Hearty Lasagna Soup: A Comforting, Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Craving lasagna without the fuss? This Hearty Lasagna Soup delivers all the comforting flavors in one pot. My family's favorite, perfect for busy evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
03 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 - 4 cups chicken broth

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta & Dairy

12 - 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk
14 - 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
15 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
16 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

→ Finishing Touches

17 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
18 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven and drizzle in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef or Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon. Let it get nice and brown, you want those little crispy bits; that's flavor, hon! Once it's cooked through, drain any excess fat – a step I always forget until the last minute, oops! Add your chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting them get fragrant for about a minute. The kitchen should smell divine right about now, a good sign for your Hearty Lasagna Soup.
02 - Now for the tomato magic! Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Let them cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly. This step really wakes up the herbs and deepens the tomato flavor, making the Hearty Lasagna Soup incredibly rich. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Give it all a good stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together.
03 - While your sauce is simmering, grab your lasagna noodles. Don't be precious; just break them into bite-sized pieces. I usually aim for about 1-2 inch chunks. Uncover your simmering soup and crank the heat back up to medium. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, stirring them in gently so they don't stick together. Cook them according to package directions for al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you don't want mushy noodles in your Hearty Lasagna Soup, trust me, I've been there!
04 - Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low again. Pour in the whole milk and stir it until it's fully incorporated. Then, add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and about half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until all the cheeses are melted and the soup is wonderfully creamy and luscious. This is where the Hearty Lasagna Soup truly transforms into that comforting, cheesy delight you're craving. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper here, you might need a bit more!
05 - Ladle generous portions of the Hearty Lasagna Soup into bowls. Honestly, it's going to be steamy and smell incredible. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese – because who doesn't love extra cheese? A little swirl of ricotta on top is also lovely if you have some left and want that extra creamy bite. I sometimes even add a tiny drizzle of good olive oil for a little extra richness. This dish is seriously satisfying, messy kitchen or not!
06 - For the final touch, tear some fresh basil leaves and chop a bit of fresh parsley. Sprinkle these vibrant green herbs over each bowl. They add a lovely burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the soup and makes it look pretty, too! Serve immediately and watch everyone's faces light up. This Hearty Lasagna Soup is meant to be enjoyed warm, cozy, and with a happy sigh. It's truly one of my favorite ways to get all the lasagna vibes without any of the fuss.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip browning the meat properly; it's where so much flavor for this Hearty Lasagna Soup comes from.
02 - Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving; a little extra salt or a pinch more red pepper flakes can make all the difference.
03 - For the creamiest texture, use whole milk and don't boil the soup vigorously after adding the dairy.
04 - Serving this Hearty Lasagna Soup with crusty garlic bread is a non-negotiable for me, it just completes the meal!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

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