I used to crave lasagna all the time but dreaded the time it took to layer and bake it. When life got busier, I knew there had to be a quicker way to enjoy those comforting flavors. That’s how I created this Ultimate Foolproof Lasagna Soup—a hearty, cozy meal you can make in one pot without the hassle.
Table of Contents
This lasagna soup gives you all the rich, savory flavor of classic lasagna but without the fuss of layers and baking. It’s perfect for those weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying, yet fast and easy to make. This soup is a one-pot wonder that combines tender noodles, meaty goodness, and a creamy cheese topping, much like an irresistibly creamy crockpot chili. It’s the ultimate solution for craving lasagna without the wait.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup
- Foolproof recipe designed for consistent, delicious results even if you’re short on time or cooking experience, much like our ultimate foolproof white chicken chili.
- Richest flavor from the combination of ground beef and smoked beef bacon plus a carefully layered tomato base.
- Perfect texture that balances tender noodles with vibrant fresh spinach and creamy cheese topping.
- One-pot convenience minimizes cleanup while delivering a cozy, comforting dinner everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for the Best Lasagna Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and hearty lasagna soup:
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground smoked beef bacon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce marinara sauce)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for serving
A Note on the Meats & Tomatoes
Using both ground beef and ground smoked beef bacon adds layers of savory depth and smoky richness to the soup. The tomato paste contributes a deep, concentrated flavor that caramelizes beautifully when cooked with the onions and garlic. Meanwhile, the marinara sauce adds body and acidity, balancing the richness and giving the soup that classic lasagna tomato flavor.
The Secret to the Creamiest Ricotta Topping
Grainy ricotta is a common issue when added directly to hot soups. That’s why I mix the ricotta with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses separately, then add it as a dollop just before serving. This preserves the topping’s smooth texture and fresh, cheesy flavor.
For extra creamy ricotta topping, try stirring in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a pinch of salt to the cheese mixture. This simple step makes the cheese silky and perfectly luscious when it melts into the warm soup.
How to Make Lasagna Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the meats: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and smoked beef bacon until browned. Season with salt and pepper as you cook. Drain the grease and remove the meat from the pot.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and liquids: Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, spices, and broth. Return the browned meat to the pot.
Pro-Tip: Let the tomato paste cook and caramelize for 60 seconds before adding liquids. This small step creates a huge depth of flavor that mimics a long-simmered sauce.
- Cook noodles: Bring the soup to a boil, then add broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. Add spinach if using.
- Prepare cheese topping: In a small bowl, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and dollop a scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil.
Pro Tips for Foolproof Results
- Breaking Noodles Without a Mess: Score the noodles with a knife first or break them inside a large Ziploc bag to keep small pieces contained.
- Using No-Boil Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles give the best texture. If you only have no-boil noodles, reduce broth slightly or shorten simmer time to avoid gummy noodles.
Lasagna Soup Variations
Lasagna soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing for various dietary needs and flavor preferences.
| Variation | Substitution | Expert Tip (The Implication) |
|---|---|---|
| Hearty Vegetarian Lasagna Soup | Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms and lentils | Add 1 tsp soy sauce or miso paste to boost umami and deepen flavor without meat. |
| Spicy Lasagna Soup | Use hot Italian sausage instead of beef/bacon | You may want to omit or adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level without overpowering the soup. |
| Dairy-Free Lasagna Soup | Replace cheeses with tofu or cashew-based ricotta alternative | Add topping at the end to preserve its texture and prevent it from dissolving into the soup during cooking. |
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
Pair this soup with classic sides like crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad for a complete meal. You can check out my easy 5-Minute Garlic Bread and the fresh Simple Italian Green Salad recipes to round out your dinner.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cook and store the noodles separately from the soup to avoid them becoming mushy. When reheating, warm the soup gently and then add the noodles back in just before serving for the best texture.
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and beef bacon; season with salt and pepper, drain excess fat, and set the meat aside.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat; sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and broth; return the cooked meat to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, add broken lasagna noodles, reduce to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender; stir in spinach if using.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to make the cheese topping.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with a dollop of the cheese mixture, and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting)
How do I fix my soup if it’s too thick or the noodles absorbed all the broth?
Add a little more broth or water and stir gently to loosen the soup to your preferred consistency. Heat through and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I fix my soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer the soup uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce excess liquid. You can also stir in a small amount of tomato paste for extra body and flavor.
My Lasagna Soup tastes a little flat. How can I boost the flavor?
Try adding a pinch more salt, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or some extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley to brighten the flavors. Allow the soup to simmer a few minutes longer for the flavors to blend.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Foolproof Lasagna Soup is a cozy, quick meal that brings the best of lasagna to your bowl without the wait or mess. Its rich flavors, perfect texture, and creamy cheese topping make it a weeknight hero you’ll want to come back to again and again. Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear how it went! Let us know what cheese combination you used in the comments below!
