If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna in a warm, cozy bowl, this Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender noodles swimming in a rich tomato and beef broth, perfectly seasoned with Italian sausage and herbs, topped with a luscious combination of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. It’s everything you love about lasagna, but faster to make and easier to serve—pure comfort food that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lasagna Soup Recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each component plays its own role—from the savory Italian sausage adding hearty depth to the bright acidity of diced tomatoes, finishing with creamy cheeses that melt into every spoonful. Let’s dive into these essentials:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds rich, spiced flavor and a satisfying meaty texture.
- ½ onion (chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the soup.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a sharp, tangy kick that elevates the overall taste.
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses warm, earthy notes without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives that classic Italian herbal touch we all adore.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a delicate, slightly minty flavor to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Complements the tomato base beautifully with sweet and peppery hints.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth with concentrated onion flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity.
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained): A juicy, vibrant foundation for the broth.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Boosts the tomato intensity and thickens the soup slightly.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces): The comforting pasta that transforms this from soup to a hearty meal.
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful liquid base without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, gooey bliss on top.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, luscious element that pairs perfectly with mozzarella.
- Shredded basil leaves (optional): Fresh herbal garnish to brighten every bite.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage together with the chopped onion. Keep stirring occasionally until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink. This step builds a flavorful base, releasing aromatic oils and caramelizing the onion for extra sweetness.
Step 2: Season the Meat
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard and all the dried herbs and spices: garlic powder, oregano, thyme, basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The mustard adds a subtle tang that brightens the rich sausage, while the herbs give the soup its classic Italian essence.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Noodles, and Broth
Once your sausage is perfectly seasoned, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato paste, broken lasagna noodles, and the beef broth. These ingredients combine to create the soup’s hearty and satisfying character, balancing richness and acidity.
Step 4: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the broken noodles reach that perfect soft yet slightly chewy texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the soup is simmering, combine the shredded mozzarella and ricotta cheeses in a bowl. This luscious blend will be the crowning glory of every bowl, adding creamy richness that melts beautifully into the hot soup.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, topping each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. For an extra fresh aroma, sprinkle some shredded basil leaves on top. This simple final touch elevates the dish with color and flavor.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh shredded basil is our go-to garnish because it provides a vibrant pop of green and a fragrant herbal note. You can also add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella or even a few parmesan shavings if you want to take the cheese factor up a notch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can add a lovely richness too.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, crispy garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are absolute winners. Their buttery, garlicky crunch contrasts beautifully with the soup’s warmth and creaminess. A simple side salad dressed lightly with balsamic vinegar also adds a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Lasagna Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation. You could also layer the soup and cheese mixture in clear mugs or glasses for an elegant look at a dinner party. No matter how you serve it, this soup promises a crowd-pleasing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the noodles from absorbing too much broth. When ready to eat, the flavors will have melded even more deliciously.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option for this Lasagna Soup Recipe. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When thawed, the noodles may soften further, so consider undercooking them slightly if you plan to freeze lots of leftovers.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup is too thick after refrigerating or freezing. Top with fresh cheese and basil again for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well, but Italian sausage adds a unique blend of herbs and spices that really brings this Lasagna Soup Recipe to life. If you use beef, consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate.
Can I prepare this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the sausage for a plant-based meat alternative or extra mushrooms for texture and umami. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious veggie version of this soup.
What type of cheese works best in the cheese mixture?
Mozzarella and ricotta are classic for this recipe, but you can experiment with adding parmesan or even fontina for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well and complement the soup.
Do I need to break the lasagna noodles?
Breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and makes the soup easier to eat with a spoon. If you prefer longer noodles, you can keep them whole but expect a different noodle-to-broth ratio in each bite.
Is this soup spicy?
This Lasagna Soup Recipe has a mild warmth from the Italian sausage and spices but is generally not spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy magic of a bowl of lasagna transformed into a hearty, soul-warming soup. This Lasagna Soup Recipe captures all the beloved flavors of a traditional Italian classic but comes together with less fuss and more comfort. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your go-to for chilly evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need that extra dose of cozy happiness!
