Nothing warms the soul quite like a rich, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it tastes like a hug from your favorite lasagna. That’s exactly why this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is such a winner—it brings all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna into a quick, easy soup that’s perfect for any night you want comfort without hours in the kitchen.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I've made this soup countless times, and each bowl feels like a little celebration—comforting, flavorful, and just downright satisfying. It’s the perfect dish to make in advance, share with family, or impress friends at a casual dinner. Plus, it’s just plain delicious!
- Quick comfort food: All the classic lasagna flavors come together in about 50 minutes, way faster than the traditional oven-baked version.
- Rich and hearty: Loaded with Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese, it’s a filling meal that keeps you energized and cozy.
- Customizable cheese topping: The mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan adds a creamy, melty finish you’ll want on every spoonful.
- One-pot magic: Minimal dishes and easy cleanup mean you can enjoy your meal instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe brings together classic Italian pantry staples with fresh ingredients for unbelievable flavor. Each ingredient plays its part—from the savory sausage to the tangy tomatoes—building layers just like your favorite lasagna.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds depth with its blend of spices and meaty richness; I always go for a medium heat sausage for balanced flavor.
- White onion: Sweetens and softens the soup base; dice it finely so it cooks down nicely.
- Minced garlic: Just a few cloves make a big impact—don’t skip this aromatic!
- Beef broth: The foundation of the soup, beef broth boosts umami and richness; homemade is great, but a good-quality store-bought broth works fine.
- Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These bring that signature Italian tang and hearty texture; canned tomatoes are a lifesaver here.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil that tie all the flavors together authentically.
- Black pepper and bay leaves: These subtle spices round out the flavor and add warming notes as the soup simmers.
- Lasagna pasta (broken): The star carb that makes this soup feel like a meal—bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy, mild, and perfect as a topping to cool and complement the spicy soup.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings meltiness and stretch for that luscious lasagna feel in soup form.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it adds a savory punch that's classic in Italian dishes.
Make It Your Way
I love to tweak this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe based on what I have on hand or the season. It’s flexible, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it to match your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Meat variation: I’ve swapped Italian sausage for ground turkey or even mushrooms when I want a lighter or vegetarian twist—it still turns out wonderfully.
- No pasta version: If you’re watching carbs, try spiralized zucchini noodles added right before serving to keep that comforting texture with fewer carbs.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the soup a nice kick that my family always asks for—so that’s one I recommend trying if you like heat.
- Cheese swap: Feel free to use different melty cheeses like fontina or gouda in the topping to customize the flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon until it’s all browned and cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes. This step builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it. Drain the excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily, then return the pot to the heat.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Now add the diced onion to the pot and cook it until translucent and soft—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute or two until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye and stir often to prevent bitterness.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir. Turn the heat up to high until you see the first bubbles, then reduce it to medium-low to let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmer is where the flavors really come together, so don’t skip it!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches long—and add them right into the pot. Cook the soup for another 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is al dente (tender but still with a little bite). Keep an eye on the liquid level—if it looks too thick, just stir in a little more beef broth.
Step 5: Mix the Cheese Topping
While the noodles cook, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mix them until well combined and creamy—this topping is what makes the soup feel like traditional lasagna but without all the layering hassle.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. The warm soup slightly melts the cheese, creating a creamy, dreamy finish. Grab a spoon and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors—trust me, you’ll keep coming back for seconds.
Top Tip
After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the outcome and save you from common pitfalls.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: The broken lasagna noodles cook in the soup, so keep checking them to avoid mushiness—al dente is the goal for the best texture.
- Browning the sausage well: This step creates flavor layers that make your soup taste rich and hearty, so take your time here.
- Simmer gently with bay leaves: Letting the soup simmer slowly extracts the herbs' full aroma without boiling off the liquids too quickly.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving and tweak salt or pepper as needed—you don’t want bland soup or an overpowering one.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top each bowl with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a bright, fresh finish. Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. A drizzle of olive oil on top just before serving also adds a lovely richness.
Side Dishes
Garlic bread is my go-to side because it soaks up the savory broth perfectly. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances this hearty meal wonderfully. For a fun twist, try roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve served this soup in individual mini Dutch ovens for a dinner party—it looks charming and keeps each serving warm. Another fun idea is to scoop the soup into hollowed-out bread bowls; it’s rustic and doubles as a vessel you can nibble on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Homemade Lasagna Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. You might notice the pasta absorbs more liquid, so I recommend stirring in a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you leave out the pasta during freezing—just add fresh cooked pasta when reheating. That way, you avoid mushy noodles. I usually freeze the base soup in portion-sized containers for easy dinners later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add broth or water if the soup looks too thick. Once warmed through, spoon in freshly cooked pasta if you froze the base separately, and top with the cheese mixture before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! To make this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian, swap out the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll still get a hearty, flavorful soup.
Lasagna noodles broken into pieces are classic here because they mimic the texture of traditional lasagna sheets, but bow tie, penne, or rigatoni also work well. Just make sure you add bite-sized pieces that cook evenly in the soup.
Yes! You can make the soup base ahead, store it in the fridge or freezer, and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. This helps keep the noodles from getting too soft or mushy.
Mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning thoroughly until smooth. Use fresh cheeses and serve the soup immediately after topping to enjoy a creamy, melty texture. If you need to hold it before serving, cover it tightly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it turns a classic comfort food into something faster and fuss-free, without sacrificing any heart or flavor. I love sharing it with friends who think lasagna is too much work—this soup changes their minds instantly. So grab your pot, dive in, and get ready for a bowl full of warmth, cheesy goodness, and that unforgettable Italian taste you know and love.
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Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Homemade Lasagna Soup combines the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna with a comforting soup format, featuring Italian sausage, tomatoes, savory herbs, and a cheesy ricotta topping. Perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies cravings for Italian comfort food.
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 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 10 minutes. Drain excess grease, then return the pot to medium-high heat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in 5 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 can tomato sauce, and 2 cans diced tomatoes. Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat.
- Simmer the Soup: Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and let soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Break ½ pound lasagna pasta into bite-size pieces and stir into the soup. Cook for 15 minutes or until noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: While noodles cook, combine 16 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. Mix well.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add more beef broth as needed to adjust consistency.
- Substitute lasagna pasta with bow tie, penne, or other bite-size pasta shapes if desired.
- For a lighter version, use turkey sausage or lean ground beef instead of Italian sausage.
- The cheese topping can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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