Lasagna Soup with Cheese

This comforting lasagna soup brings the rich flavors of classic lasagna into a cozy, easy-to-enjoy bowl. Ground beef and Italian sausage are browned to build a hearty base, then simmered with tomato sauce, herbs, and broken lasagna noodles. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while a luscious cheese blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is spooned on top, melting beautifully into the warm broth. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave the familiar, satisfying taste of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking.

I first made this during a cold weekend and was amazed how everyone loved having their favorite comfort food in soup form. It quickly became a requested dinner, especially on busy evenings.

Ingredients

• Half a pound lean ground beef: for meaty richness and texture
• Half a pound Italian sausage: for savory depth and a hint of spice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to enhance all the flavors
• One yellow onion diced: to add mild sweetness
• One tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing, bringing a subtle fruity note
• Three cloves garlic minced: to provide aroma and warmth
• Two tablespoons tomato paste: to deepen the tomato flavor
• About 24 ounces marinara sauce: for a robust and flavorful base
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: for a gentle kick of heat
• Two tablespoons fresh parsley chopped: for brightness or use dried if needed
• Half teaspoon dried oregano: for classic Italian herbal notes
• One teaspoon dried basil: for additional aromatic flavor
• Seven cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: to keep it light and savory
• Nine lasagna noodles broken into pieces: to mimic classic lasagna layers in soup form
• Two cups fresh spinach leaves: optional but recommended to add color and nutrients
• Ten ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: for a creamy topping
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: that melts perfectly into the soup
• Half cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for sharpness and saltiness
• Fresh basil leaves: for garnish and aroma

Instructions

Sauté the Meat:

In a large pot over medium—high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as you cook. Once browned, drain the excess grease carefully and remove the meat from the pot. This step builds the hearty meat base essential to the soup.

Cook the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in the same pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one to two more minutes. This step creates a flavorful foundation and aroma that carries through the soup.

Add Tomato and Herbs:

Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, and chicken broth into the pot. Return the cooked meat to the pot and stir everything to combine thoroughly. This melds the classic lasagna flavors into the soup.

Cook the Noodles and Spinach:

Bring the soup to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium—low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. In the last few minutes, add the fresh spinach leaves if using and cook until just wilted. This ensures noodles are perfectly cooked right in the broth.

Prepare the Cheese Mix:

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until blended smoothly. This creamy cheese mixture will be added on top of each serving to add rich texture.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and fragrance. Serve immediately so that the cheeses melt into the warm soup in each spoonful.

My favorite part of this soup is the cheese blend on top which adds indulgence without any extra fuss. I clearly remember the first time my kids found it on their bowls. Their faces lit up as they declared it the best soup ever. It has become a family tradition whenever temperatures dip outside.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add extra broth if the soup thickens. Avoid adding cheese before storing as it melts best fresh and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this dish vegetarian, skip the ground beef and sausage and add more vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or yellow squash to give the soup extra body. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based base. For vegan versions, replace ricotta with cashew ricotta or another dairy-free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lasagna soup with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad pairs beautifully to balance the richness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like oregano to boost flavor just before serving.

This lasagna soup delivers all the cozy flavors of lasagna in a quick, comforting bowl. It—s perfect for chilly nights and easy to customize.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or yellow squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fulfilling vegetarian option.

→ Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the soup without the cheese topping for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before adding fresh noodles and cheese.

→ What pasta can replace broken lasagna noodles?

Any pasta shape works well; just adjust cooking time until pasta is tender. Small shapes or broken sheets can mimic the texture effectively.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add extra broth if it thickens. Avoid storing with cheese on top for best texture.

→ Can the soup be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, prepare through the simmering stage without noodles, refrigerate, then cook noodles fresh and finish with cheese topping just before serving.

→ How can fresh herbs be used for garnish?

Fresh basil leaves work best when added just before serving, enhancing aroma and adding a bright, fresh flavor.