Lasagna soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-make soup format. This recipe is perfect for busy nights and can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, delivering the same rich, cheesy, and satisfying experience. In this article, I will instruct you how to make this authentic lasagna soup perfectly in 2 different ways
1. Authentic Lasagna Soup Recipe (6 Servings)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ¾ cups)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced (adjust to taste)
- 4 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more to thin as needed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ¾ tsp dried basil
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (about 6.5 oz)
- 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (5 oz)
- ½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (2 oz)
- 8 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Stovetop Method
Cook the Beef and Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Simmer the Soup Base
Return the cooked beef to the pot. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
Finish with Cheese and Garnish
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses until melted. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh parsley.
Slow Cooker Method
Prepare the Beef and Aromatics
Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet as directed in the stovetop method. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Build the Soup Base
Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Add the Noodles
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and allow them to cook until tender.
Finish with Cheese and Serve
Stir in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Serve the soup topped with ricotta cheese and fresh parsley.
2. Tips to Perfect Lasagna Soup Recipe
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. Alternatively, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before ladling in the soup.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible
Fresh basil and parsley add depth and brightness to the finished dish. Reserve a little for garnish to enhance the presentation.
Adjust the Consistency
Add extra chicken broth to thin the soup if it becomes too thick. The noodles will absorb liquid as the soup sits.
Select Quality Cheese
Use high-quality mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses for the best flavor and creaminess.
Balance Seasoning
Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to your liking.
3. What to Eat With Lasagna Soup
Pair lasagna soup with sides that complement its rich flavors:
Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread or breadsticks is perfect for dipping into the soup.
Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with Italian dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus makes a healthy and delicious side.
Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with this dish.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth to thin the soup if it has thickened. For individual servings, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through.
Avoid Overcooking Noodles
If you plan to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them fresh when reheating. This prevents them from becoming overly soft.
Lasagna soup is a flavorful, comforting meal that simplifies the process of making traditional lasagna. With its warm, cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy this versatile recipe with your favorite sides, and savor the taste of a classic Italian dish in soup form!
