If you're craving all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and soupier, this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It's hearty, cheesy, and perfect for cozy nights when you want that homemade touch without the fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe — it just hit every craving spot at once. The rich sausage, tangy tomatoes, and that cheesy topping make it feel like a hug in a bowl. It comes together faster than traditional lasagna, but don’t worry, it doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Comfort Food Made Easy: All the classic lasagna flavors without the layers or baking time.
- Rich and Hearty: Sausage, tomatoes, and Italian herbs create a deep, satisfying broth that fills you up.
- Cheesy Topping Magic: The creamy ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mix on top adds that true lasagna feel in every spoonful.
- Super Flexible: You can easily swap pasta shapes or adjust seasonings to suit what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe has a role, coming together to nail that classic taste but in comforting soup form. Keep your eyes peeled for quality Italian sausage and fresh garlic—that’s where the magic starts!
- Ground Italian Sausage: Packing the soup with savory, spiced meaty flavor; make sure to drain excess fat for a cleaner broth.
- White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened—take time to let them sweat gently for a mellow base.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must to brighten the meaty broth; avoid pre-minced for flavor’s sake.
- Beef Broth: Creates that rich, meaty soup foundation; opt for low sodium so you can control saltiness.
- Tomato Sauce: Smooths out the acidity from diced tomatoes and contributes to that homemade lasagna texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: Chunky texture and bright tomato flavor to balance the richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the whole soup together — fresh herbs can work, too!
- Black Pepper: Just enough to add warmth without overpowering the herbs.
- Bay Leaves: These add subtle depth during simmering but must be removed before serving.
- Lasagna Pasta: Broken into pieces to mimic the sheets of lasagna but great for soup; noodles hold up well without getting mushy.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, it brings the authentic lasagna creaminess to your soup topping.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy bites throughout.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty — the perfect finish that adds complexity.
Make It Your Way
I love switching up the sausage for ground turkey when I want something lighter, and you’ll be surprised how tasty this soup stays. Feel free to play with vegetarian versions too—just swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Variation: One time I added a pinch of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat, and it was a total game-changer for spice lovers like me.
- Seasonal: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale near the end of simmering for a pop of green and extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, and your beloved Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe is just as comforting and worry-free.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat, then add the ground Italian sausage. Break it apart with your spatula and cook it until it's nicely browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the excess grease—that’s key for a cleaner broth and to prevent it from tasting greasy. Throw the pot back on the heat, add the diced onion, and cook until translucent—about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. This step layers the flavors you’ll taste in every spoonful.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Next, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, and two bay leaves. Stir it all together, crank the heat up to high, and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, turn the heat back down to medium-low and let everything mingle for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Final Touches
While the soup simmers, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches works well. Stir them in and continue to cook for 12 to 15 more minutes. You’re aiming for tender noodles with a little bite (al dente), so keep an eye on them and taste test. Remove the bay leaves when you’re done cooking.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Topping
While your noodles cook, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and some Italian seasoning in a bowl. Give it a good mix so the flavors blend. When your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and crown each with a generous dollop of this cheesy mixture. It melts slowly into the hot soup and gives you that authentic lasagna finish.
Top Tip
From my time making this Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe, I’ve learned some little things that make a big difference. You want your soup flavorful and balanced but still fresh and inviting.
- Drain the sausage well: I used to skip this step, but draining keeps the broth from tasting greasy and heavy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Adding noodles at the end helps them stay firm and not drown in the soup.
- Use fresh garlic when possible: It adds such a bright punch compared to pre-minced or powdered.
- Adjust liquid as needed: Pasta soaks up broth, so keep extra beef broth on hand to loosen it up if it thickens too much while reheating.
How to Serve Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m all about simple garnishes here—fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan really elevate the soup’s flavor. Sometimes I like a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a little kick.
Side Dishes
Serve with crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad to round out the meal. It’s comfort food, so I love pairing it with a refreshing green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this soup in mini crockpots or hollowed-out bread bowls. It’s festive and keeps everyone’s soup warm longer. Adding a side of garlic knots or parmesan twists also makes it feel like a restaurant meal at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 4 days. The harder part is resisting the temptation to eat it all the first time!
Freezing
Freezing this soup works but I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta before freezing, or freeze the soup base and add fresh pasta when reheating. Otherwise, the pasta can get mushy after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a bit of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. The cheesy topping tastes great even cold, so feel free to add it fresh each time you serve leftovers.
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