The first time I made this, the whole kitchen smelled like bubbling tomato sauce and garlicjust like Grandma’s Sunday lasagna but without all the layering drama. This best lasagna soup recipe brings comfort fast, with everything you love about the classic dish in one cozy bowl. It’s been making rounds as a go-to for fall and winter, and for good reasonit’s hearty, rich, and somehow still light on fuss.
It’s got ground chicken, soft noodles (or tortellini if you’re feeling fancy), and a ricotta swirl that melts into a silky, creamy broth. Think creamy lasagna soup meets one pot lasagnatruly the best of both worlds. Everything simmers together on the stove top, so cleanup’s a breeze, too. It’s spoonable lasagna, no casserole dish needed. Made mostly with pantry staples and totally weeknight-approved.
I started playing with this version back in 2019, when the twins were begging for lasagna but I had zero patience for boiling noodles and layering trays. The first time I ladled this out, my wife said it smelled like Nonna’s houseand she ate two bowls. The trick? Stir the ricotta in just before serving so it stays creamy, not grainy. After a decade of sharing cozy, soul-warming recipes, this has earned its permanent spot on our fall rotation.
Joe Rooney
The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe Guaranteed to Delight
This hearty and cheesy One Pot Lasagna Soup tastes just like traditional lasagna but in a cozy bowl. Perfect for Easy Fall Soup Recipes, this recipe combines savory ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese. Experience all the flavors of classic lasagna in this comforting and simple soup that’s guaranteed to delight the whole family.
Warm the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat until it shimmers lightly.
Add the minced garlic and onion, stirring occasionally, and sauté until they become translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced bell pepper, oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper, then cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
Introduce the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up as it cooks until browned and fully cooked through; drain any excess fat.
Mix in the ricotta cheese, allowing it to melt into the meat mixture for added creaminess.
Pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and drop in the parmesan rind, stirring everything together.
Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
About 15 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they are tender.
Remove the parmesan rind from the pot.
Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or mugs, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add an extra dollop of ricotta if you desire.
Place the bowls under a hot broiler until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Serve immediately accompanied by warm garlic bread for dipping.
Notes
For more depth of flavor, try replacing half of the ground beef with Italian sausage. Any type of onion can be used, but red onion adds a nice touch, similar to a bolognese. If fresh herbs are not available, use half the quantity of dried herbs instead. The soup freezes well for up to 6 months, but do not freeze it with lasagna noodles as they absorb liquid and become mushy. Cool the soup completely before freezing in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The comfort of lasagna without the prep hassle. This soup packs all the iconic layers of flavor (rich tomato, tender pasta, creamy ricotta) into a one-pot wonder.
Simple and pantry-friendly: Featuring accessible ingredients like marinara, beef broth, and ground beef, it’s a no-fuss option for busy weeknights.
Cozy enough for fall: Whether you’re craving easy fall soup recipes or lasagna with a twist, this recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques requiredjust chop, simmer, and ladle. Plus, it works on the stove top, keeping cleanup minimal.
Ingredients & Key Swaps
Let’s talk ingredients! You’ll need lasagna mainstays like ground beef, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella. But here’s where it gets flexible:
Ground beef alternatives: Try half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra depth.
No fresh herbs? Use half the amount of dried oregano, parsley, and basil.
Pasta options: If you’re out of lasagna noodles, go for bowtie or even tortellini for a playful, Italian tortellini soup vibe.
Pro Tip: Parmesan rind is a secret ingredient here. It infuses the broth with a savory richness, so don’t skip it!
Ingredient
Substitution
Ground Beef
Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix with sausage
Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs (use half the amount)
Lasagna Noodles
Tortellini or short pasta like bowtie
How It Comes Together
Making the best lasagna soup recipe is easy, even for beginners. Here’s the scoop:
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pot, then cook garlic, onion, bell pepper, and herbs until fragrant. This base is what gives the soup its layered aroma.
Add the meat: Brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess greaseit’s that simple.
Create the broth: Stir in marinara, beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, parmesan rind, and seasoning. Let this simmer for 30–60 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Cook the noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles in the final 15 minutes and cook until tender. Test a piece to ensure al dente perfection.
Finish with cheese: Serve with mozzarella melted on top and a dollop of ricotta if you want extra creaminess. Broiling it adds that golden, cheesy crust.
Pro Tip: Remove the parmesan rind before serving to avoid any chewy surprises!
Troubleshooting & Tips
No noodles left? Use tortellini: It turns this delightfully into one of those creamy tortellini soup recipesan instant win.
Soggy pasta woes? Avoid adding noodles if you plan to freeze the soup. Instead, cook them fresh while reheating.
Need more flavor? Taste before serving and sprinkle in extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
This lasagna soup stove top recipe is so easy to customize, you’ll quickly find your family’s favorite version!
Serving & Storage
Nothing pairs better with this soup than garlic bread for dippingevery spoonful gets even better with crusty edges! As for leftovers:
Store: Refrigerate up to 3 days. The flavors only get better overnight!
Freeze: Without noodles, the soup will last 4–6 months. Let it cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers.
Storage Method
Time
Tips
Refrigerator
3 days
Keep noodles stored separately for best texture.
Freezer
4–6 months
Freeze soup base only; add noodles when reheating.
There’s a reason comfort like this belongs on every easy fall soup recipes listit’s a keeper for crisp evenings and cozy family dinners.
Expert Says
The best lasagna soup recipe balances rich flavors and nutrition by combining lean proteins and antioxidants from tomatoes. Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld while preserving the texture of the pasta, creating a comforting dish that captures lasagna’s essence in a light, easy-to-serve form.
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The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
After several rounds of tweaking the balance between rich tomato and savory meat, this lasagna soup finally hit the mark. I learned that slow simmering draws out the flavors and keeps every spoonful comforting. This recipe is the result of those patient experiments, delivering a cozy, healthy twist on a classic favorite.
FAQs ( The Best Lasagna Soup Recipe )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This meal holds up well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Prepare it fully, then cool and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture. Some pasta may absorb liquid overnight, so adding broth when reheating helps freshen it up.
What pasta is best for this dish?
Wide noodles or broken lasagna sheets work great, but Italian tortellini also fits the flavor profile well if you want to try a twist. Avoid small pastas that disintegrate easily during simmering. This recipe’s texture shines with pasta that holds shape but absorbs flavors without turning mushy.
Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?
Ricotta adds creaminess and mild flavor, but cottage cheese or cream cheese are fine alternatives if you prefer. Just blend them well to avoid lumps. For a richer texture, stirring in some mascarpone or a mild cream cheese works nicely to keep the dish creamy without overwhelming other flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce when serving to introduce heat. Some cooks also use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild to boost flavor and spice levels. Adjust gradually to keep the balance of flavors intact without overpowering the soup’s creamy base.
Is this soup freezable?
This soup freezes well before adding dairy components. Freeze in portioned containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add ricotta or cream after reheating to keep the texture fresh. Pasta might soften after freezing, so slightly undercooking it before freezing helps retain its bite.
Conclusion
Making the best lasagna soup recipe takes less than an hour but fills your kitchen with cozy, inviting aromas that feel like a warm hug. You’ll love how the creamy ricotta melds with tender noodles and savory broth pure comfort in a bowl.
For a simple twist, swap lasagna noodles with tortellini for an easy Italian tortellini soup vibe. Leftovers reheat beautifully on the stove top just add noodles fresh to keep that perfect texture, a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen.
If this recipe brings back any family dinner memories or new favorites, I’d love to see your photos and hear your stories. Save it, share it, and make it your go-to for those chilly nights when homemade comfort feels most important. Happy cooking!
