Let’s be real. We all love lasagna. That cheesy, layered, tomato-y goodness. But who has hours to assemble, bake, and wait for it to cool? Nobody, that’s who! Enter: Lasagna Soup. It’s basically all the deliciousness of lasagna, but in a bowl and ready in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you just crave those Italian vibes. I’m going to share 7 fantastic recipes for lasagna soup, from classic to creative, so you can ditch the baking sheet and embrace the spoon. Get ready to slurp your way to happiness! 😉
1. The Classic Comfort: Traditional Lasagna Soup
This is your go-to, the one you make when you need a hug in a bowl. It’s the lasagna soup your grandma would approve of (probably!). It delivers that familiar, cozy flavor profile, minus the fuss of layering.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or Italian sausage, because, why not?)
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (plus extra for topping)
- Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the ground beef (or sausage), breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and fresh basil. Seriously, don’t skip the basil.
Why You’ll Love It: This soup is the ultimate comfort food. The hearty beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender noodles create a symphony of flavors. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and ridiculously easy to adapt to your own tastes.
2. Spicy Italian Kick: Lasagna Soup with Pepperoni
Want to add a little zing? This recipe amps up the flavor with pepperoni. It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something a little more exciting. Don’t be shy with the red pepper flakes!
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Comfort recipe, plus:
- 4 oz Pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (or more, to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Comfort recipe.
- Stir in the pepperoni and red pepper flakes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Why You’ll Love It: The pepperoni adds a smoky, spicy kick that takes this soup to the next level. My friend tried it with hot Italian sausage instead of beef – total game changer!
3. Veggie-Packed Power: Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
Don’t want meat? No problem! This version is bursting with veggies and still packs a serious flavor punch. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients – even your picky eaters might enjoy it!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Carrots, diced
- 2 Celery Stalks, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup Chopped Spinach (or kale)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach (or kale) during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna. The veggies add texture and nutrients without sacrificing that comforting feeling.
4. Creamy Dreamy: Lasagna Soup with Cream Cheese
Okay, this one is pure indulgence. The cream cheese adds a richness and tang that’s absolutely irresistible. FYI, you’re not going to want to share this one.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Comfort recipe, plus:
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 of the Classic Comfort recipe.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir until fully incorporated.
Why You’ll Love It: The cream cheese creates a luxuriously creamy texture and adds a subtle tang that complements the tomato sauce perfectly. Warning: May cause uncontrollable happiness.
5. Greek-Inspired Twist: Lasagna Soup with Feta & Olives
This is where things get fun! Swapping some of the traditional ingredients for Greek flavors creates a surprisingly delightful twist. I once swapped feta for goat cheese and wow – never again. The feta is where it’s at!
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Comfort recipe, minus Parmesan Cheese
- 4 oz Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted and sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Comfort recipe.
- Add the feta cheese and olives to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring gently.
Why You’ll Love It: The salty feta and briny olives add a delicious Mediterranean flair. Honestly? You won’t believe how well these flavors work with the lasagna.
6. One-Pot Wonder: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Time is of the essence? The Instant Pot is your friend. This recipe is remarkably quick and easy – perfect for those days when you barely have a moment to breathe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 15 oz Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil, ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles.
- Secure the lid and cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 4 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in ricotta and basil. Serve!
Why You’ll Love It: It’s seriously fast! The Instant Pot does all the work, and you end up with a delicious, comforting soup in under 30 minutes.
7. Cheesy Goodness: Lasagna Soup with Multiple Cheeses
If you’re a cheese lover (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this is the recipe for you. We’re piling on the cheese for maximum flavor and gooeyness.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Comfort recipe, minus Parmesan Cheese.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Provolone Cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic Comfort recipe.
- Stir in mozzarella and provolone during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Allow cheeses to melt.
Why You’ll Love It: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone creates an unbelievably cheesy and flavorful soup. It’s basically a cheese-lover’s dream come true.
Final Thoughts: Soup-erbly Simple Comfort!
There you have it – 7 delicious and easy lasagna soup recipes to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a vegetarian option, or simply a cozy bowl of comfort food, there’s a recipe here for everyone. The best part is, they all come together in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a traditional lasagna. Now go forth and slurp happily! 🙂
