firm if needed.
Yes, simply omit the Italian sausage and substitute with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly and hearty.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding extra broth if the soup has thickened. Microwaving in short intervals with stirring works well too. Add the cheese topping fresh after reheating for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods, especially on cooler days when I want a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. It hits all the notes of classic lasagna but with way less effort and cleanup. I can’t wait for you to try making it – don’t forget the cheese topping, that’s what really makes it feel like a warm Italian hug. Grab your ladle, and let’s get cooking!
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Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty homemade lasagna soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and lasagna pasta in a comforting broth, topped with a creamy cheese mixture for an easy and satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 5 teaspoons minced garlic (about 5 cloves)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ pound lasagna pasta broken into pieces (about 2 cups)
Cheese Topping
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds of ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease and return the pot to medium-high heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in 5 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, and 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Mix well and bring the soup to a simmer over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Break ½ pound lasagna pasta into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Add the pasta to the soup and cook for an additional 15 minutes until noodles are tender but still firm (al dente). Remove the pot from heat and discard bay leaves.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the pasta cooks, combine 16 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency.
- For variety, substitute lasagna pasta with bow tie, penne, or other bite-sized pasta shapes.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
- To make it lighter, use lean ground turkey instead of sausage.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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