Comforting Lasagna Soup Recipe: A Hearty Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

This comforting lasagna soup recipe brings all the classic flavors to your bowl. Simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights, it’s pure comfort.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Flavor

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
03 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
08 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano style recommended)
09 - 4 cups beef broth

→ Pasta & Creaminess

10 - 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
11 - 15 oz container ricotta cheese

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
13 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, plus more for garnish

→ Optional Additions

14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
15 - Splash of red wine (with tomatoes)
16 - Fresh mozzarella, torn (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and let it brown beautifully, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the sizzle and the smell! Once it’s mostly cooked through, drain off most of the excess fat, but leave a little for flavor. Now, add your chopped onion and let it soften, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent, maybe 5 minutes. This is where the magic starts to build, trust me.
02 - Alright, now for the garlic! Push the beef and onions to one side of the pot, then add your minced garlic to the cleared space. Let it cook for just about 30 seconds until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I made once, and it made the whole soup bitter, oops! Stir everything together, then sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir, letting those spices bloom for another minute. You can really smell the herbs coming alive here!
03 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Give everything a really good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's pure flavor right there! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling lightly, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a rich, deep base for your comforting lasagna soup recipe. It smells absolutely divine at this stage!
04 - Now for the lasagna noodles! Break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Stir them in well to make sure they’re fully submerged and don't stick together. Increase the heat back to medium-low, and let the noodles cook in the soup according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until they're al dente. Keep an eye on them, you don't want mushy noodles in your comforting lasagna soup!
05 - While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine your ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step is key for that creamy, dreamy texture. Once the noodles are done, remove the pot from the heat. Dollop spoonfuls of the seasoned ricotta directly into the soup, scattering it across the surface. Don't stir it all in completely if you want those pretty white swirls; I usually just gently swirl it once or twice. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it's worth it!
06 - Ladle generous portions of your comforting lasagna soup recipe into bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some torn fresh basil leaves. The steam rising from the bowl, carrying the scent of basil and cheese, is just wonderful. Serve it hot, maybe with some crusty bread for dipping. This is the moment you've been waiting for, and honestly, it looks and smells so good, you won't believe how easy it was!

# Notes:

01 - Let the broth base simmer longer if you have time, the flavors really deepen.
02 - When reheating leftovers, always add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen it up.
03 - If you're out of ricotta, a dollop of cream cheese can add a similar creaminess.
04 - Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for the ultimate dipping experience.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g

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