Lasagna Soup: The Best Cheese for a Perfect Topping

Introduction

There are few things more comforting than a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, but what if that soup tasted exactly like a giant, warm hug in the form of your favorite Italian casserole? That is the magic of Lasagna Soup. It has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. Imagine all the rich, savory flavors of a traditional lasagna—the seasoned meat, the aromatic herbs, the tangy tomato base—swirled together in one pot and ready in under an hour. No fussy layering, no waiting for a baked dish to set, just pure, unadulterated comfort in a bowl .

This dish holds a special place in my kitchen because it was born from a moment of pure craving. I wanted lasagna, but I also wanted it now, and I certainly didn’t want to face the mountain of dishes that followed. The first time I made this soup, my family gathered around the pot, spoons at the ready, and the silence that followed was the best kind of compliment. It has all the soul of our favorite Hearty Classic Baked Ziti but in a quicker, more casual format. If you love big Italian flavors but value your weeknight sanity, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite meal.

What is Lasagna Soup?

Have you ever looked at a bubbling, cheesy lasagna and thought, “This is amazing, but I wish I could eat it with a spoon”? No? Well, let me tell you, once you try Lasagna Soup, you’ll wonder why you never thought of it yourself. It’s exactly what it sounds like: all the classic components of a lasagna deconstructed and simmered together in one glorious pot. We’re talking about a rich, meaty tomato broth, tender pasta, and a luscious, creamy cheese topping that melts into every spoonful. The name is wonderfully literal, and it asks the question we’ve all been waiting for: why shouldn’t lasagna be a soup? . As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this soup is a direct flight path. So, grab your largest pot and let’s get cooking—you’re about to see why the world is obsessed with this dish.

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

If you’re still on the fence, let me paint you a picture of why this Lasagna Soup is destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

First and foremost, it’s all about maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The soup base itself is a symphony of savory goodness. By browning a mix of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, we build a deep, meaty foundation. The addition of aromatics like onion and garlic, along with a splash of heavy cream and fresh basil at the end, creates a broth that is so much more complex and satisfying than any jarred sauce alone .

Secondly, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and pantry-smart. This recipe relies on simple, affordable staples like canned tomatoes, broth, and dried pasta. You can easily use whatever ground meat you have on hand, and it’s a fantastic way to use up that last bit of cheese in the fridge. It turns humble ingredients into a meal that tastes like a million bucks, proving you don’t need expensive cuts of meat or hard-to-find items to create something truly special .

Finally, and most importantly for this post, the flavorful cheese topping is the star of the show. While the soup is wonderful on its own, the cheese is what truly transforms it from a simple tomato soup with pasta into “Lasagna” Soup. A generous dollop of a creamy, herbed ricotta mixture, a shower of mozzarella, and a dusting of sharp Parmesan create that iconic lasagna experience. It adds richness, texture, and that “wow” factor in every single bite. If you’re a fan of our Creamy Four-Cheese Pasta Bake, you will absolutely adore this soup.

Ready to learn how to build the perfect bowl? Let’s dive in.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Quick Overview

This Lasagna Soup is the epitome of a one-pot wonder. It comes together in about 45 minutes from start to finish, with about 15 minutes of active prep. The beauty is in its simplicity: you brown the meat, simmer the broth, cook the pasta right in the pot, and finish with a glorious cheese topping. It’s hearty, creamy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying—the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a comforting meal without the hours of work .

Key Ingredients for Lasagna Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. The quality of your cheese is especially important here, as it’s the final flourish.

For the Soup Base:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage for more flavor)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground nutmeg (a secret ingredient that adds warmth)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
3 tbsp tomato paste
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces (or use a sturdy pasta like farfalle/rotini)
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup fresh basil, torn
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Perfect Cheese Topping:

1 ½ cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of comfort in no time.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it .

Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned. Season with the dried oregano, nutmeg, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly and deepen in flavor .

Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil .

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot .

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Topping
While the soup simmers, make the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix well. If you have time, let it sit at room temperature to take the chill off .

Step 6: Finish the Soup
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the fresh torn basil. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed .

Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into deep bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of the remaining shredded mozzarella, and a few extra basil leaves or a pinch of parsley. Serve immediately with plenty of crusty bread on the side .

What to Serve Lasagna Soup With

A bowl of this hearty soup is a meal in itself, but the right side dishes can elevate it to a truly memorable feast.

The Classic Pairing: Garlic Bread. You can’t go wrong with crusty, buttery garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of that rich broth. For a twist, try cheesy garlic bread by adding mozzarella and Parmesan under the broiler .
A Fresh Contrast: Crisp Green Salad. A simple salad with a bright, acidic vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the soup’s richness. A lemony arugula salad or a classic Caesar salad are fantastic choices .
The Finishing Touch: Wine. A medium-bodied red wine with good acidity, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the tomato-based broth beautifully .

Top Tips for Perfecting Lasagna Soup

Here are some insider tips to make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

Pasta Pointers: Avoid using traditional lasagna sheets if you plan on having leftovers, as they will absorb too much liquid and turn mushy. Sturdy pasta shapes like farfalle (bowtie), penne, or rotini are excellent choices as they hold their shape and fit perfectly on a spoon .
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth even after you’ve turned off the heat. If you are 100% sure you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl individually .
Let the Soup Rest for Cheese: For the best cheese topping experience, let the soup cool for a minute or two off the heat before adding your cheese dollop. If the soup is at a roaring boil, it can cause the cheese to become stringy and melt away too quickly rather than creating that perfect creamy pocket .
Play with Your Cheese: While the classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is unbeatable, feel free to experiment. A dollop of pesto mixed into your ricotta, a sprinkle of provolone, or even a spicy jalapeño-cheddar twist can create a delicious new variation .

Storing and Reheating Tips

Lasagna Soup is a meal-prepper’s dream, as the flavors actually deepen and meld together beautifully overnight .

Storage: Let the soup cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days . It’s best to store the soup and the cheese topping separately.
Freezing: This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months . However, because pasta can become mushy upon thawing, it’s highly recommended to freeze the soup base without the pasta. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the base overnight in the fridge, reheat it on the stove, and cook fresh pasta directly in the soup .
Reheating: The soup will thicken significantly in the fridge as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. When reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, stir in a splash of water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency . Always add fresh cheese topping after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

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