Lasagna Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food, combining all the hearty, cheesy decadence of classic lasagna in a bowl that’s perfect for brisk evenings or when you’re craving big Italian flavors without hours in the kitchen. With a blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, rich marinara, spinach, and three amazing cheeses, this Lasagna Soup fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and brings together everything you love about lasagna—just with a ladle instead of a spatula!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Lasagna Soup is how the ingredients are familiar, simple, and yet each one is vital for building its irresistible layers of flavor. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, but trust me—don’t skip the cheese trio or the final sprinkle of fresh basil!

Lean ground beef: Adds juicy, savory richness to the soup base and keeps things hearty.
Ground Italian sausage: Gives depth and a subtle herby spice, making every spoonful extra flavorful.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat perfectly right from the start.
Yellow onion: Chopped and sautéed, it builds natural sweetness and body in the soup.
Olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic, and infuses a silky texture.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that unmistakable Italian aroma and zing.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, adding rich, savory notes.
Homemade or jarred marinara sauce: The backbone of the soup’s deep, tangy tomato base.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for gentle warmth—and you can easily dial it up or down.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for vibrant, herby brightness (dried works if that’s what you have).
Dried oregano and dried basil: Classic Italian herbs that bring an earthy, fragrant aroma.
Low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): The liquid that ties all components together, making it a true soup.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-size pieces so you get a bit in each spoonful—so fun!
Fresh spinach leaves: Stirred in at the end for color, nutrition, and a fresh pop (optional but wonderful).
Ricotta cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and essential for that classic lasagna comfort.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melt-factor you want in every bowl.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and salty depth—don’t go for the pre-grated stuff if you can help it.
Fresh basil: The finishing touch that lifts the entire soup to Italian grandma-level greatness.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats

Start by heating your enameled pot over medium-high heat, then toss in the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until both meats lose their pink color and start to brown, breaking them apart with a meat chopper or sturdy spoon. Season generously with salt and pepper as they cook. Once everything is brown and crumbly, drain off the excess grease and set the meat aside—you’ll bring it back soon!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add a splash of olive oil to the same pot (no need to wash it), then throw in your chopped onion. Let it sauté for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and golden. Add your minced garlic and cook for another minute or two—don’t rush this part! The aroma will be irresistible and lays the foundation for the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Now it’s time for the magic. Stir in the tomato paste until it coats the onions and garlic, then pour in the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, basil, and chicken broth. Mix it well, then return the browned meat to the pot. This is where Lasagna Soup’s signature heartiness is born, as all the flavors mingle.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Noodles

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. Cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy—about 10-12 minutes. If you love greens, this is the moment to add fresh spinach, letting it wilt gently for an extra burst of color and nutrition.

Step 5: Mix Cheese Topping and Serve

While the soup simmers, stir together ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a separate bowl for your luscious cheese topping. When you’re ready to serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of cheese mix on each. Finish with fresh basil—then dive in! Every spoonful will have you dreaming of a cozy Italian kitchen.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

A blanket of fresh basil ribbons really sets off Lasagna Soup, adding freshness and color. I also love a generous grind of black pepper and a sprinkling of extra parmesan for good measure. And if you’re a fan of a little heat, another tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top takes things up a notch.

Side Dishes

To make it a complete meal, serve your Lasagna Soup with thick slices of toasted garlic bread—there’s nothing quite like dunking crusty bread into that brothy, cheesy goodness! A light green salad with Italian vinaigrette balances out the rich, comforting soup, or try roasted veggies on the side for a more veggie-forward spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends, try serving Lasagna Soup in wide mugs with the cheese topping broiled for a bubbly finish—think French onion soup, but Italian style! For a fun twist, offer an array of toppings at the table, like fresh herbs, extra cheese, and spicy chili oil, so everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully. Simply cover the cooled soup and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually improve as they mingle, but the noodles can absorb some broth—just add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

Freezing

For best results, freeze Lasagna Soup without the cheese topping and, if possible, without the noodles (they go a bit soft after thawing). Store the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy it, cook fresh noodles separately and add them in with plenty of cheese.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup has thickened, add a little extra broth to loosen it. You can also microwave individual portions—just top with the cheese mixture right before serving for melty, gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Skip the sausage and beef, and load up on chopped vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and yellow squash. For vegan Lasagna Soup, swap the cheeses for homemade cashew ricotta and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. The cozy, bold flavors will still shine through.

Can I substitute another type of pasta?

Definitely! Any small pasta, such as bowtie, rotini, or even broken spaghetti, works well if you don’t have lasagna noodles handy. The magic is in the flavors, so use what you love or already have in the pantry.

How can I make Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the meats and onions on the stove first, then transfer them to your slow cooker along with garlic, tomato paste, marinara, spices, and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken noodles and let them cook until tender, adding spinach right at the end. Top with cheese just before serving.

What’s the best way to keep the noodles from getting soggy?

If you’re planning on leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl as you serve. That way, they stay al dente and don’t soak up all the delicious broth during storage.

Can I add more vegetables to Lasagna Soup?

Of course! Chopped bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms all make wonderful additions and add extra color and nutrition. Stir them in with the onions so they can soften as the soup simmers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, Lasagna Soup is calling your name. It’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and totally showstopping with its layers of flavor and cheesy topping. Give it a try this week—I promise it’ll become a new staple in your comfort food rotation!