Have you ever wanted lasagna but didn’t feel like all the layering and baking? Say hello to Lasagna Soup – your new favorite cozy, one-pot meal! It has all the yummy flavors of classic lasagna, like ground meat, tomatoes, noodles, and cheesy goodness, but it’s faster, easier, and just as comforting. I love making this on chilly nights or when I want something super tasty without all the fuss.
Method
Cook the Meat
To start, heat one tablespoon of oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about three minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the soup. Next, add the ground beef and ground sausage to the pot. Sprinkle in about one teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to season the meat as it cooks. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. This step is important because the browned bits add even more flavor to the soup.
Add the Seasonings and Liquids
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to add all those delicious Italian flavors. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Add another teaspoon of salt and a bit more black pepper to taste. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, seven cups of water, and two tablespoons of Better Than Bouillon chicken base. Stir everything well so the tomato paste dissolves and the broth gets mixed evenly with the seasonings and meat. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce it to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to start melding together.
Add the Noodles
Now it’s time to turn this into lasagna soup! Break the lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces about 1 to 2 inches long and carefully add them to the pot. Stir them in so they don’t clump together. Then, toss in the freshly chopped basil. Let the soup continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know the noodles are ready when they are tender but not mushy.
Creamy Finish
To give the soup that creamy, dreamy texture, pour in the half cup of heavy cream. Stir it in gently and let the soup come back to a light simmer for about a minute. Be careful not to boil the soup at this point, as boiling can cause the cream to separate or curdle. Once it’s warmed through, turn off the heat and give the soup a taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed, depending on your preference.
Make the Ricotta Mixture
While the soup is finishing up, it’s the perfect time to make the cheesy topping. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, julienned fresh basil, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it becomes a smooth and creamy blend. This cheesy mixture is the magic that brings the whole lasagna vibe to your soup. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for topping off each bowl.
Serve It Up!
Now it’s time to dish up your lasagna soup! Use a ladle to serve the hot soup into bowls. Then, top each serving with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture right in the center it’ll slowly melt and swirl into the soup, creating little pockets of creamy cheese in every bite. If you’d like, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or parsley on top for a beautiful and tasty finish. Serve it hot and enjoy that cozy, comforting flavor!
Necessary Tools
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Ladle
Creamy, Cozy Lasagna Soup
Cuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes30
minutes45
minutesIngredients
For the Soup
1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground sausage
1 medium onion, diced
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
7 cups water
2 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base
½ cup heavy cream
½ lb uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into small pieces)
¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
½ tbsp garlic powder
½ tbsp onion powder
½ tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp oil
For the Ricotta Topping
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced
½ tsp garlic salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Toppings:
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley
Directions
- Cook the Meat
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook for about 3 minutes. Then add the ground beef and sausage with a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the meat for about 5–7 minutes until it’s fully cooked. - Add the Seasonings and Liquids
Now, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, more salt, and pepper. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and chicken base. Give everything a good stir. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. - Add the Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into small pieces and toss them into the pot. Add the chopped basil. Cook for about 10–12 minutes or until the noodles are soft. - Creamy Finish
Stir in the heavy cream to make it rich and velvety. Let it simmer for a minute, then turn off the heat. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. - Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well mixed. - Serve It Up!
Scoop the warm soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture. Add extra Parmesan, basil, or parsley if you like. Enjoy every cozy bite!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the noodles – they’ll keep cooking even after the heat is off, so aim for just tender.
- Stir the pot often after adding noodles so they don’t stick to the bottom.
- Taste as you go! The broth and meat can affect salt levels, so season carefully.
- Add cream at the end – if you boil it, it might separate or lose its smooth texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread for dipping – trust me, you’ll want to soak up every drop!
- Add a side salad with Italian dressing for some crunch and freshness.
- Feeling fancy? Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Fun Fact
Did you know lasagna dates all the way back to Ancient Greece? The name comes from “Laganon,” one of the first pasta-like dishes ever made. Now, lasagna soup brings that classic flavor into a cozy bowl of joy!
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Plus, who can resist that creamy ricotta on top? Try it out and let me know if it becomes your new comfort food favorite too!
