Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. If your meat is very lean, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Flavor

  1. Push the meat and onion mixture to the side of the pot and add the tomato paste. Cook it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance its flavor.
  2. Stir everything together, then add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian herbs, bay leaf, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 15–20 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. While the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, about 2–3 inches long.
  2. Add the broken noodles directly to the pot and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  2. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using) for added flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Soup

  1. Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  2. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. The heat from the soup will melt the cheeses, creating a creamy, gooey topping.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan cheese for added flair.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna Soup is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete dining experience. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some olive oil over the soup before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup

  1. Customizable Protein: Swap out the ground beef or sausage for turkey or a plant-based alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
  2. Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the broth for a richer consistency.
  3. Prep Ahead: Make the soup base ahead of time and cook the noodles fresh when ready to serve to avoid soggy pasta.
  4. Storage: Store leftover soup and noodles separately to maintain texture. Reheat the soup and add fresh pasta when serving.