Okay, let’s be honest. We’ve all had those nights. You’re staring into the fridge, desperately wishing for something comforting, something… lasagna-y. But, you know, without the actual lasagna commitment. Enter: Lasagna Soup! It’s basically all the best parts of lasagna – the meat sauce, the cheesy goodness, the perfectly cooked pasta – but in a deliciously slurpy bowl. Who needs a casserole dish when you can have this?
This list is for you, my friend, the busy foodie who craves comfort but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I’ve rounded up six lasagna soup recipes, ranging from classic to creative, so there’s something for everyone. Get ready to ditch the takeout and embrace the soup-er power of lasagna… in a bowl!
1. The OG: Classic Italian Lasagna Soup
This is your grandma’s lasagna soup, but even better. It’s packed with flavor, ridiculously easy, and will instantly transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. Seriously, even my notoriously picky uncle loves it (and that’s saying something).
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Add the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes), or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately. Buon appetito!
Why You’ll Love It: It’s pure comfort in a bowl! The rich meat sauce and cheesy topping are absolute perfection. I’ve even tossed in a dollop of ricotta on top sometimes – don’t tell my grandma!
2. Creamy Tuscan Lasagna Soup
Want to elevate your lasagna soup game? This Tuscan twist adds creamy spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Ingredients:
- Same as classic recipe plus:
- 1 cup chopped spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 of the Classic Italian Lasagna Soup recipe.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
- Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Garnish with basil and Parmesan, serve hot.
Why You’ll Love It: The creamy texture and bright, savory flavors are incredible. It’s a little fancy, but super easy to make. I once accidentally used half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It was fine, but heavy cream really makes the flavor pop.
3. Spicy Chorizo Lasagna Soup
For all my spice lovers out there, this is for you. Using chorizo instead of ground beef delivers a smoky, fiery kick that’s completely addictive. Be warned: you might crave this one on a regular basis.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chorizo, removed from casing
- Same as classic recipe minus ground beef, plus:
- ½ – 1 tablespoon chipotle powder (depending on your heat tolerance)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Crumble and brown the chorizo in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Follow steps 2 through 7 of the Classic Italian Lasagna Soup recipe.
- Stir in the chipotle powder with the tomatoes.
Why You’ll Love It: The smoky heat of the chorizo is a game-changer. It’s a little unexpected, totally delicious, and perfect for those chilly evenings. I am obsessed – seriously!
4. Vegetarian Lasagna Soup with Mushrooms & Zucchini
Meatless Monday just got a whole lot more interesting. This veggie-packed version is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing that comforting lasagna vibe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable broth (instead of beef broth)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- Same as classic recipe minus ground beef, plus:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing veggies)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and zucchini and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Follow steps 3 through 7 of the Classic Italian Lasagna Soup recipe, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s lighter than the meat-based versions but still packed with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to use up those summer zucchini. Don’t skip the mushrooms – they add an earthy depth that’s amazing.
5. White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ever have those days when you just want something different? This white chicken lasagna soup offers a comforting twist with a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s pure magic.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Same as classic recipe minus ground beef, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes, plus:
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in the nutmeg and Parmesan cheese.
- Add chicken broth and shredded chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions, or until noodles are tender.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s unexpectedly delicious! The creamy béchamel sauce coats the noodles perfectly, giving you all that lasagna goodness. FYI – I added a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
6. Lemon-Herb Lasagna Soup
Bright, zesty, and bursting with fresh herbs, this lasagna soup is unlike anything you’ve ever had. It’s light enough for spring or summer yet still delivers that cozy, comforting vibe we all crave.
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic Italian Lasagna Soup recipe plus:
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 of the Classic Italian Lasagna Soup recipe.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.
- Garnish and serve!
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a flavor explosion! The lemon brightens everything up, while the fresh herbs add a layer of complexity. It’s totally refreshing and surprisingly versatile.
The Final Scoop
So there you have it – six delectable lasagna soup recipes to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Italian flavors, a spicy kick, or a lighter vegetarian option, there’s a recipe here for you. The best part? They all come together relatively quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Go ahead, slurp your way to happiness! And don’t forget to tag me in your lasagna soup creations – I want to see what you whip up! 🙂
