Name: Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce; 4 cups (32 ounces) beef broth (can add up to 4 more cups if you want a runnier soup); 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 12 ounces Mafalda noodles (can use broken lasagna noodles); ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream; 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend, shredded; Parsley, for garnish

I absolutely adore comfort foods, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find this Lasagna Soup Recipe a delightful twist on a classic. It’s like digging into a warm bowl of lasagna, but with a cozy, slurpable vibe that’s perfect for any season. This recipe beautifully balances rich flavors, hearty textures, and cheesy goodness, all coming together in a warm and welcoming soup that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Why You'll Love This Lasagna Soup Recipe

One of the first things I fell in love with about this Lasagna Soup Recipe is how the flavors come together so effortlessly to recreate that iconic Italian lasagna taste in soup form. The savory ground beef, the robust marinara, the tender noodles, and that decadent melt of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses create a harmony that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each spoonful bursts with layers of flavor that remind me of family dinners and cozy nights.

Another reason I highly recommend this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. Even on busy weeknights when I want something homemade and hearty, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes. There’s no waiting on oven baking or dealing with multiple layers — it’s lasagna done right in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy with loved ones!

If you’re wondering when to serve it, this soup is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even impressing friends at a fall or winter gathering. It stands out because it manages to be both indulgent and light in its own way, making it a crowd-pleaser that feels special without any fuss.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a deep dark pot filled with a thick, textured pasta dish made of short twisted noodles mixed in a rich, chunky reddish-brown sauce with bits of green herbs scattered on top. A black and white patterned spoon is stirring the pasta inside the pot. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients I use for this Lasagna Soup Recipe are simple but essential to achieving that authentic taste and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the savory beef broth to the creamy cheeses and perfectly chewy mafalda noodles that mimic those classic lasagna layers.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: The base for sautéing your aromatics, adding richness and ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth when softened in the oil.
Garlic: Brings that classic Italian fragrance and a subtle kick to the broth.
Ground beef: The hearty protein that transforms the soup into a full meal with a satisfying texture.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that infuses the meat with classic Italian warmth.
Ground pepper and kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Marinara sauce: Rich tomato base that gives the soup its signature lasagna flavor.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and thins the sauce into a soup with luscious body.
Crushed tomatoes: Offers a fresh, tangy brightness and a beautiful texture contrast.
Mafalda noodles: These ruffled-edge noodles mimic the classic lasagna layers and hold the sauce perfectly.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that stretchy, luscious cheesiness everyone loves.
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend: Adds a sharp, melty, gooey finish that compliments the mozzarella.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it’s a simple garnish that lifts and colors the final dish.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Step 2: Add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and turns translucent.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown too much or become bitter.

Step 4: Add the ground beef to the pot along with the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Break up the meat as you cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 6: Once simmering, add the mafalda noodles. Let the soup cook for about 8 minutes or until the noodles reach al dente, tender but still with a slight bite.

Step 7: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the shredded mozzarella and cheddar-Monterey Jack blend. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt smoothly into the soup and create a creamy texture.

Step 8: Remove the soup from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly for the best experience.

Servings and Timing

This Lasagna Soup Recipe makes about 12 generous servings, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly spent chopping the onions and garlic, while the total cook time is about 20 minutes. So from start to finish, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to have a hearty, satisfying meal on the table. Since it’s best enjoyed hot, there’s no resting or cooling time needed, making it ideal for quick, comforting dinners.

How to Serve This Lasagna Soup Recipe

A white bowl holds a layered pasta dish with a rich, thick red tomato sauce base mixed with small curly pasta pieces and ground meat. On top of the sauce, there is a generous layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with small green parsley leaves, adding spots of fresh color. The red sauce looks creamy with visible pieces of tomato and herbs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred red cloth in the background and a white bowl of shredded cheese nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this soup piping hot in big, shallow bowls to show off the beautiful colors and textures. It pairs wonderfully with a crispy side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. When I’m entertaining, I like to sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top right before serving and offer a little bowl of chili flakes for anyone who loves a touch of heat.

For garnishing, fresh parsley is my go-to because it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the creamy, tomato-rich soup. Sometimes I also toss in a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to make the presentation feel extra special. This soup is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or cozy holiday gatherings where everyone can dig in with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth.

As for drinks, a glass of chilled Chianti or a light Pinot Grigio pairs delightfully with the soup’s robust flavors. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced tea complement the richness nicely. When serving, I recommend portioning about one and a half to two cups per person — it’s comforting enough to fill you up but leaves room for sides or dessert!

Variations

Over time, I’ve experimented with making this Lasagna Soup Recipe suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter take, I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, which still gives that incredible protein punch but with less fat. If you’re vegetarian, I love using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute; the texture stays hearty while the flavor still shines through with plenty of Italian herbs and robust tomato.

For those avoiding gluten, you can easily substitute the mafalda noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be mindful of cooking times as some gluten-free noodles become mushy faster. To make the soup vegan, skip the cheese and cream and try stirring in some coconut milk or cashew cream for richness, along with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor kick. There are so many ways to customize both the seasoning and creaminess based on what you have at home or your preferences.

Another variation I adore is adding some spicy elements like red pepper flakes or swapping the Italian seasoning for a smoky smoked paprika mix to give the soup a subtle twist. You could also jazz it up by stirring in fresh spinach or kale toward the end for extra greens. No matter how you tweak it, this recipe adapts beautifully and stays just as comforting!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers of this Lasagna Soup Recipe, I like to store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best, and I usually portion out single servings for easy reheating later. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days, though I recommend eating it sooner rather than later to enjoy the cheese and noodles at their best texture.

Freezing

If I want to save this soup for longer, freezing is a great option. I let the soup cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note that the noodles might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors still remain fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt back into that lovely creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do use a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it evenly heated. If the soup has thickened too much after storage, adding a splash of beef broth or water while reheating helps loosen it back up perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use different types of noodles for this Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! While mafalda noodles are my favorite because their ruffled edges mimic classic lasagna, you can substitute with broken lasagna sheets, penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta stays al dente and doesn’t get mushy.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, definitely! For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or lentils. For vegan, omit the cheese and cream, replacing the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. There are many delicious plant-based adaptations that keep the spirit of the dish alive.

How can I make this Laagna Soup Recipe spicier?

If you want to add some heat, I like stirring in crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or topping bowls with a drizzle of chili oil. You could also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for a nice kick. Just be mindful to balance the spice with the creamy elements so the heat doesn’t overpower the flavors.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

You can prepare the base of the soup ahead of time and refrigerate it without the noodles and cheese. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat, add noodles, cook until tender, then stir in the cream and cheese. This keeps the noodles from getting overcooked or mushy if you’re meal prepping.

What should I serve alongside this soup?

I love crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad alongside this soup to complement its richness. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. For drinks, Italian reds like Chianti or a crisp white wine work beautifully, but sparkling water with lemon is a refreshing non-alcoholic pairing.

Conclusion

I hope this Lasagna Soup Recipe inspires you to try a fresh and cozy take on one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s so rewarding to make, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whenever I make it, it brings smiles and warm moments around the table, and I can’t wait for you to experience that, too!