Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl (Stovetop & Slow Cooker)
Lasagna Soup offers all the beloved flavors and textures of traditional lasagna, perfectly condensed into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Whether you prefer the speed of your stovetop or the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a hearty, Italian-inspired meal. Packed with rich tomato broth, savory lean ground beef, and an irresistible blend of cheeses, it’s a dish that promises pure satisfaction. Finish each serving with generous dollops of creamy ricotta and shredded mozzarella for an authentic lasagna experience without all the fuss.
Do you adore the taste of classic lasagna but often shy away from making it due to the extensive time and effort involved in layering? You’re certainly not alone! Even for those with ample patience, this incredibly simple Lasagna Soup recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It captures the essence of a traditional lasagna — from tender pasta noodles and a rich, Italian-flavored tomato broth to savory ground beef and an abundance of melted cheese — all in a single, easy-to-manage pot. It’s the ultimate comfort food hack, making a complex dish approachable for any weeknight meal.
Year-Round Comfort: Why This Lasagna Soup is Always a Good Idea
For many, soup holds the top spot as the ultimate comfort food, and I’m no exception. I believe truly delicious soup should be enjoyed all year round, not just when the weather turns cold. My blog is a testament to this, boasting a diverse collection of soup recipes perfect for any season or craving. Alongside soup, I have a deep appreciation for pasta of all kinds, celebrating its endless forms and culinary possibilities.
Italian cuisine consistently ranks as a popular choice in our home, known for its hearty flavors and satisfying dishes that bring everyone to the table. This Lasagna Soup recipe perfectly marries these two culinary loves, offering the rich, layered experience of lasagna in a convenient, comforting soup format. It’s a meal that brings warmth and joy, whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a breezy summer night, proving that comfort food knows no season.
This dish is not only a fantastic way to enjoy classic Italian flavors, but it also provides a nourishing and fulfilling meal that can be customized to your liking. Its versatility makes it a standout, allowing for various ingredient substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring it can become a staple in any household.
The Magic of Lasagna Soup: Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
One of the delightful aspects of preparing traditional lasagna is the occasional broken noodle or the few extra pieces left in the box. Instead of discarding them, I toss these valuable leftovers into a Ziploc bag. Over time, I accumulate enough to inspire a spontaneous batch of this incredible Lasagna Soup! It’s a clever and economical way to minimize food waste while ensuring you’re always ready for a hearty, impromptu meal that tastes like it came from an Italian nonna’s kitchen.
Beyond its clever use of leftover noodles, another reason this easy lasagna soup is so appealing is the accessibility of its ingredients. Chances are, most of what you need is already in your pantry. A jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (marinara works wonders for a rich, authentic base), some canned petite diced tomatoes, chicken and beef bouillon for a flavorful broth, and common Italian spices are typically all it takes. These readily available, budget-friendly items transform into a gourmet-level soup with minimal effort.
Making this soup couldn’t be simpler. It’s a true “dump and simmer” recipe, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Just combine all the ingredients in a large soup pot for a quick stovetop meal, or let your slow cooker handle the work for a hands-off approach that develops deep flavors throughout the day. Before you know it, a delicious, comforting dinner is ready to be served, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals!
The simplicity of this method doesn’t compromise on flavor; in fact, it enhances it. The long simmer time, whether on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, allows the robust Italian flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deep, satisfying broth that tastes like it took hours of intricate cooking, yet only requires minutes of active preparation.
This Lasagna Soup is absolutely fantastic on its own, offering a rich and fulfilling meal. But if you want to elevate the experience to truly mimic traditional lasagna…
…you simply must top it with a generous combination of creamy ricotta and gooey shredded mozzarella cheese. This final touch adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture, transforming each spoonful into a miniature, deconstructed lasagna bite. The cool, fresh ricotta perfectly balances the warm, savory soup, while the melting mozzarella adds that irresistible cheesy pull that is characteristic of a classic lasagna dish. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes for an extra flourish!
I’ve been preparing this delightful recipe for many years, a cherished tradition in our household. The initial inspiration for this “deconstructed lasagna” came from my dear friend Candi, who is also a talented food blogger behind “The Devilish Dish.” While I made a few personal tweaks, as I often do when trying new recipes to make them my own, Candi’s original concept was pure genius. Any recipe she shares is always a winner, as she truly is an amazing cook with a knack for creating comforting and flavorful dishes.
Our friendship spans a remarkable 23 years! We share so many interests and a deep connection; I truly believe fate intervened when she joined a scrapbooking class I was teaching way back in 1997. It’s those kinds of serendipitous connections that often lead to the best recipe inspirations, shared stories, and lasting comfort both in food and in friendship. This Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a taste of cherished memories and enduring bonds.
This soup isn’t just about the flavors; it’s about the ease, the adaptability, and the joy it brings to the table, much like the warmth of a long-standing friendship that nourishes the soul.
FAQs: Customizing Your Lasagna Soup for Any Craving
Can I use other noodles instead of lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! One of the best features of this Italian-inspired soup is its incredible flexibility and forgiving nature. Don’t let the absence of traditional lasagna noodles in your pantry deter you from creating this comforting dish. Virtually any pasta shape will work beautifully and still deliver a hearty, satisfying meal!
We particularly love it with rotini noodles, which offer a delightful spiral shape that perfectly captures the rich broth and prevents them from clumping. I’ve also successfully prepared this soup with ziti or penne noodles, both of which hold up well to simmering and provide a hearty bite. Even smaller pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells could work for a different texture, especially appealing to kids. The key is to ensure they are cooked directly in the soup, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful, savory flavors of the broth.
This versatility extends beyond just the pasta. I typically use a jar of marinara spaghetti sauce for its balanced and slightly sweet flavor, but feel free to experiment! If you prefer a little more kick, opt for a spicier sauce like arrabbiata, or add some red pepper flakes during cooking. For an even more authentic and fresh taste, you can certainly use your homemade marinara sauce – it will only elevate the flavors further. The beauty of this recipe is that it encourages personalization and allows you to use what you have on hand.
Looking for a vegetarian option? Easily go meatless by substituting the lean ground beef with an abundance of fresh or frozen vegetables. Sautéed zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions all integrate wonderfully, adding depth, texture, and nutrition to the soup. You could also add hearty legumes like green or brown lentils, cannellini beans, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a protein boost. This easy lasagna soup truly is a canvas for your culinary creativity and a perfect solution for a diverse range of dietary preferences!
Loved this Recipe? Save it for Later!
Don’t let this simple, delicious Lasagna Soup recipe slip away! Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. This ensures you can easily find it whenever a craving for comforting Italian flavors strikes, or when you need a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution. Plus, for your convenience, a printable recipe card with all the detailed ingredients and instructions is available at the bottom of this post, making it simple to print and keep in your recipe binder.
Pinning is a great way to build your collection of easy weeknight meals and delightful comfort food ideas. Share the love with your friends and family by letting them discover this fantastic, time-saving dish too! Your Pinterest followers will thank you for this incredible shortcut to classic lasagna flavors.
More Simple Recipes Featuring Uncooked Noodles
If you’re a fan of quick, one-pot wonders and meals that minimize prep, then you’ll absolutely love my collection of simple recipes that incorporate uncooked noodles directly into the cooking process. These dishes are an absolute lifesaver for busy families and perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. I’ve curated a treasure trove of easy 30-minute meals, many of which follow this ingenious method, guaranteeing maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Here are some of my top recommendations for recipes that utilize uncooked noodles, delivering fantastic taste and ultimate convenience:
- Skillet Lasagna (as pictured above, a fantastic stove-top alternative to traditional baked lasagna, no oven required!)
- Italian Wonderpot (a true one-pot pasta miracle, bursting with Italian goodness and ready in a flash)
- Instant Pot Mac ‘n Cheese (creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese that’s effortlessly cooked in your Instant Pot)
- Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Sausage (a hearty and flavorful soup that cooks fresh tortellini right in the broth, soaking up all the flavors)
- Shrimp Pad Thai Wonderpot (an exciting twist, bringing vibrant Asian flavors to your one-pot repertoire with ease)
- Easy Weeknight Lasagna Toss (all the great tastes of lasagna in a super-fast, tossed pasta dish, perfect for a quick fix)
- Mexican Mac ‘n Cheese (a spicy, cheesy fusion that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, cooked simply)
- No Boil Manicotti (a smart way to enjoy manicotti without the pre-boiling step, saving you time and effort)
- Spicy Smoked Sausage Cheesy Pasta Skillet (a quick and flavorful skillet meal with a smoky kick, perfect for a cozy night in)
- Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs (a complete classic meal, cooked efficiently in one pot with minimal fuss)
No matter if you choose the quick stovetop method or the convenient slow cooker for this Easy Lasagna Soup recipe, I truly hope you give it a try! It’s a rewarding dish that brings joy and warmth to any table, simplifying the traditional lasagna experience without sacrificing any of its beloved flavors. Happy cooking, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
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Print Recipe
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 14.5 oz cans of petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce (I like to use Marinara)
- 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon or 4 cubes
- 4 teaspoons beef bouillon
- 6 cups of water
- 2 teaspoons of Italian spice
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 box lasagna noodles broken into pieces (about 8 full pieces)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- For serving: ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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In a soup pot over medium heat, brown your lean ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste as it cooks.
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Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the meat mixture. To the ground beef mixture, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), spaghetti sauce, chicken bouillon, beef bouillon, water, Italian spice, basil, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for 25 minutes. This simmering period allows all the robust Italian flavors to meld and deepen beautifully.
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After simmering, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender to your liking, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the noodle thickness.
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Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
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About 5 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, adding another layer of savory richness and creamy texture.
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Ladle the hot Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. For the full, authentic lasagna experience, top each serving with generous spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on January 16, 2012. It was updated to improve user experience, enhance clarity, add more helpful tips, and optimize for SEO, then re-posted on June 3, 2020.