Craving the comforting layers of classic lasagna but short on time? This lasagna soup recipe easy brings all those beloved flavors into a convenient, single pot. Imagine rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and savory meat, all topped with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella. It is quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and promises a deeply satisfying, family-friendly meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Lasagna Soup
This incredible one-pot wonder makes dinner a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
- Effortless Preparation: It all comes together in one pot, drastically reducing cleanup.
- Classic Lasagna Taste: Enjoy the rich, savory flavors reminiscent of traditional lasagna in every spoonful.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Hearty Comfort Food: It offers a warm, comforting embrace perfect for any season.
- Simplified Classic: This recipe transforms a beloved, time-consuming dish into a quick, weeknight meal.
Ingredients for Easy Lasagna Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying lasagna soup recipe easy.
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or half Italian sausage)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 24 oz. jar Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
- 8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth, divided
- 1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tsp EACH dried parsley, dried oregano, salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 whole bay leaf
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles (broken into approx. 1-2 inch pieces*)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional**
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ricotta cheese
Notes & Substitutions
- Meat: Use lean ground beef for a lighter soup. Italian sausage adds a robust, spicy kick; choose mild or hot.
- Noodles: Break regular lasagna noodles into small pieces. Avoid “no-boil” noodles as they can become mushy. You can also use other pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Tomatoes: Crushed San Marzano tomatoes provide superior flavor, but any quality crushed tomatoes work well. Tomato paste adds crucial depth. These tomatoes are prized for their balanced sweet-tart flavor, fewer seeds, and meatier flesh, contributing to a richer sauce as detailed by articles on San Marzano tomato superiority in cooking.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the saltiness. Vegetable broth or bouillon can also work.
- Cream: A touch of heavy cream at the end adds luxurious richness and a creamy texture. It’s totally optional.
- Seasoning: Red pepper flakes offer a subtle warmth; adjust to your preferred spice level. Dried herbs are essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- Fresh vs. Powdered: If you lack fresh onion or garlic, use 1 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder per clove/half onion.
- Vegetables: Boost nutrition by stirring in fresh spinach, diced zucchini, or finely grated carrots with the broth.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious easy lasagna soup.
- A large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed soup pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Cutting board and a sharp knife
- Ladle for serving
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Follow these simple steps to create a fantastic lasagna soup recipe easy right in your kitchen.
Heat your large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the hot pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onion is softened.
Next, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot. Sauté them briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step enhances the flavor without burning the garlic. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
Stir in the Prego Sauce, 6 cups of chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, granulated sugar, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue cooking until the lasagna noodles are tender. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom, which usually takes 20-30 minutes.
Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup. If using, stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream now. Assess the soup’s consistency; if you prefer a thinner soup, gradually add the remaining 2-4 cups of chicken broth until it reaches your desired thickness.
Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
Enhance your simple lasagna soup experience with these helpful tricks.
- Noodle Absorption: Lasagna noodles absorb liquid over time. For best results, serve the soup immediately after cooking the pasta. If you plan for leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls just before serving.
- Flavor Depth: Brown your ground beef thoroughly. This caramelization adds a deeper, richer flavor to the soup base.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of warmth and add more if you enjoy extra heat.
- Broth Consistency: Achieve your preferred soup thickness by slowly adding the remaining chicken broth at the end. Taste as you go.
- Cheese Blending: Stir a spoonful of ricotta cheese into individual servings right before eating. This creates delightful creamy pockets.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Better base ingredients translate to better soup flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve this comforting simple lasagna soup with warm garlic bread for dipping, alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad.
- Protein Variations: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a mixture of both.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in fresh spinach at the very end until wilted, or add sautéed mushrooms or finely diced carrots with the onions.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Consider adding lentils or extra mushrooms for heartiness.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigeration: Cool leftover soup completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stove-top over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked noodles in soup can make them mushy upon reheating. For best results, if you plan to freeze, cook the soup base without the noodles. Freeze the base, then cook fresh noodles to add when reheating.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this easy lasagna soup.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Protein | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 20-25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 g |
Please note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes. Always consult a certified nutritionist for precise information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use other pasta besides lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, absolutely! Feel free to use other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions.
Q: How can I make this simple lasagna soup vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add lentils or extra vegetables like mushrooms for more substance.
Q: My soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
A: If your soup is too thick, simply stir in more chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency. To thicken it, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.
Q: Why are my lasagna noodles mushy?
A: Mushy noodles usually result from overcooking or letting them sit in the soup for too long, allowing them to absorb too much liquid. Cook the noodles until just al dente, or consider cooking them separately if you plan for leftovers.
Q: Can I make this easy lasagna soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup base (everything but the noodles) a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. Add and cook the noodles just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup recipe easy truly delivers on its promise: all the comforting flavor of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time and with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, satisfying picky eaters, and bringing warmth to any table. Give this delightful one-pot meal a try soon. We are sure it will become a new favorite in your cooking rotation. Share your experiences and feedback below.
