Name: Hearty Lasagna Soup Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce; 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup delivers all the bold flavors of lasagna with half the effort. There’s no need to layer or bake anything—just one pot and a little simmer time. The noodles soak up the savory broth, the cheese gets wonderfully melty, and every spoonful is hearty and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a freezer-friendly meal that I turn to again and again.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or Italian sausage
Olive oil
Onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Crushed tomatoes
Tomato paste
Beef broth or chicken broth
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Salt and pepper
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. I drain the excess fat if needed.
I add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
I stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat.
I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes.
I stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they’re tender, usually about 10 minutes.
While the noodles are cooking, I mix the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl to make the cheesy topping.
Once the noodles are done, I taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
To serve, I ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the meat for ground turkey or go meatless by adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. For a spicy twist, I use hot Italian sausage. I also like using small pasta shapes like fusilli or bowties if I’m out of lasagna noodles. And if I want it creamier, I stir a little heavy cream into the soup at the end.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles may soak up some broth, so I add a splash of water or broth before reheating. I reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It also freezes well—I just leave out the noodles, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, I break them into pieces and let them simmer right in the soup. They work just fine and absorb flavor beautifully.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

I cook the noodles just until tender and avoid letting the soup simmer too long after they’re added. If I’m planning to store or freeze the soup, I cook and add the noodles separately.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I brown the meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything (except the noodles and cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. I stir in cooked noodles just before serving.

What cheeses work best for the topping?

I like the classic mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Cottage cheese is a good substitute for ricotta if I want something lighter.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the meat and add diced veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. I use vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Conclusion

Hearty Lasagna Soup Delight is one of those recipes I reach for when I want all the comfort of lasagna without the time and cleanup. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor, with a cheesy topping that makes each bite irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup always hits the spot.