Lasagna Soup with Cheese

This comforting lasagna soup captures all the rich flavors of classic lasagna but delivers them in a warm, easy to enjoy bowl. It features browned ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in a robust tomato broth with broken lasagna noodles that cook tenderly in the soup. Fresh spinach adds a touch of brightness while a luscious cheese blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan melts on top with every serving. This soup is a perfect dinner for chilly evenings when you crave hearty, familiar flavors without the fuss of baking.

I first made this one cold winter weekend and was amazed at how much everyone enjoyed a soup version of their favorite comfort food. It quickly became a regular request in my house on busy nights.

Ingredients

• Half a pound lean ground beef: provides meaty richness
• Half a pound Italian sausage: for savory depth and a hint of spice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to enhance all the flavors naturally
• One yellow onion diced: for mild sweetness and aroma
• One tablespoon olive oil: to sauté the aromatics adding subtle fruitiness
• Three cloves garlic minced: to bring warmth and fragrance
• Two tablespoons tomato paste: to deepen the tomato flavor
• About twenty four ounces marinara sauce: for a robust and tangy base
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: to lend a gentle kick
• Two tablespoons fresh parsley chopped or dried: for freshness
• Half teaspoon dried oregano: to evoke classic Italian notes
• One teaspoon dried basil: for herbal complexity
• Seven cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: to keep the soup light yet flavorful
• Nine lasagna noodles broken into pieces: to mimic layered lasagna texture
• Two cups fresh spinach leaves: optional but recommended for color and nutrients
• Ten ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: for creamy topping
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: that melts beautifully into the soup
• Half cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: to add sharpness and saltiness
• Fresh basil leaves: for garnish adding aroma and a pop of green

Instructions

Sauté the Meat:

In a large pot over medium high heat cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until nicely browned. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as they brown. Once cooked through drain excess grease and remove the meat from the pot. This step builds a hearty meat base essential to the soup’s flavor.

Cook the Aromatics:

In the same pot heat olive oil over medium heat. 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 another one to two minutes until fragrant. This forms a flavorful foundation for 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. Return the browned meat to the pot and stir everything together to combine all the classic lasagna flavors in the soup.

Cook the Noodles and Spinach:

Bring the soup to a boil then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer stirring occasionally until the noodles become tender which takes about 10 to 12 minutes. In the last few minutes of cooking stir in the fresh spinach leaves if using to wilt them gently.

Prepare the Cheese Mix:

In a small bowl combine ricotta shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until blended. This creamy cheese mixture will top each bowl adding rich texture and indulgence.

Serve and Garnish:

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

My favorite part has to be the cheese blend on top which adds creamy indulgence without any hassle. I remember the first time my kids found that gooey cheese dollop on their bowls their smiles lit up declaring it the best soup ever. That moment has turned into a cherished family tradition whenever the weather gets cold.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep well for three to four days. When reheating warm gently on the stove and add a bit of extra broth if the soup has thickened. It’s best not to add any cheese before storing as it melts better fresh at serving time.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this vegetarian just omit the ground beef and Italian sausage. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini sliced mushrooms or yellow squash to maintain body and flavor. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it plant based. For a vegan version replace the ricotta with cashew ricotta or another dairy free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lasagna soup with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side helps balance the richness of the soup. You can also add extra Parmesan or fresh herbs such as oregano for a little extra flavor boost.

This lasagna soup brings all the comfort of lasagna into a quick weeknight meal. Skip adding the cheese before storing and stir it in fresh when serving for best texture and flavor.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace meats with additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a satisfying meatless version.

→ How do I freeze the soup?

Freeze without the cheese topping for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before adding fresh noodles and cheese.

→ What pasta can be used instead of broken lasagna noodles?

Any pasta shape works; just adjust cooking times so the pasta reaches the right tenderness in the broth.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if thickened.

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead?

Prepare through the cooking of sauce and meat, refrigerate without noodles, then add fresh noodles and cheese just before serving.

→ How do I garnish for best flavor?

Fresh basil leaves added just before serving enhance aroma and add vibrant color to each bowl.