Imagine cozying up with a warm bowl of comfort that tastes just like your favorite Italian dinner. This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe captures all those classic lasagna flavors but with the ease of a soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little hug from your kitchen. Trust me—you'll want to keep this one in your meal rotation!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe when I’m craving the layers of classic lasagna but don’t want to fuss over assembling a whole pan. It’s like your favorite Italian dish got a cozy, cozy makeover!
- Full-flavored comfort: Every spoonful bursts with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese, just like traditional lasagna but in a comforting bowl.
- Easy weeknight winner: You skip the layering and baking but keep all the deliciousness, getting dinner on the table faster.
- Customizable goodness: Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer veggies? Toss in spinach or mushrooms.
- Generous portions: This recipe serves a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or having leftovers to enjoy the next day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this soup. Each one complements the other and helps build those familiar lasagna flavors without fuss.
- Ground Italian sausage: Brings savory, herby richness that forms the hearty base of the soup.
- Diced onion: Adds a sweet, soft flavor that balances well with the sausage’s spice.
- Minced garlic: Garlic is essential—don’t skimp here! It infuses the broth with that unmistakable Italian aroma.
- Beef broth: Creates a deep, savory liquid that carries all the flavors wonderfully.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Give you that classic tomato-forward taste and a slightly chunky texture.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that ties all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
- Bay leaves: They add a gentle depth and complexity—just remember to fish them out before serving!
- Lasagna pasta: Breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces mimics traditional lasagna layers but cooks quickly.
- Ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese: This cheese mix is like that melty, creamy topping that completes every spoonful with cheesy goodness.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge or how hungry we all are. The great part is how forgiving it is—you can easily make it your own.
- Vegetable boost: I sometimes toss in chopped spinach or zucchini for extra greens, which sneak in vegetables without altering the cozy flavor.
- Spicy kick: When I want more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce takes this soup from mild to lively.
- Swap the sausage: Turkey sausage works beautifully if you want something lighter or just a little different.
- Pasta alternatives: If you can’t find lasagna noodles, penne or farfalle work great too—just break them down into bite-sized pieces.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage perfectly
I start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage. Breaking it into small bits is key—you want it nicely browned and flavorful. I usually take about 8-10 minutes for this step and then drain any excess grease. This prevents your soup from getting greasy while keeping that meaty richness.
Step 2: Build flavor with onion and garlic
Next, in the same pot, I add diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, I toss in minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, around 1-2 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t burn! This step lays down the aromatic base that pulls everything together.
Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings
This is where it all starts coming together. I stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and bay leaves. Once everything’s mixed, I crank the heat to bring it all up to a simmer. Then I lower it to medium-low and let it gently bubble for 15-20 minutes. This simmer lets those flavors deepen and mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the pasta right in the soup
Breaking the lasagna noodles into 1- to 2-inch pieces is a personal trick of mine—it makes the soup easier to eat and mimics the layers of classic lasagna. I stir the broken noodles in and cook them directly in the simmering soup for about 12-15 minutes until they’re tender but still have a little bite (al dente). If you notice the soup thickening too much, just add a splash more beef broth to keep the texture silky.
Step 5: Whip up the cheesy topping
While the noodles cook, I mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning in a bowl to make that creamy, cheesy topping that makes this soup feel indulgent. When serving, a generous spoonful on top melts slightly into the hot soup, delivering that classic lasagna experience with every bite.
Top Tip
From my many times making this soup, I’ve learned these small adjustments make a big difference when it comes to flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: The noodles will continue to soak up broth even after cooking, so pull them off when they’re just slightly more firm than you want.
- Drain excess fat: After browning the sausage, drain any extra grease to keep the broth from being oily and heavy.
- Use fresh garlic: Minced fresh garlic really makes a difference versus garlic powder in this recipe’s bold flavors.
- Simmer gently: Keeping the heat low during the simmer helps all the flavors blend without boiling away the delicate nuances.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping each bowl with a big dollop of the cheesy ricotta mixture and then sprinkling extra Parmesan on top. Sometimes, if I have fresh basil or parsley handy, a little sprinkle brightens the richness beautifully. A small drizzle of good olive oil can also add a subtle fruity note.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this soup, balancing its richness. Sometimes I serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a Parmesan garlic baguette on the side to soak up every last drop. These sides keep the meal feeling classic and hearty.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini crocks or even hollowed-out bread bowls—it makes the meal feel festive and cozy. You could also top it with individual basil leaves and a swirl of pesto for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts for 3-4 days. Before refrigerating, I recommend letting the soup cool to room temperature so the pasta doesn't get overly mushy right away.
Freezing
Freezing lasagna soup works if you hold off on adding the pasta until you reheat it. I usually freeze the soup base without noodles in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, just thaw, heat, and stir in fresh pasta to cook quickly before serving.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, I do it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened too much. This helps refresh the flavors and keeps the pasta from sticking or breaking apart.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based meat substitute or increase veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to keep it hearty. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to maintain that classic flavor.
Traditional broken lasagna noodles work perfectly, but you can also use small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to break or cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the soup.
Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and keep it al dente by cooking just until tender but still firm. If you’re making leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to your bowl when serving to avoid sogginess.
Definitely! You can prepare the base soup a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the pasta and cheeses at serving time for the freshest taste and best texture. Making it in advance helps deepen the flavors, too.
Final Thoughts
I can say honestly that this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s so satisfying and easy to make, yet feels like a special treat every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s nothing better than sharing a bowl of warm, cheesy, savory soup with the people you love. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Description
This Homemade Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. Ground Italian sausage, rich tomato broth, tender lasagna pasta, and a creamy cheese topping make this dish a perfect cozy meal for any night.
Ingredients
Soup 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 1 to 2 inch 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
- Cook 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 8 to 10 minutes. Drain excess grease, then return the pot to medium-high heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 5 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more 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. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup gently simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Break the lasagna pasta into bite-size pieces (1 to 2 inches) and stir into the soup. Cook for an additional 15 minutes until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaves.
- Prepare cheese topping: While the noodles cook, 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 combined.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and the soup thickens excessively, add more beef broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- You can substitute the broken lasagna pasta with other bite-size pasta shapes like bow tie or penne if preferred.
- For a milder sausage flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make it lower in fat, substitute ricotta cheese with part-skim versions and reduce the amount of sausage or use lean ground turkey instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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