Lasagna Soup with Cheese

This hearty lasagnainspired soup brings together the familiar flavors of a classic Italian favorite into a comforting, easy-to-enjoy bowl. Browned ground beef and Italian sausage mingle with a rich tomato broth, fragrant herbs, and tender broken lasagna noodles, while fresh spinach adds a touch of green brightness. A creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan tops each serving, melting into the warm soup for an indulgent finish. It’s a perfect meal for cold nights or when you crave lasagna’s cozy richness without the fuss of baking.

I first made this soup on a chilly weekend and was instantly hooked. Since then, it has become a family favorite especially when we want that lasagna flavor without the time and mess of assembling layers.

Ingredients

• Half a pound lean ground beef: for hearty meaty flavor
• Half a pound Italian sausage: to add savory depth and a mild spicy kick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to enhance all the flavors
• One yellow onion: diced for sweetness and aroma
• One tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing and gentle fruitiness
• Three cloves garlic: minced to add warmth and fragrance
• Two tablespoons tomato paste: for concentrated tomato richness
• About twenty-four ounces marinara sauce: for a robust and tangy base (choose one with good quality herbs if possible)
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: for a subtle heat
• Two tablespoons fresh parsley: chopped or dried parsley for freshness
• Half teaspoon dried oregano: to bring classic Italian herbal notes
• One teaspoon dried basil: to add fragrant herbal flavor
• Seven cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth: to keep the soup light and flavorful
• Nine lasagna noodles: broken into pieces to mimic traditional layering in a simple way
• Two cups fresh spinach leaves: optional but highly recommended to add color and nutrients
• Ten ounces ricotta cheese or cottage cheese: for a creamy, luscious topping
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: that melts beautifully
• Half cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for sharpness and seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: to brighten and fragrance the final dish

Instructions

Sauté the Meat:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as they cook. Brown the meat well until no pink remains, then drain excess grease. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside. This step builds a rich and hearty base for your soup.

Cook the Aromatics:

Using the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another one to two minutes until fragrant. This forms the flavorful foundation for the soup.

Add Tomato and Herbs:

Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, and chicken broth. Return the browned meat to the pot and mix everything well together. This layers in classic lasagna flavors into the soup.

Cook the Noodles and Spinach:

Bring the soup to a boil, then add broken lasagna noodles. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about ten to twelve minutes. Add fresh spinach leaves in the last few minutes and cook until wilted. This ensures noodles are cooked perfectly and spinach stays bright.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses until well blended. This creamy mixture will top each soup serving and melt into the broth for richness.

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately so the cheeses melt into the warm soup beautifully.

My favorite part has always been the cheese blend on top which adds a comforting indulgence with minimal effort. I fondly remember the first time my kids saw the dollop of cheese on their bowls and their excitement which made it an instant family tradition especially when the weather turns cold.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove and add a bit more broth if the soup has thickened. Avoid adding the cheese mixture before storing as it melts best when fresh.

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this vegetarian, skip ground beef and Italian sausage and add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or yellow squash for added texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, swap ricotta for cashew-based ricotta or another dairy-free cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every bit of the broth. A simple green salad is a nice way to balance flavors and freshness. For extra flavor, sprinkle more Parmesan or add fresh herbs like oregano just before serving.

This lasagna soup is cozy and easy to make, perfect for feeding a hungry family on cold nights. Leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick future meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

→ Is this soup freezable?

Freeze the soup without the cheese topping for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before adding fresh noodles and cheese.

→ What pasta can replace broken lasagna noodles?

Any pasta shape can be used instead; just adjust cooking time to ensure tenderness. Small pasta shapes or wide noodles work well.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth if needed. Avoid adding cheese before storing.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, make the soup through the step before adding noodles, then refrigerate. Cook noodles and add cheese topping fresh before serving.

→ How to add fresh herbs for garnish?

Fresh basil leaves are ideal for garnish. Add them just before serving to enhance aroma and flavor.