Cozy and Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lasagna lovers, rejoice! This lasagna soup recipe brings all the best parts of the classic Italian dish—melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and hearty pasta—into a single, soul-warming bowl. What’s not to love?

Have you ever found yourself craving homemade lasagna on a busy weeknight, only to sigh at the thought of layering noodles and baking for hours? This recipe is your delicious, time-saving answer. It’s like a shortcut to comfort food heaven.

Here’s why this lasagna soup will become a weeknight favorite:

One-pot convenience: Less cleanup, more flavor.
Quick prep time: Ready in about 40 minutes.
Family approved: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!
Make-ahead friendly: Flavors deepen overnight.
Customizable: Easy to make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or spicy.

Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or just one of those nights when you need a bowl of something warm and comforting, lasagna soup delivers everything you love—in less time and with more flexibility.

Essential Tools and Equipment

You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up this delicious lasagna soup. These kitchen essentials will get the job done with ease:

Large Dutch oven or soup pot: A sturdy pot is key for one-pot dishes like this.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your cookware.
Sharp knife and cutting board: To prep your onion, garlic, and herbs.
Ladle: Makes serving a breeze—especially for generous portions!
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision helps balance flavors.

Optional but helpful:

Immersion blender: If you prefer a smoother soup base (though not required).
Grater: For freshly shredded mozzarella or Parmesan.

Preparation Tips

Want to make this recipe even easier? Here are a few prep tips and tricks that’ll save you time and boost flavor:

Chop in advance: Dice your onion and garlic the night before and store in the fridge.
Use leftover pasta: Got some extra cooked noodles? Toss them in at the end to warm up.
Fresh herbs at the finish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and brightness.
Brown the meat well: Let it get a little crispy in the pot—it adds deep flavor to the base.
Layer the seasoning: Season your meat, then taste and adjust the broth for a well-balanced result.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy lasagna soup:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend works great)
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
2 cups mafalda or broken lasagna noodles
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup cooked Italian sausage (for added depth)
1 zucchini, diced (for extra veggies)
Spinach or kale at the end

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s get cooking! This soup is all about comfort and ease—and don’t worry, there’s nothing complicated here.

Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until meat is browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat, if needed.
Add onion and garlic: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until fragrant and softened.
Season it up: Mix in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Pour in the liquids: Add broth, crushed tomatoes, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Toss in noodles: Add the broken lasagna pasta to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
Stir in cheese: Remove the bay leaf. Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Ladle & serve: Scoop into bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta. Finish with fresh herbs and extra cheese if desired.

Doesn’t that sound amazing? The cheese melts perfectly, the noodles are tender, and the broth is rich and hearty—it’s like a giant pasta hug.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can trip us up sometimes. Here’s how to make sure yours turns out perfectly every time:

Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the soup, keep an eye on it. It can go from al dente to mushy fast.
Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go! The broth and tomatoes need a little coaxing with salt, pepper, and herbs to really shine.
Skipping the cheese finish: That final dollop of ricotta (and sprinkle of mozzarella) gives the soup that classic lasagna vibe. Don’t skip it!
Adding the cheese too early: Stirring cheeses in while the soup is boiling may cause curdling. Always reduce the heat first.

Best Side Dishes

This lasagna soup is a meal on its own, but if you’re like us, you love a good sidekick. Here are some delicious pairings:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery, and the perfect tool for scooping every last drop.
Caesar Salad: The crisp, creamy contrast balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Think Brussels sprouts or broccoli tossed in olive oil and baked until golden.
Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella, basil, and tomato bites for a light and fresh starter.

Expert Recipe Tips

Want to take your lasagna soup from great to unforgettable? Check out these little pro moves:

Use two kinds of protein: Mix ground beef and Italian sausage for more dimension in flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use mushrooms and zucchini for texture; replace broth with veggie stock.
Add beans: Cannellini beans are an excellent way to stretch the soup and add protein.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone right before serving for richness.
Spice it up: Want a little heat? A pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Don’t you love leftovers that taste even better the next day? Here’s how to make sure your lasagna soup keeps well:

Store: Cool soup completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers without the ricotta topping. It’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to loosen the soup.
Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between for even warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While lasagna noodles give it that authentic feel, you can use bowties, fusilli, shells, or even macaroni. Just adjust cook time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients (except pasta and cheese) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add pasta and cheese in the last 30 minutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. Kids love the cheesy, tomatoey goodness. Just omit the red pepper flakes if serving little ones.

What’s a good vegetarian version?

Use mushrooms, zucchini, and/or lentils instead of ground beef. Choose vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan (or use a vegetarian-friendly version).

Can I prep it ahead of time?

Yes! Make the soup base ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat and add cooked pasta and cheese right before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and feeds the soul. This cozy lasagna soup is more than just a one-pot wonder—it’s a warm hug in a bowl, made for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo curled up on the couch.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to trade your traditional lasagna for something a little lighter, faster, and just as satisfying?

When you try this recipe (and I hope you do soon), drop a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Better yet, tag your photos #MyCozyLasagnaSoup on social media and show off your delicious creation.

Happy cooking, and here’s to more cozy meals ahead! 🍲💛

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Looking for more cozy weeknight dishes? Check out our other one-pot favorites:
→ Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup
→ Classic Beef Chili with a Secret Ingredient

Stay warm and feed your soul!