Hearty Lasagna Soup: Quick Comfort, All the Flavor (Print Version)

Whip up hearty Lasagna Soup! All the classic flavors in an easy, comforting bowl. My personal recipe for a weeknight hug. So simple, so good!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Meat

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
03 - 1 large onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Tomato & Dairy Goodness

05 - 6 oz tomato paste
06 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
07 - 4 cups beef broth
08 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Builders

11 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
12 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, if you dare!)
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

14 - 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
15 - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. I heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, then toss in the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, let it get nice and brown, really render out that fat. This step is crucial for flavor, don't rush it! Once it's cooked through, drain any excess fat—I usually just tilt the pot and spoon it out. Then, in go the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The smell at this stage? Divine!
02 - Next, stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly, to really deepen its flavor. This little trick makes a huge difference in the richness of your Lasagna Soup. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, trust me on this one.
03 - Now for the fun part: the noodles! Break your lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces. I usually aim for pieces about 1-2 inches long. Carefully add them to the simmering Lasagna Soup, stirring gently to make sure they don't stick together. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Keep an eye on them; you don't want mushy noodles! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
04 - While the noodles are cooking, let’s get that creamy ricotta ready. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Some folks add an egg here, but honestly, I find it perfect just as it is for this soup. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the seasoned ricotta into the soup. You can swirl it in gently or leave distinct white patches for a beautiful marbled effect. I usually do a mix, because, why not?
05 - Time for the cheesy top! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the Lasagna Soup. I usually just eyeball it, going by feel. Cover the pot with a lid for a few minutes, just long enough for the cheese to get wonderfully melty and gooey. You want that classic lasagna pull when you scoop it out. This is where the magic happens, folks!
06 - Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into bowls. I sometimes add an extra sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a few basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma is incredible, seriously. Take a moment to appreciate it! Serve it immediately, piping hot. It’s comforting, it’s hearty, and it’s everything you want in a deconstructed lasagna. Don't forget a side of crusty bread for dipping, it's a game-changer.

# Notes:

01 - Don't rush the browning of the meat; that's where the flavor really starts, trust me.
02 - Leftovers are even better! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
03 - No ground beef? Ground turkey or Italian sausage works wonderfully too, I've tried both!
04 - Serve with some crusty bread for dipping, it's a must-have in our house.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 28g

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