There’s something downright comforting about this **Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe** that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It brings all those layers of classic lasagna flavors into a cozy, easy-to-make soup – perfect for chilly nights or when you want big taste without the fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe more times than I can count — it’s my go-to when I want comfort food without the hours of baking. Every spoonful tastes like the classic lasagna I adore, only it comes together in less than an hour and doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen.
- All the flavor, less work: It captures the essence of lasagna, but you cook it in a single pot instead of layering pans.
- Flexible and forgiving: You can swap pasta types or adjust seasoning without losing the heart of the dish.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: The cheesy topping is a hit with everyone, from picky eaters to adults.
- Makes great leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe come together like a symphony of classic Italian flavors – rich, savory, and cheesy. Using ground Italian sausage gives the broth a meaty depth while the mix of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes keeps the soup tangy but balanced. Don’t skip the fresh garlic and herbs; they’re what make it sing.
- Ground Italian sausage: Adds robust, savory flavor and a little spicy kick; I like to brown it well to build a rich base.
- White onion: Sweetness develops as it cooks down, mellowing the soup and balancing acidity.
- Minced garlic: Essential for that classic Italian aroma and depth.
- Beef broth: The savory backbone that brings everything together; homemade broth is best but store-bought works great too.
- Tomato sauce: Smooth and rich, it thickens the soup and adds that signature lasagna flavor.
- Diced tomatoes: For texture and bursts of juicy brightness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that’s indispensable here.
- Black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the soup with subtle herbal notes that elevate the whole pot.
- Lasagna pasta: Breaking the noodles into bite-sized pieces keeps the lasagna feel but makes it soup-friendly.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, perfect for dolloping on top as a comforting, cheesy finish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully and adds that stretchy, gooey factor.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it brightens the cheese topping.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. What’s great is this recipe is forgiving, so feel free to play with ingredients and make it truly yours.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap Italian sausage for ground turkey for a leaner option — it still delivers fantastic flavor when paired with the same seasonings.
- Vegetarian twist: Use mushrooms and lentils instead of sausage to keep it hearty and satisfying without meat.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking if you want a little more heat.
- Pasta alternatives: Bow tie or penne pasta work just as well if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand.
- Cheese topping: Mix in fresh chopped basil or parsley for a herby fresh touch on top.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and adding the 2 pounds of ground Italian sausage. Break it into small crumbles using your spoon or spatula as it browns. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to get a nice golden crust on the sausage—this adds extra flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Return the pot to the stove and add the diced onion. Cook on medium heat until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Don’t rush this step—it layers essential flavor that really makes the soup pop.
Step 3: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasoning
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and toss in the bay leaves. Stir it all together, then crank the heat up to high so it comes to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce to medium-low and let it bubble away for 15-20 minutes—the longer it cooks, the richer the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Break the lasagna noodles into 1 to 2-inch pieces before adding them straight into the simmering soup. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Keep an eye on it and give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking. Remove and discard the bay leaves when the noodles are ready.
Step 5: Mix the Cheese Topping
While the pasta cooks, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. This creamy topping adds a velvety, cheesy finish that makes each spoonful feel indulgent. Don’t skip it – a dollop on hot soup is pure magic!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of that luscious cheese mixture. It starts to melt onto the hot soup immediately—nothing quite like it. Grab some crusty bread and dig in!
Top Tip
From making this soup dozens of times, I’ve learned a few things that make all the difference between "okay" and truly delicious Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe.
- Don’t skip browning the sausage: That deep caramelized flavor forms the foundation and you can’t fake it with quick cooking.
- Watch your pasta: Lasagna noodles can overcook quickly in soup; aim for al dente to keep texture.
- Add extra broth if needed: The noodles soak up liquid fast—just top up with beef broth to keep your soup the perfect consistency.
- Layer your cheese topping right before serving: It keeps the texture fresh and creamy, rather than melted into the soup.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top of my cheese dollop for a pop of color and a little herbal brightness. Sometimes a crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil makes it feel fancy without fuss.
Side Dishes
A slice of crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, steamed green beans or roasted veggies make a lovely addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s a fun, rustic presentation that feels extra special. You can also turn it into a “family-style” meal by setting the soup and cheese topping out separately for everyone to customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta continues to soak up liquid, so I like to add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen things up and keep it from getting too thick.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing it without the cheese topping. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add fresh cheese topping after reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Heat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding broth if the soup thickened too much. If you microwave, do it in short bursts, stirring in between so it heats evenly without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Ground beef will work fine, though Italian sausage adds extra seasoning and flavor depth. If you choose ground beef, consider adding a pinch of fennel or Italian spices to mimic that sausage flavor.
Traditional broken lasagna noodles are ideal because they create that classic texture and size for spooning, but you can absolutely substitute bow ties, penne, or rigatoni if that’s what you have. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so pasta stays al dente.
To avoid mushy pasta, keep the cooking time precise and check noodles frequently for doneness. Also, removing the bay leaves once cooking is done stops flavor infusion that can make noodles soggy. If you plan to eat leftovers, slightly undercook the pasta the first time since it will continue softening in the fridge.
Yes! The cheese topping can be mixed a few hours or even a day ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before spooning on the soup to freshen it up. This makes dinner prep that much easier.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe feels like a comforting tradition in my kitchen, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share. The blend of savory sausage, tangy tomatoes, tender noodles, and creamy cheese topping is just so satisfying. I can’t recommend it enough if you want cozy Italian vibes without the hassle of layered lasagna. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite comfort meals too!
Print
Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Homemade Lasagna Soup recipe transforms the classic Italian lasagna into a hearty, comforting soup packed with ground Italian sausage, tender lasagna pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth. It's finished with a creamy, cheesy topping made from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses seasoned with Italian herbs, making it a perfect one-pot meal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Soup
- 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 1 to 2 inch 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 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 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. Increase heat to high and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer soup: Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta: Break 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 from heat and discard bay leaves.
- Prepare cheese topping: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning. 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 pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking, add additional beef broth as needed to maintain soup consistency.
- You can substitute lasagna pasta with other bite-size pasta shapes like bow tie or penne for variety.
- For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
- The cheese topping can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator if needed.
- For a lower fat option, use lean ground turkey instead of Italian sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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