Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Italian dinner but want something quicker and cozier, you absolutely have to try this Lasagna Soup. This delightful dish captures everything you love about traditional lasagna—hearty ground beef, savory marinara, tender noodles, and melty cheese—in a warm, bubbling bowl of soup that feels like a hug in every spoonful. It’s perfect for when you want that cheesy, saucy goodness without the fuss of layering noodles and baking in the oven. Trust me, once you make this Lasagna Soup, it’ll be your go-to comfort meal on chilly nights or anytime you need a little Italian magic in your life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in your Lasagna Soup. Each component plays a crucial role—from the aromatic sautéed onion and garlic bringing depth, to the creamy cheese melting into the broth, creating luscious layers of taste in every bite.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to start your soup with a fragrant base.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that mellows as it cooks.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with its irresistible aroma and savory zing.
• 2 pounds ground beef: The main protein that gives the soup heartiness and fullness.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that bring classic Italian flavor.
• 2 teaspoons ground pepper: Provides a mild heat to balance the rich elements.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all the fresh ingredients.
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce: Delivers the tangy, tomatoey goodness central to any lasagna dish.
• 4 cups beef broth: Gives the soup depth and richness; add more if you want it brothier.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Adds texture and vibrant color to the soup base.
• 12 ounces Mafalda noodles: These ruffled-edge noodles cling to the broth beautifully, but broken lasagna noodles work too.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Brings silkiness and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that melty, stretchy cheese pull we all adore.
• 1 cup cheddar and Monterey Jack blend, shredded: Adds a creamy sharpness and smooth texture.
• Parsley to garnish: A fresh finishing touch that brightens every bowl.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, letting those natural sugars emerge. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir, breaking up the meat so it browns evenly, until it’s no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes. This forms the savory foundation of your soup’s rich flavor.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. This blend of tomatoes and broth is what makes this Lasagna Soup so satisfying and comforting—like an instant classic bubbling away on your stove.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Once the soup is simmering, add the Mafalda noodles. These tender pasta pieces soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook for about 8 minutes, until perfectly al dente. If you prefer your soup with more broth, feel free to add up to 4 additional cups of beef broth here to loosen the texture.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, followed by the mozzarella and cheddar-Monterey Jack blend. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt flawlessly into the soup, creating that irresistible creamy, gooey texture that makes this Lasagna Soup unlike any ordinary meal.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your soup hot, ladled into bowls that promise satisfaction with every spoonful.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, but you could also add a sprinkle of extra shredded mozzarella or a few torn basil leaves for a fragrant lift. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds even more cheesy goodness, making each bite spectacular.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lasagna Soup with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some homemade garlic bread for dipping. A crusty baguette is also perfect to scoop up every last bit of that cheesy, tomato-rich broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or ramekins for individual portions. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes on top to amp up texture and flavor contrasts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lasagna Soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better!

Freezing

This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles if possible since pasta can get mushy when thawed. Freeze the base broth and beef mixture separately, and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Lasagna Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to reincorporate the cheese, or microwave in short bursts. If frozen without noodles, add freshly cooked noodles after heating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will make the soup lighter but still delicious. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked but remains tender.

What if I can’t find Mafalda noodles?

No worries! Traditional lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces work wonderfully. You can also use rigatoni or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

Is this soup spicy?

This Lasagna Soup is mild and family-friendly by default, but you can always add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. The rich tomato and cheese flavors will still shine through beautifully.

How thick should the soup be?

Lasagna Soup is meant to be somewhat thick and hearty, but you can adjust the broth quantity to your liking—just add more broth for a soupier consistency or less for a stew-like texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about a bowl of Lasagna Soup—combining the best parts of pasta, cheese, and savory sauce into one cozy dish. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a new way to impress your loved ones, this recipe has your back with its ease and incredible flavors. Give it a try and watch it swiftly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!

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